UF TF/XC: First Place Finishes and Gator Debuts Highlight First Day of Outdoor Season

Florida records four victories, four personal bests and four all-time top 10 marks while competing at season-opening meets

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Gators opened the outdoor season with competition split between the Mark Long Track at Florida State University and the Paul H. Derr Track at NC State. Thursday’s performances featured four first place finishes across eight events, along with four personal best marks and four entries into the program’s all-time top 10.

TERRY LONG FSU RELAYS

In the field, multiple Gators posted first place finishes, as Basel Abosina and Imani Washington each won their respective hammer throw competitions. Abosina recorded a 66.20m (217’2″) on his final attempt, while Washington posted a 62.08m (203’8″) on her fifth. Luke Stradley captured the long jump title in his outdoor debut with a leap of 7.69m (25’2.75).

Freshman hurdler, Daneil Wright, made his outdoor debut for the Gators in the 400m hurdles, posting a time of 50.76 to secure first place by 0.61 seconds.

RALEIGH RELAYS

In North Carolina, Graham Myers put up a new personal best in the men’s 3000m steeplechase, clocking in at 8:42.63 to loft him into No. 7 on the program’s all-time list.

Geofrey Ronoh made his outdoor debut for the Orange and Blue, finishing in 29:26.60 in the men’s 10,000m. Josh Ruiz moved into No. 9 on the program’s all-time list in the men’s 5,000m with a time of 14:07.19.

UP NEXT

Florida continues its opening campaign between Tallahassee and Raleigh, N.C. on Friday, March 27, with 26 Gators entered to compete across both venues.

RESULTS

TERRY LONG FSU RELAYS

THURSDAY, MARCH 26

Event

Athletes Results

Hammer Throw (M)

1. Basel Abosina: 66.20m (217’2″) ^

Hammer throw (W)

1. Imani Washington: 62.08m (203’8″) (PB)^

Long Jump (M)

1. Luke Stradley: 7.69m (25’2.75″)

Javelin Throw (W)