Five school records fell, with none bigger than Richard Wilson’s national provisional qualifying performance in the 60m. Wilson’s time of 6.87 in the prelims qualified him to the 60m finals. In the finals, Wilson improved his personal best time to 6.86 and placed 2nd overall behind only Devin Pipkin of Indiana who was clocked at 6.84.  Wilson is currently ranked 12th on the Division II national performance list.

“To run a national caliber time at the first meet of the season is remarkable," said UAH track coach David Cain. "That is a first for our team, and it really says a lot about how hard Richard has worked to be ready for the season.  I am very excited about Richard’s performance, and I believe he is going to have a breakout season.”

The 3000m was another record setting event as Will Rodgers surpassed former Charger distance runner Brandon York’s time of 8:38.05 set in 2007. Rodgers crossed the finish with a time of 8:35.93, placing 6th. Jaion Rayford claimed the record in the 400m, as he placed 7th with a time of 50.89.  The 400m record was held by current graduate assistant Corderyl Sunday, who had the record with a time of 51.06.

Rounding out the record setters is a couple of outstanding freshmen who have made their mark very early in their UAH career.  Aaron Lee put his stamp on the 60m Hurdles in his very first race, as he ran 8.61 in the prelims eclipsing Blake Hall’s record of 8.69 which was set in 2006.  Lee made the 60m Hurdles final and placed 9th with a time of 8.68. 

Luke Beck was flying high in his first collegiate meet in the Pole Vault as he cleared 15 ft, 3 in. on his first attempt.  The previous record was 14-ft, 7.25-in held by Brad Passen.  Following his record clearance, Beck had two near misses at the national provisional qualifying mark of 15 ft, 9 in.

“It is great to have a couple of freshmen who are ready to compete at such a high level in their first college competition," said Cain. "I think it is just a glimpse of what is to come from Luke and Aaron.  They will be big contributors to our team’s success.”

Team members who also accomplished personal best performances were Josh Moshier who set a personal best time in the Mile by over five seconds with a time of 4:16.63 and Cary Hale who had his best 60m time of 7.22.

For the Lady Chargers, Rebecca Hilt was the top placing individual, as she was 4th in the 200m with a time of 26.20, and placed 8th in the 400m with a time of 58.64.  Leah Sparks set a personal best time in the 400m with a 59.82.

Latrice Johnson placed 6th in both the 60m and the 200m with times of 7.96 and 26.63 respectively.  Rachel Joseph finished with the same time as Johnson in the 200m with a 26.63.

“Our women’s team had a good first meet of the season with some quality performances which is what we expect from the first competition, with fast times to come after a couple more weeks of training," Cain commented. "Several of our women were much faster than they were at this point of the season last year, so I think they will come around pretty quick.”

“Our men’s team exceeded all expectations we had going into the first competition. I give the guys a lot of credit for coming into this meet with some focus and ready to give a big effort. I could not be more pleased with how they have started the season and I look forward to seeing what they can do with a few more weeks of quality training.”