ETSU’s track and field team had a standout performance at the Asheville Bulldog Invite, with Maya Murchison (Gambrills, Md.), Frania Romero-Barba (Tepatitlan de Morelos, Jalisco, Mexico), and Emily Coonce claiming gold medals.
Murchison cleared 1.65m to win the high jump, tying her personal best and dominating a 15-person field. Romero-Barba set a personal best of 3.45m to win the pole vault, following her sister Diana’s success in the same event at a previous meet. Coonce, competing in her first collegiate outdoor event, won the 5000m with a time of 18:20.52.
Malgorzata Andersohn, transitioning from volleyball to track and field, secured silver in the javelin with a personal best of 38.23m. Malachi Thomas (Chilhowie, Va.) replicated his previous bronze in the high jump, clearing 1.95m for third place. Other notable performances included Molly Rhudy’s (Chilhowie, Va.) 12.58s in the women’s 100m and Makai Williams’ (Knoxville, Tenn.) wind-aided 12.56s in the men’s 100m.
Alex Magnuson (Knoxville, Tenn.) debuted in the 200m and 400m, clocking 22.86s and 52.87s, respectively. Gabby Walker (Maryville, Tenn.) (25.26s) and Emily Lindsey (Oak Ridge, Tenn.) (25.72s) set PRs in the women’s 200m, while Melina Summey (Kingsport, Tenn.), Ashlynn Roy (Jonesborough, Tenn.), and Sarah Bayes (Lakeland, Fla.) did the same in the middle distances.
In the field events, Tyla Nicholson (Douglasville, Ga.) set PRs in shot put (10.17m) and discus (38.66m). Logan Wagner (Greeneville, Tenn.) had a season-best in the discus (44.05m). Anna Moore (Knoxville, Tenn.) placed fifth in the shot put (11.25m) and sixth in the hammer (41.90m).
ETSU’s triathlon runners also performed well, with four of the top eight spots and six of the top 11 in the 5000m. Overall, the meet showcased ETSU’s depth and talent across various disciplines, setting a strong tone for the rest of the outdoor season.
