Clemson Track & Field Set For First Road Test

BLACKSBURG, Va. After a strong showing in their season opener from the comforts of their own home, the Tigers are set for their journey to Blacksburg, Virginia for the Virginia Tech Invitational. Clemson is one of 16 teams to compete in the meet as they will take on Virginia Tech, Virginia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Army, Coastal Carolina, Campbell, Charlotte, North Carolina A&T, St. Augustine’s, Radford, Virginia Military Institute, North Carolina Central, William & Mary and UNC Greensboro.

In its first weekend of competition both programs flourished, combining for 24 top-three finishes and 42 finishes in the top eight. Two members of the men’s squad caught the eyes of the Atlantic Coast Conference as Tevin Hester and Quanterious Caldwell earned the ACC’s men’s track performer and field performer of the week honors.

Hester was the fastest of 23 competitors in the Orange & Purple Classic with a 6.63 in the 60 meter dash. The time is currently the third fastest time in the country and the fastest time in the ACC.

Caldwell set the bar in the high jump, leaping 6-10.75 to come out on top in a field of 11.  The jump was impressive for a freshman competing in his first meet as it would have been the fourth best height recorded in last year’s indoor conference championship. Caldwell is currently tied for the 14th best height in the country, and holds the best mark in the ACC.

Sabria Hadley turned in the performance of the meet for the women with her time of 7.43 in the 60 meter dash. The personal best time was good enough for second place in the event and it is the 10^th fastest time in program history. She later assisted her 4×400 meter relay team to a second place effort and a time of 3:55.94.

Grace Barnett also shined in her 2016 debut as the harrier finished with two first place finishes. The cross country standout won the mile with a time of 4:53.75 and later followed up with a time of 2:15.14 in the 800 meter run.