Lady Rams, Rams Open 2012 Captain's Invitational with Strong Efforts
NEWPORT NEWS, VA – The Winston-Salem State Rams and Lady Rams Indoor Track & Field teams got things off to a strong start when they hit the tracks at the 2012 Captain's Invitational hosted by Christopher Newport University. Both the Rams and Lady Rams teams had strong showings on the opening day of the two-day meet.
The Lady Rams had a number of great efforts on the day with the distance medley relay team leading the way. The squad placed second in the event with a 12:48.18 only behind fellow Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) rival Virginia State taking the top spot in the event. The Lady Rams also benefitted from a pair of great performances by the freshman tandem of Onna Turner and Katia Holliday, who both had great performances as well when they finished 5th and 6th respectively in the women's 200m hurdles. Turner posted a 30.98 in the event while Holliday posted a 31.15.
The Lady Rams also hurdled the competition for some more great efforts with the duo of senior Shanika Lamons and junior Stephanie Brown both qualifying for event finals, tomorrow. Lady Rams senior sprinter Shanika Lamons got things going early for the Lady Rams as she placed eighth in the women's 60m dash preliminaries with a 7.95. Junior Stephanie Brown followed suit when she qualified for finals of the women's 60m hurdles. She finished seventh in the event with a 9.20 to qualify for the women's 60m hurdle finals.
Not to be outdone by the women's team, the Rams also had some great efforts on the day as well. The Rams distance medley relay team placed second in the event, behind NCAA Division I foe Hampton. The squad posted a 10:21.90 in the event. WSSU freshman Bryant Johnson had a great effort in the men's high jump with a 6'0.75" (1.85m) leap. Senior Aaron Barnes had a solid day in the men's 5000m run, placing 8th with a 16:33.88.
The Rams and Lady Rams will close out the event, tomorrow with a full slate of competition. For more information on Rams and Lady Rams Track & Field, contact the WSSU Office of Athletic Media Relations at (336) 750-2143 or log on to www.WSSURams.com.
