BLACKSBURG – The Virginia Tech men's and women's track and field teams closed out the Virginia Tech Invitational on Saturday winning both the men's and women's triple jump.
Freshman Chidozie Kalu, a native of Umuahia, Nigeria, made an impressive collegiate debut in the men's triple jump as all six attempts landed within the NCAA Top-20.
Kalu's first mark of the day (15.53m) immediately sent him into first place of the competition. He ended the day with a personal-best mark of (52' 3.75") 15.94m on his final attempt, ranked fourth in the NCAA.
Senior Cierra Pyles won the women's triple jump on her first mark of the day at 41' 5" (12.62m). Pyles starts the indoor season ranked 10th in the NCAA.
Jumps
In the men's high jump EJ Bell and Aidan Clark opened the season with a height of 6' 11" (2.11m). Bell finished second clearing the bar on his first attempt, Clark cleared on his second attempt earning third place. Bell and Clark are tied for 20th in the NCAA after the Hokies first week of competition.
Senior Brandon Burke placed fifth jumping the bar at 6' 9" (2.06m).
Pole Vault
Journey Gurley led the Hokies in the women's pole vault finishing tied for third at 13' 6.25" (4.12m). Freshman Chiara Sistermann placed fifth clearing the same height of 13' 6.25" (4.12m) on her third attempt.
Sophomore Conner McClure finished fourth in the men's pole vault clearing the bar at 7' 0.75" (5.20m), followed by Maddox Hamm in fifth at 16' 6.75" (5.05m).
Tech's assistant coach Deakin Volz won the men's event jumping over the bar at 17' 8.50" (5.40m). Tech alum Jake Spotswood placed third with a height of 17' 4.50" (5.30m).
Throws
Senior Katie Seyfang moved into second place in the women's shot put with her final mark of 51' 3.50" (15.63m).
Sprints
In the final event of the day, KJ Tillmon, Judson Lincoln IV, Maximus James, and Evan Taylor claimed first place in the men's 4x400m relay stopping the clock at 3:13.46. Lincoln IV gave the Hokies a massive lead over the competition clocking in the fastest split time of the day, 45.95.
Up Next
Virginia Tech host the Hokie Invitational on Jan. 19 – 20 in Rector Field House.
Virginia Tech Invitational
Blacksburg, Va.
Jan 13, 2024 – Top 10 Results
Women's
Triple Jump
1. Cierra Pyles - 41' 5" (12.62m) - 10th in NCAA
Pole Vault
T3. Journey Gurley - 13' 6.25" (4.12m)
5. Chiara Sistermann - 13' 6.25" (4.12m)
10. Erin Kelleher - 13' 0.25" (3.97m)
Shot Put
2. Katie Seyfang - 51' 3.50" (15.63m)
Men's
High Jump
2. EJ Bell - 6' 11" (2.11m)
3. Aidan Clark - 6' 11" (2.11m)
5. Brandon Burke - 6' 9" (2.06m)
8. Sean Murphy - 6' 7" (2.01m)
Pole Vault
8. (4) Conner McClure - 17' 0.75" (5.20m)
T9. (5) Maddox Hamm - 16' 6.75" (5.05m)
1. Deakin Volz - 17' 8.50" (5.40m)
3. Jake Spotswood - 17' 4.50" (5.30m)
T9. Harrison Rice - 16' 6.75" (5.05m)
Triple Jump
1. Chidozie Kalu - 52' 3.75" (19.54m) - 4th in NCAA, 1st in ACC
6. Altan Mitchell - 47' 7.25" (14.51m)
8. Clay Eckert - 46' 2.75" (14.09m)
4x400m Relay
1. KJ Tillmon, Judson Lincoln IV, Maximus James, Evan Taylor - 3:13.46Gallery: (1-13-2024) TF: VT Invitational Day 2
