Photos by Melina Alberti, Clemson Athletic Communications
CLEMSON, S.C. – On his 22nd birthday, Clemson senior John Lewis continued to make history for the Tigers after achieving his personal best – 4:05.45 – in the men’s mile Friday at the Clemson Invitational. Lewis now sits at No. 9 all-time in the event. He previously ranked 10th in program history after he ran 4:06.63 at the 2017 Clemson Opener. Lewis was the third collegiate competitor to cross the finish line in heat No. 1. Texas’ Alex Rogers set the Clemson Indoor Facility record with a time of 3:59.01.
“I think running 4:05 in the mile as a half-miler that’s trying it out, that’s very good,” said Clemson head coach Mark Elliott. “That’s a PR on his birthday. Honestly, John and I expected him to do a little bit better. He’s in shape to run faster than that, but I’m proud of the way he ran. He’s moving up on the list. As for his primary event [800m], I’m anxious to see how he does”
On the infield, Clemson also saw strong performances in both the men’s and women’s 60m dash finals, which concluded Friday’s action. On the women’s side, junior Rebekah Smith placed third overall with a time of 7.37 seconds. Smith ran 7.32 in prelims. Today also marked the first time Smith ran in her primary indoor event this season. Entering today, Smith’s 7.32 mark would put her at No. 9 in among the Division I ranks and No. 2 in the ACC.
In the men’s 60m dash, Fabian Hewitt also qualified for finals after registering his personal best of 6.86 seconds. Hewitt nearly matched his PR in the finals, but was just 0.01 seconds shy (6.87). The Wiley College transfer placed seventh overall in Friday’s finals.
Rebekah Smith and Fabian Hewitt round out Friday's action in the 60m finals. Smith (7.37) finished in third. Hewitt (6.87) was just 0.01 seconds shy of his PR, which he achieved in prelims earlier today.We're back at the track tomorrow at 11 a.m.#ClemsonTrackXC🐅🐾 pic.twitter.com/OtqvdcpvDY— Clemson Track & Field 🐾 (@ClemsonTrackXC) January 18, 2019
Rebekah Smith and Fabian Hewitt round out Friday's action in the 60m finals. Smith (7.37) finished in third. Hewitt (6.87) was just 0.01 seconds shy of his PR, which he achieved in prelims earlier today.
We're back at the track tomorrow at 11 a.m.#ClemsonTrackXC🐅🐾 pic.twitter.com/OtqvdcpvDY
— Clemson Track & Field 🐾 (@ClemsonTrackXC) January 18, 2019
Throwers Janell Fullerton and Grayce French were bright spots for the Tigers in the women’s shot put. Fullerton, a sophomore, was Friday’s runner up after registering a best heave of 15.02m [49-3.5] on her final throw of the day. French posted a personal-best throw of 13.50m [44-3.5] to place seventh overall. The junior achieved that mark on her second throw of the day.
💪 Big day in the cage for these two!CC: @Clemsonthrows #ClemsonTrackXC🐅🐾 pic.twitter.com/KDlZJy0d4L— Clemson Track & Field 🐾 (@ClemsonTrackXC) January 18, 2019
💪 Big day in the cage for these two!
CC: @Clemsonthrows #ClemsonTrackXC🐅🐾 pic.twitter.com/KDlZJy0d4L
🤝 Mike Harris for the win in heat No. 2 of the women's mile!#ClemsonTrackXC🐅🐾 pic.twitter.com/thYyap9D6k— Clemson Track & Field 🐾 (@ClemsonTrackXC) January 18, 2019
🤝 Mike Harris for the win in heat No. 2 of the women's mile!#ClemsonTrackXC🐅🐾 pic.twitter.com/thYyap9D6k
There is just something about that @ClemsonTrackXC facility that Grant Holloway ❤️sLast year he broke the collegiate record there and clocked what is then-and-now tied for the 5th fastest time in collegiate history. https://t.co/Hzy62t3Sjm— USTFCCCA (@USTFCCCA) January 18, 2019
There is just something about that @ClemsonTrackXC facility that Grant Holloway ❤️s
Last year he broke the collegiate record there and clocked what is then-and-now tied for the 5th fastest time in collegiate history. https://t.co/Hzy62t3Sjm
— USTFCCCA (@USTFCCCA) January 18, 2019
For complete coverage of the Tiger track & field team, follow @ClemsonTrackXC on Twitter and Instagram, and ‘Clemson University Track & Field’ on Facebook.
