Kaye & JJ Smith Invitational
First Indoor Track Meet of the 2023 Season Recap
Kaye & JJ Smith Invitational – January 15, 2023
(Shenandoah University, Winchester Virginia)
On January 15th HCC jumped off its 2023 Indoor Track and Field season at the Kaye & JJ Smith Invitational. Held at Shenandoah University's James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics and Events Center in historic Winchester Virginia. The Hawks along with eight other colleges from the region took the starting line in what turned out to be a good individual showing for several HCC athletes.
The Hawk's Men produced a few stand outs among the field of athletes, with several achieving personal best performances to start off the season. Freshman Thomas Bildheiser came out strong in the Men's 800 meters, dominantly taking 1st place with a final time of 2:02.15 and locking in a personal record. Bildheiser coasted to a victory over Bennett Cupps of Bridgewater University (Va.), by a margin of 3.29 seconds. In the Men's Mile, sophomore Ryan Rosco narrowly strode out a win with a personal best time of 4:27.39, just .46 seconds ahead Hayden Roberts of Washington and Lee University. In the Men's 60 Meter High Hurdles, freshman Michael Kelley had an impressive debut in the event. During qualifiers he posted a 8.81seconds time followed up by a third place finish in the finals with a time of 8.77 seconds (both personal bests). First place was Tyren Proctor (8.49 sec) of McDaniel College and second place to Daniel Jakubowski-Lewis (8.61 sec) of Washington and Lee University. The Hawk's Men as a team had a few setbacks along the way with a DNF in the 4x400 and no points gained in the Men's 200 meter.
The Lady Hawks were not to be out flown by the men and had a few stand outs of their own. Coming out of the box, freshman Mikaila Ek planted a firm second place showing in the Woman's Pole Vault with a personal best height of 2.95 meters (9'8.25"). Ek tied the height of 2.95 meters with Claire Coleman of Washington and Lee. Ek cleared her fist attempt where Coleman needed one more attempt to move the bar up, taking third. Ashley D'Ambrosia of Washington and Lee took first place with a height of 3.20 meters (10'6") on her first attempt and three straight misses at 3.25 meters. With the crossbar set high, Women's High Jump sophomore Josie Reineman soared to first place with a personal best height of 1.60 meters (5'3"). Freshman Camille Gillum of Washington and Lee also cleared the height of 1.60 meters but was the runner up due to not clearing 1.55 meters until her third jump versus Gillum clearing her fist attempt. The Lady Hawks had a few snags along the way also, with not earning points in the 60, 200, and 800 meters.
Coach Mike Spinnler added "We had a great meet at Shenandoah University to start our 2023 season!" Be on the mark for the next meet this Saturday, January 21 at The Catholic University Invitational. The meet is taking place at the Field House in the Prince George's County Sports and Learning Complex, located at 8001 Sheriff Rd, Landover, MD 20785.