Golden Suns T&F complete historic GAC Championships
By: Taylor Gamez
MAGNOLIA, Ark. – At the conclusion of the Golden Suns inaugural Great American Conference Championships competition,
Maria Diaz-Fernandez and
Calli Beshore join
Ashlynn Mays as the first ATU track & field All-GAC class and a new group of Personal Records were set. From the 800 meters to the 10k the Golden Suns achieved placing the Top Freshman in every category. The team finished seventh and earned 16 points.
FULL GAC CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
Long Jump/Triple Jump
Haven Calavitta competed in three events this weekend and aided in diversifying this young team and building the foundation for the future. She matched her current personal record of 4.78 in the Long Jump and placed 14th overall. In the Triple Jump, Calavitta placed 10th overall with a 10.16 meter jump.
400 meters
Haven Calavitta also completed the 400 meters at 1:04.42 and placed 18th overall.
800 meters
Maria Diaz-Fernandez set a brand new PR at 2:21.80 surpassing her previous record of 2:22.02 and earning 4th in overall competition. Diaz-Fernandez earned All-GAC athlete and was the first freshman to cross the finish line.
5000 meters
Calli Beshore earned All-GAC leading the Golden Suns in 3rd putting six points on the board with a new PR of 18:09.18
Felicity West finished in 19th with another under-20 finish of 19:32.85.
Mandy Sykora followed in 20th also under-20 at 19:37.55 and setting a new PR.
1500 meters
All Golden Suns set new PR's in the 1500 meters. Beshore earned her All-GAC honorable mention when she placed 8th with a new PR of 4:49.34.
Ashlynn Mays finished 11th at 5:00.91.
Felicity West finished 15th at 5:06.63 and
Kaelyn Dobbins followed in 16th at 5:09.01. Rounding off in the 1500 was
Kristen Bess at 5:56.72 and placing 44th.
Head Coach
Brock Hime sees this as a phenomenal season that exceeded expectations, "I am very proud of how we competed as a team. Out of the ten teams in the GAC we have the youngest, yet we competed like veterans. As young as we are, the future is bright for this program. Fight On!"
