Bridgewater, VA - On the heels of a successful first weekend of outdoor competition, the Southern Virginia University men's and women's track and field team returned to action at the Doc Jopson Invitational hosted by Bridgewater College.
While many athletes used the weekend to rest as they enjoy the remaining days of spring break, several athletes still competed for the Knights and left town with impressive performances during the two day meet.
Even after a smashing success in his season debut last weekend, Nolan Opp recorded another personal best in the javelin throw. He launched his second attempt for 55.25 meters (181' 3") to claim first in the event, already soaring past his best attempt last season by nearly five meters. Jilane Pedersen also finished first in the event on the women's side, recording a season best of 35.56 meters (116' 8").
Not to be outdone, the pole vault duo of McCormick Johnson and Parker Arnold showed out to continue a dominant day in the field events. Johnson's best vault of 4.48m (14' 8.25) would help him capture second place, while the former USA South Champion, Arnold, made significant strides with his vault of 4.33m (14' 2.5"). It's the best mark for the senior so far in his return from injury.
In a day filled with quality performances from the field athletes, Folole Torres and Ryan Pascual starred on the track. Torres put another dent in her best time in the women's 100H, finishing second in the final with a time of 15.45 and breaking another program record in the process.
Pascual didn't miss a beat in the 400m event, picking up where he left off during the indoor season to finish runner-up in the event with a storming time of 49.56. Nick Del Pontone, an experienced hurdler for the Knights, navigated his way through the 400H nicely to secure his personal best time, 58.79, the second best in the USA South this season.
Up Next
It's full steam ahead for the Knights over the next several weeks. They compete every weekend before the USA South Outdoor Championships held during the final weekend of April. Next, they'll make a stop at the Colonial Relays, a meet known for hosting top flight competition on the east coast. Events will take place from Thursday, April 3rd, through Saturday, April 5th.
For the most up-to-date information and details on the team, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knightxctf on Instagram.
Men's Top Ten Finishers - Doc Jopson Invitational
- 1st place Nolan Opp Javelin 55.25 meters / 181' 3"
- 1st place Ryan Pascual 400 meters 49.56
- 2nd place McCormick Johnson Pole Vault 4.48 meters / 14' 8.25"
- 3rd place Parker Arnold Pole Vault 4.33 meters / 14' 2.5"
- 4th place 4x100m Relay 43.43 (Nick Del Pontone, Jalen Williams, Ryan Pascual, Blake Taylor)
- 5th place Lincoln Trapp Javelin 44.35 meters / 145' 6"
- 5th place McCormick Johnson High Jump 1.66 meters / 5' 5.25"
- 7th place Jalen Williams 100 meters 11.39
- 7th place Nick Del Pontone 400m Hurdles 58.79
- 10th place Lucas Martin Javelin 39.29 meters / 128' 11"
Men's Outdoor Top Ten Program Marks
Women's Top Ten Finishers - Doc Jopson Invitational
Women's Outdoor Top Ten Program Marks
