Clemson, S.C. – The Clemson Track & Field team experienced a historic day of competition during the Clemson Opener on Saturday, as four athletes produced top-10 marks in the program’s record book. Marcus Parker set a new school record in the men’s 300-meter run, registering a blistering time of 33.20 seconds. Clemson, as a team, won six events, saw 29 athletes log personal best performances and 14 athletes make their debut for the Tigers.

Head Coach Mark Elliott...

“With all of the personal records and even the school record, I think today was a good way to start the season. Collectively, in all different event areas, it shows the making of a championship team. We’re not just having performances exclusively in one area. When you look across the board, it’s all very good.”

Group Excellence: Women's Shot Put

The women’s throws group had a historic night, as the trio of Veronica Fraley, Grayce French and Janelle Fullerton led a sweep of the podium in the shot put. Fraley led the team with a mark of 15.48m (50-9.5). French unleashed a phenomenal series of throws throughout the night, ultimately improving upon her indoor personal best by a staggering 1.16 meters with her mark of 14.90m (48-10.75). Fraley and French now rank fourth and seventh, respectively, in the event in program history. Fullerton’s mark of 14.55m (47-10.5) earned her third-place honors on the night. Fullerton currently occupies the second-overall position in the event’s all-time list.

Assistant Coach Shawn Cobey...

“The hard work that this group put in over the summer and the fall is really starting to show, even as early in the season as it is. The work they have put into the weight room and into their technique showed up today.”

Team Recap

Elise Hall made her Clemson debut by registering a mark of 3.50m (11’ 5.75”) in the women’s pole vault, placing fourth overall.
Anthony Hamilton won the men’s high jump with his mark of 2.12m (6-11.5), just 0.01m off of his career-best mark. This was Hamilton’s second career victory in the event.
Deonte Tolbert registered the program’s fourth-best mark all-time in the 300m with his result of 33.61 seconds.
Caroline Johnston was the top Tiger in the women’s long jump with her mark of 5.58m (18-3.75). This was Johnston’s first competition as a Tiger.
Andrea Foster led a podium sweep for the Tigers in the women’s 600m, with Foster being closely followed by Laurie Barton and Kamryn McIntosh. This was Barton’s first race as a Tiger.
D.J. Ledell won the men’s long jump with his opening mark of 7.24m (23-9). Ledell’s opening jump was an indoor personal best and withstood the competition’s pursuit through six rounds of jumps.
Devon Brooks had a series of top-class performances within a short period of time, as Brooks finished second in the men’s high jump and then was the Tigers’ top finisher in the preliminary round of the 60-meter hurdles.
Sarah Hill registered a strong time of 38.46 in the women’s 300m to take 1.1 seconds off of her previous best time in the event.
Zane Andrews and Taylor Boyles each registered a mark of 4.30m (14-1.25) in the men’s pole vault. It was the first competition in the Orange and Regalia for both athletes.

Up Next

The Tigers will be back in action at the Clemson Indoor Track & Field Complex on Saturday, Jan. 11 as the team is set to host the Orange & Purple Elite.