Tigers Wrap up Opening Outdoor Meet of Season

March 20, 2010

CHARLOTTE, NC – Alex Padgett’s strong mark in the hammer throw and Stephanie Buffo’s school record in the women’s 3000 meter steeplechase highlighted Clemson’s action at the opening outdoor track & field meet of the 2010 season, the 49er Classic. The meet was held Friday and Saturday at Irwin Belk Track.

The 2010 outdoor season will feature changes in the qualifying procedure for the NCAA Championships. The national meet will now consist of preliminary round sites at two locations, East and West. The East preliminary round competition will be held May 28-29 in Greensboro, NC. Regional qualifying marks will no longer be used. Rather, the top 48 individuals (based on times and marks) and top 24 relays in each event that declare for the preliminary rounds will compete in Greensboro.

Padgett had a good start to his junior outdoor campaign, posting a throw of 194’7″ and finishing as the best collegian late Friday. In the women’s hammer, freshman Brittney Waller moved into the top 10 of Clemson’s record books with a mark of 159’1″.

Buffo’s school record led to an easy victory for the Spartanburg, SC native. She put together a time of 10:56.59, with her closest competitor over 27 seconds behind. Buffo also placed third in the 1500 meter run on Friday. In the men’s steeple, freshman Blake Kennedy placed third in his first-ever collegiate race. He crossed the finish line with a time of 9:32.70.

Saturday also marked the return to action of junior Bethanie Wachna, who was injured last season prior to the ACC Championships. The native of Canada had a personal best in the javelin throw of 147 feet, second-best in Clemson history. In other field action, Linda Buchholz won the women’s high jump after clearing 5’7″ on her third attempt.

Chris Slate and Jasen Turnbull finished first and second, respectively, in the 800 meter run. Slate had a time of 1:51.17, while Turnbull crossed the line in 1:51.56. Slate previously won the 1500 meter run Friday evening with a time of 3:52.20. Bryce Iverson won the 3K with a time of 8:34.34.

Nakeisha Wineglass was runner-up in the women’s triple jump. Her best effort of Saturday afternoon was a leap of 40’6.75″ into a slight headwind.

The Tigers return to action next weekend in Atlanta, GA to take part in the Yellow Jacket Invitational.