Photo Courtesy of KSU Athletics
The Crimson Tide Invitational was a successful event for Kennesaw State track and field with a number of outstanding performances at Sam Bailey Stadium from April 11–12.
“It’s kind of the middle part of the year, and the kids are starting to get in good shape,” coach Cale McDaniel said. “A lot of veterans are doing really well right now. I think everybody did a really good job, kids and staff included. We’re starting to see some really strong performances come together.”
In the men’s 5000 meters, Collins Kipkemboi led the way for KSU with a fantastic run. Kipkemboi dominated the race from beginning to end, finishing first with a time of 14:03.86.
“Collins did a really good job,” McDaniel said. “We talk about just trying to win and letting the times come. That’s something he really embodied this weekend.”
Brian Limo finished second in the men’s 5000-meter race with a time of 14:11.93, just behind Kipkemboi to help KSU have a great performance in the event.
Jeremiah Sims finished in 13.70 to win the men’s 110-meter hurdles to win first place in the event by showcasing both speed and technical skills.
“Jeremiah was just one-hundredth of a second off the school record,” McDaniel said. “That’s three strong races in a row for him. It’s been a lot of fun to watch.”
With a time of 46.77, Justin Warner placed fourth in the men’s 400-meter event. Warner’s performance had an important part in KSU’s overall success.
Edwin Kiprono finished fourth in the men’s 1500 meters with a time of 3:44.27, completing KSU’s best male performances.With an outstanding performance of 2:03.51, Emma Sullivan finished first in the 800 meters, leading the women’s division. One of the fastest performances of the entire meet.
With a winning record of 64.39 meters in the hammer throw, Kali Terza, who topped the women’s field events, demonstrated both strength and accuracy.
Samiya Wayne had a great meet, finishing fifth in the 200-meter event (23.78) and helping her relay teams in finishing third in the 4×100 (45.01) and 4×400 (3:40.73).
“The women’s 4×1 and 4×4 competed really well,” McDaniel said. “Breaking the school record in the 4×4 was pretty special, a mix of veterans and younger athletes coming together.”
Madigan Wallace secured her position as one of the event’s top performers by placing fourth in the 3000-meter steeplechase with a time of 10:20.25.
“Madigan Wallace also ran really well in the steeplechase,” McDaniel said. “We had several young athletes step up on the women’s side. I could go on, they really showed out this weekend.”
In the 1500 meters, Emma Ferguson finished in second place with a time of 4:19.51. Her great middle-distance powers are further demonstrated by her performance.
For KSU, the Crimson Tide Invitational was an important competition, with multiple athletes putting up outstanding performances in a range of events. The Owls’ skills at this meet demonstrate the team’s promise as they advance through the outdoor track season. KSU will now focus on the Georgia Tech Invitational this weekend April 18.
“We’re in a good place. I think we’re really happy with where we are right now,” McDaniel said. “Our biggest goal moving forward is just sharpening skills, fine-tuning things, and staying competitive. We’ve got the talent now. It’s about keeping people healthy and helping them improve.”
