The Appalachian State men’s and women’s track and field teams showcased exceptional performances during the Raleigh Relays. With one day remaining, they have already achieved 27 top-50 finishes. Highlights include personal bests, record-breaking achievements, and remarkable placements in various events.

Unstoppable Momentum: App State Athletes Set New Standards

The Appalachian State Mountaineers are proving their mettle at the Raleigh Relays, leaving a trail of impressive records and top-tier finishes. From pole vaults to sprints, the athletes continue to elevate their game, setting new benchmarks for future competitors.

Pole Vault Success Defines Team's Strength

In the invitational section of the men’s pole vault, sophomore Matthew Gray soared to second place with an impressive clearance of 5.15m (16' 10.75"). His senior teammate Patrick Freeman matched this excellence by tying for sixth position with a jump of 5.05m (16' 6.75"). These feats underscore the team's prowess in aerial disciplines, positioning them favorably against formidable competition.The significance of these accomplishments cannot be overstated. Pole vaulting demands not only physical strength but also precision timing and strategic planning. Gray and Freeman's performances highlight the rigorous training regimen that propels App State athletes to such heights. Their achievements serve as inspiration for younger teammates aspiring to reach similar milestones.

Sprinting Stars Illuminate Women's Roster

On the women’s side, sophomore Kendall Johnson emerged victorious in her heat of the 100 meters, placing seventh overall with a blistering time of 11.59 seconds—a new personal best. This performance solidifies her standing as the sixth-fastest athlete in App State history. Her fellow sophomore Nicole Wells demonstrated resilience by securing thirteenth place with a time of 11.72, narrowly missing her own previous record by just 0.02 seconds.These sprinting sensations reflect the depth of talent within the women's roster. Each runner contributes uniquely to the collective success, pushing boundaries and redefining what is possible on the track. The camaraderie among teammates fosters an environment conducive to peak performance, where individual triumphs bolster team morale.

Distance Runners Blaze Trails Across Miles

Senior Emma Russum etched her name into the annals of App State lore with a stunning personal best in the women’s 10,000 meters. Her time of 34:41.91 earned her seventeenth place overall and elevated her to second in the program's all-time rankings. Such endurance showcases the dedication and perseverance required to excel in long-distance running.Junior Parker Kinney added another layer of complexity to the narrative with his twenty-first-place finish in the men’s 400 meters, clocking in at 47.66 seconds. Meanwhile, freshman Christopher Stewart made waves in the men’s discus throw with a toss measuring 46.93m (153' 11"), further cementing his status as a rising star. These varied accomplishments exemplify the breadth of skills represented within the team.

Record-Breaking Achievements Highlight Day One

Looking back to Thursday's preliminary events, graduate student Ethan Turner shattered the men’s 5,000-meter record with a time of 14:08.07. This monumental achievement surpassed Garrett Bivens' previous mark set in 2024. Freshmen Henry Stark and Thomas Wlazlowski followed suit, moving up to second and third places respectively on the all-time list.Redshirt senior Calbert Guest delivered yet another groundbreaking moment by resetting the men’s 10,000-meter record to 29:12.85. His predecessor, Isaac Benz, held the title since 2021 until Guest rewrote history. Graduate student Oliver Wilson-Cook joined the ranks of greatness with a personal best of 29:47.64, ascending to second place in the program's storied legacy.

Field Events Showcase Emerging Talent

Freshman Christopher Stewart rounded out the top-20 in the men’s shot put with a powerful toss of 15.21m (49' 11"). His peers Dennis Mowatt Jr. and Jeremiah Burch Jr. placed admirably within the top-45, contributing valuable points toward the team's cumulative score. In the women’s shot put, seniors Brittany Ellis and Emily Edwards claimed forty-fourth and forty-fifth positions respectively, showcasing their growth and potential.Each field event requires distinct skill sets, from explosive power in throwing events to calculated finesse in jumping competitions. The Mountaineers' proficiency across these domains speaks volumes about the quality of coaching and preparation invested in developing well-rounded athletes capable of excelling under pressure.