MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The West Liberty University men's and women's track & field teams turned in an impressive performance at the Marty Pushkin Invitational, highlighted by a sweep of the 100-meter titles and numerous top-eight finishes against a strong field at West Virginia University.
West Liberty's sprinters set the tone early, as Tristin Ohler captured the men's 100-meter title with a personal-best time of 10.59, while Ky'Ara Ross matched the feat on the women's side, winning the 100 meters in 12.39. Sierra Lanham added a third-place finish in the event, giving the Hilltoppers two podium spots.
Ross continued her standout weekend with a runner-up finish in the 200 meters (25.43), while Lanham placed fifth and Brookelyn Reynolds added a fourth-place finish with a personal-best 25.46. Freshman Sasha Hunter also scored with a sixth-place finish.
Reynolds highlighted the 400 meters with a first-place finish (58.26), while Hunter (3rd) and Hannah Rowan (4th) completed a strong showing in the event.
In the hurdles, Marissa Scott led the way with a third-place finish in the 100-meter hurdles (15.27), while Sophie Abraham added an eighth-place finish. On the men's side, Dominick Gagum placed second in the 110-meter hurdles (16.25), followed by Seth Wisman in fifth and Jacob Huffman in eighth.
The Hilltoppers also saw success in distance events, led by Joshua Gill's runner-up finish in the 5,000 meters with a personal-best time of 15:10.73. Jasper Brown added an eighth-place finish in the same event. Zachary Workman placed seventh in the 800 meters (1:56.10), while Ally Hicks earned a third-place finish in the 1500-meter steeplechase, followed by Katherine Rutherford in fifth.
George Donovic delivered a strong all-around performance, placing third in the 400-meter hurdles (56.58) and tying for third in the high jump. Connor Gribble added a fourth-place finish in the high jump, while Wisman placed sixth.
In the field events, West Liberty excelled in both the jumps and throws. Khalon Simmons led the way with a second-place finish in the triple jump, while BriJaun Baylor added a fifth-place finish. The Hilltoppers also placed three in the top seven of the long jump, led by Isaah Beard (5th), Baylor (6th), and Talan Ramsay (7th).
In the throwing events, Owen Draughn placed second in the discus, followed closely by Mason Fraley in third and Wisman in sixth. Fraley also added a sixth-place finish in the hammer throw with a personal-best mark, while Draughn placed eighth in the shot put.
On the women's side, Sierra Davis led the throwers with a fifth-place finish in the hammer and fourth in the shot put. Leah Delaney (7th) and Haley Norris (8th) also placed in the hammer, while Delaney (6th), Ashlyn Moore (7th), and Davis (8th) all finished in the top eight of the discus. Norris added a fifth-place finish in the shot put.
Brooklyn Lucas contributed a fifth-place finish in the javelin, while Alyssa Barker added a third-place showing in the pole vault and Lanham secured a runner-up finish in the long jump.
West Liberty will look to carry the momentum from a successful weekend into next weekend when they host the Tim Weaver Memorial Friday and Saturday.
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.
