UT Starts Season With Success at USF Open

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa men's and women's track teams enjoyed a successful start to the 2013 season with numerous school and personal record times at the USF Open. The event was hosted by the University of South Florida.

In the women's 1,500 meter race, Kelly Hagan was second (4:46.69) as Annais Pena placed fourth (5:03.49). Also running were Iolani Scanlan (12th, 5:14.12) and Rose Bastian (13th, 5:16.61).

In the 400 Dash, Angelica Wagner was third (1:08.22) as Nicole Cleary placed fourth (1:11.02). Kristin Kelly led the way in the 800, coming in first (2:21.44) while Iolani Scanlan was fourth (2:35.26) and Sarah Waller was seventh (2:24.43).

A new school record was set in the 400 Hurdles as Kelsey Burnett was fourth (1:09.67). Marina Alfonso was fifth (1:10.43) with Erin Mertz placing sixth (1:16.85) in the section two race. The 200 Dash featured Lindsay Smith, who was fourth with a time of 27.84.

In the 3,000 meter race, Courtney Ragan was fourth (10:34.53). Also competing were Vanessa Righeimer (sixth, 10:51.31), Danielle Kissel (seventh, 10:54.26) and Aimee Epps (19th, 12:19.38). The Spartan 4x400 Relay also finished fourth and fifth.

Tyrone Clayton ran for the UT men in a pair of sprints, including the 100 Dash with a second-place showing of 10.98. Clayton set a new school record in the 200 Dash, winning the race at 22.34.

Ryan Rogers also set a school record in the 400 Hurdles, finishing fifth with a time of 1:03.21. In the 800 meter race, Steven Dennig was second (1:57.67) while teammate Joshua Morrison finished second in section two at 2:02.46.

A host of Spartans ran in the 3,000 Meter Run, led by Charles Toledo. The senior finished second with a time of 8:46.10. Also running for UT in the event were Tory Webb (fifth, 8:51.49), Peter Licari (sixth, 8:54.52), Michael Zwijacz (ninth, 8:57.47), Geremy Dewitt (12th, 9:16.27), Mike Leone (eighth, 9:26.81) and Kyle Taylor (11th, 9:55.95).

Tampa returns to the track on March 14-15 at the two-day USF Meet at the University of South Florida.

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