January 23, 2013 - Early Season Rankings (from CNUsports.com)

Post date: Feb 21, 2013 6:07:04 PM

CNU Indoor Track & Field Teams Earn High Marks in First Regional Rankings

The men sit atop the regional rankings, while the women are currently second

1/23/2013 2:09:00 PM

NEW ORLEANS – Following a tremendous start to the 2012-13 season, the Christopher Newport men's indoor track & field team earned the top spot in the first USTFCCCA South / Southeast Regional Standings, while the women garnered second-place in their first ranking of the year.

On the men's side, the Captains picked up 379.67 points, which outdistanced second-place Lynchburg. Emory, Mary Washington, and Birmingham-Southern rounded out the top-five. For the women, CNU earned 355.74 points, which places them just 14 shy of the top spot held by Emory. Roanoke, Lynchburg, and Washington & Lee make up the rest of the top teams in the standings.

The regional rankings are based on a mathematical formula devised by the USTFCCCA, which showcases the teams that have the highest potential of achieving the top spots in regional and national competitions. For a detailed look at the methodology, please visit the Ranking Rationale section of the USTFCCCA website at … Ranking Rationale.

Three members of the Christopher Newport men's squad hold the top spot in the region in their respective events entering the weekend. Joseph Taylor is the South's finest pole vaulter after clearing 4.46 meters at the Holiday Open in December. Additionally, Dominique Torres holds the top distance in the triple jump with a leap of 14-meters, while Brian Strickland has the highest heptathlon score after posting a mark of 3,300 last weekend at the Captains Invitational.

Along with the Regional leaders, Robert Mayes has the second-fastest 400-meter time, while Daulton Teaford sits in third in the 60-meter dash. The two standouts also teamed with Matt Gaddy and Nathan Joyce to notch the region's second-best 4x400 performance. Brian Huffman also sits in third in the mile, while freshman Cameron Calfee ranks fifth in the high jump.

The women are currently led by their record-breaking distance medley relay team, which ranks first in the region. On Sunday, Lydia Cromwell, Jessica McClelland, Melissa Rizor, and Graciela Slyer combined to break the school record with a time of 12:53.16 in the event. Not only did that set the new CNU standard, but it is currently 24 seconds faster than any other foursome in the South / Southeast Region.

Individually, Kalee Hammerton stands second in the pole vault with a height of 3.15 meters, while Enuma Ezenwa is also second in the pentathlon after recording a score of 2,862. Rizor, who helped lead the relay squad, also sits third in the mile, while Fredsal Walker holds the same spot in the 60-meter hurdle rankings.

Christopher Newport will return to action on Friday when the Captains kick off the first day of the Liberty Invitational in Lynchburg, Va.

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