Clemson Track & Field Competes at USATF State Meet

April 9, 2009

Columbia, SC – The Clemson track & field finalized preparations for the ACC Outdoor Championships on Wednesday at the USATF State Meet at the University of South Carolina. The meet was held at the school’s Weems Baskin outdoor track facility.

Stephanie Buffo, a sophomore from Spartanburg, SC, won the 3000m steeplechase. She turned in a time of 11:36.88, the second-best time in school history for the event behind only Jenny Barton (2006). Buffo led a sweep of the top three spots for Clemson athletes. Lauren Klas was runner-up, also turning in a personal best time (11:46.88). Lisa Brown (12:16.36) was third.

Lilla Fordos also earned a win for the Tiger track & field team. She crossed the finish line in the 1500m run with a time of 4:53.23, holding off teammate Taylor Hughes (5:00.75). Maggie Bernard (5:28.60) also competed in the event and was seventh overall.

John Mills put together a solid runner-up spot in the 800m. The walk-on from Apex, NC posted a time of 1:59.83. In the women’s 800m, Amanda Nelson was the top finisher with a time of 2:24.97.

Bethanie Wachna was the top performer in the field events. The junior from Ontario, Canada hit a mark of 140’6″ in the javelin and was runner-up in the event. It was her top throw of the season, and best by any female athlete for Clemson in the early portion of the 2009 season.

Amy Morrison also collected a runner-up finish in the field events. The Michigan native cleared 11’3.75″ in the pole vault. Kristen Zeleznik placed seventh in the event with a 10′ clearance. Katie Farnan was also a runner-up Wednesday, as she cleared 5’3″ in the high jump.

The full squad returns to action next week for the ACC outdoor meet. The three-day competition will be held April 16-18 at the University of Miami.