April 27, 2012

MEMPHIS, Tenn.- Long jumpers and hammer throwers took center stage on day one of the Memphis Invitational at the Billy J. Murphy Track and Field Complex on Friday. The Tigers defended their home turf taking two titles.

"We had a great start today with a number of lifetime bests and season bests," said Tiger head coach Kevin Robinson. "Overall with just two events in the books, I feel like we are off to a great start."

Will Hubber took first in the men's hammer throw with landing at 58.68m (192' 6"). Teammates Andrew Miller and Matt Sipe took second and eighth place with marks of 56.78m (186' 3") and 47.59m (156' 2") respectively. All three throws were new personal-records for each Tiger.

On the women's side, Britta Jaarats (51.39m, 168' 7") and Cyarra Wells (47.44m, 155' 8") placed second and fifth in the hammer throw. This was the third time this outdoor season that Jaarats has placed in the top five.

Memphis took its second title on the day in the men's long jump when sophomore Austin Crenshaw leaped a new personal-best 7.06m (23' 2"). Fellow jumpers Marc Klaschka (7.03m, 23' 0.75"), Jaleen White (6.71m, 22' 0.25) and D'Ernest Rucker (6.56m, 21' 6.25") finished third, seventh, and eighth respectively.

For the women, Xenia Rahn (5.81m, 19'0.75"), Laura Toldy (5.52m, 18' 1.5"), Quaniqua Jones (5.38m, 17' 8") and Lynda Means (5.06m, 16' 7.25") placed second through third in the high jump. The performances by Rahn, Toldy and Means were new personal records, while Jones' mark was a season best.

The Memphis Invitational continues Saturday with field events set to start at 10 a.m. and track events at 12 p.m. Results from the meet will be posted on GoTigersGo.com as they are available.