Track and Field: Collin’s Mile Highlights HPU’s Day at VT

BLACKSBURG, Va.— Senior Cozette Collin’s performance in the mile highlighted the High Point University women’s track and field team’s action on the final day of the Virginia Tech Challenge Saturday (Feb. 18) at Rector Field House in Blacksburg, Va.

Collin finished the mile in second place with a big personal-best time of 4:57.01, which ranks second in the Big South this year. Fellow senior Natalia Ocasio was sixth in 5:00.81, which fourth in the conference. Freshman Zoe Geis also had a season-best time of 5:16.61, winning her heat.

Sophomore Charlotte Morrow placed sixth in the high jump, clearing a height of 1.53m (5-0.25). Freshman Ariel Wilbekin finished seventh in the triple jump with a leap of 11.03m (36-2.25), while sophomore Makenzi Holmes-DiGiovine was eighth in the shot put with a throw of 12.00m (39-4.5).

“We had a small group compete, but had some very positive results,” HPU head coach Mike Esposito said. “Our senior distance girls are really starting to step up. Freshman Zoe Geis continues to win races, in this case her heat. Cozette Collin’s time in the mile is top-5 all-time at HPU.”

Next up, the Panthers will compete in the Big South Indoor Championships Feb. 25-26 at the JDL Fast Track in Winston-Salem, N.C.

“Now it is time to sharpen up and get everyone healthy as possible for conference championships next week,” Esposito said. “It will be nice to essentially have a home meet for the conference meet champs.”

HPU Men Finish Action at Virginia Tech Challenge

BLACKSBURG, Va. — The High Point University men’s track and field team finished action at the Virginia Tech Challenge Saturday (Feb. 18) at the Rector Field House in Blacksburg, Va.

Sophomore Britton Mann was just off his school record mark in the shot put, placing second with a throw of 15.01m (49-3).

Senior Chernet Sisay won his heat in the 3,000 meters in 9:03.28, good enough for ninth overall.

In the mile, freshman TJ Morales was fifth in his heat in 4:32.25.

“Today was a positive step forward with Chernet Sisay winning his heat and another solid day in the shot put for Britton Mann,” HPU head coach Mike Esposito said.

Next up, the Panthers will compete in the Big South Indoor Championships Feb. 25-26 at the JDL Fast Track in Winston-Salem, N.C.

“Now it is time to sharpen up and get everyone healthy as possible for conference championships next week,” Esposito said. “It will be nice to essentially have a home meet for the conference meet champs.”