Ford Leads Tiger Track & Field Again at Clemson Invitational

Jan. 10, 2009

Clemson, SC – Jacoby Ford captured the 60m dash crown Saturday with an NCAA automatic qualifying time at the season-opening Clemson Invitational. Ford posted a world-leading time of 6.59, the second-best time of his career. He ran a school-record 6.52 in the event as a freshman when he won the ACC championship.

Ford led a 1-2-3 finish for Clemson in the event. Trenton Guy, who had arguably the best start in the final, was runner-up after posting an NCAA provisional qualifying time of 6.72. Justin Murdock finished third (6.74), also with a provisional time.

Kristine Scott was third in the women’s 60m final. She had a time of 7.70. In the women’s 60m hurdles, Patricia Mamona advanced to the finals and finished sixth overall. She ran an 8.62 in the semifinals and 8.63 in the final round.

Tyler Morey was fifth in the men’s 3000m run with a time of 8:57.22. Lauren Klas of the women’s squad crossed the finish line in fourth place with a time of 11:00.75. Lilla Fördós of Hungary was fifth in the women’s 800m run. She had a time of 2:22.12. Candice Johnson won the mile run after crossing the line in 5:11. Lisa Brown (5:23.22) was fifth. Chris Slate was third in the men’s mile after posting a time of 4:20.68.

Clemson’s men wrapped up the opening weekend in solid fashion by placing runner-up in the 4x400m relay, the final event. Travis Swaggard, Justin Murdock, Miller Moss, and Trenton Guy were the members of the team that ran a time of 3:21.20 on Saturday. The women’s 4x400m relay team of Michaylin Golladay, Patricia Mamona, Liane Weber, and Kristine Scott also placed second with a time of 3:53.05.

April Sinkler earned her second crown of the weekend after clearing a school-record 5’10” in the high jump. Her effort was also good enough to meet the NCAA provisional qualifying standard. She also won the long jump Friday with an NCAA qualifying mark. Anastasia Wilson was third after clearing 5’8″. The previous school record in the high jump was a mark of 5’9.75″ by Sharia Clinkscales in 1997.

Joey O’Rourke was runner-up at 15’1″, while Miller Moss was third at 14’7.25″.

Stephen White finished third in the shot put. The native of Beaufort, SC had a throw of 50’2″ in the finals.

Both teams return to action next weekend. Clemson will be sending student-athletes to Blacksburg, VA for the Hokie Invitational and to Lexington, KY for the Kentucky Invitational.