BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Loyola University of New Orleans track team kicked off their indoor track season yesterday at the Birmingham Invitational inside the newly renovated CrossPlex indoor track stadium.
2011 Track standout Sarah Tortorich ran one second shy of her Loyola record breaking times from a season ago in the 200m (25.67) and 400m (59.62) races. At the meet, the junior ran a 26.38 in the 200m and a 1:00.20 in the 400m.
The women’s cross country team took over the long-distance events at the meet. Freshman Emma Larson recorded a time of 2:45.20 in the 800m event, while sophomore Elizabeth Gienger ran a 6:17.66 mile. Vanessa Righeimer and Denise Powell competed in the 3000m race, in which they ran a time of 11:24.46 and 12:16.94 respectively.
Furthermore, Harley Augustine had a busy day representing the ‘Pack. The freshman jumped 4.05m in the long jump, threw 8.76 m in the shot put, and ran a 30.25 in the 200m.
On the men’s side, William Maye and Tucker Scott clocked in at 56.28 and 57.87 respectively in the 400m dash, while Mario Ramirez recorded a time of 2:08.80 in the 800m.
Cross-country runners Dylan DiMartino and Chris Graugnard competed in the 3000m event. DiMartino ran a time of 9:18, while Graugnard ran a personal best 10:01.
“A young Loyola team gained some valuable experience yesterday,” stated Wolfpack head track coach Andy Canegitta. “I know where their conditioning levels are at, and we have a lot to work on and should expect improvement by the outdoor season.”
The track team has one more indoor meet February 3 at McNeese St. in Lake Charles, La. at 3 p.m.