Final Results

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- Several freshmen pieced together impressive debuts, while two Captains registered historic efforts as the Christopher Newport track & field teams kicked off the 2019-20 campaign with a solid effort on Sunday during the Holiday Open at the Freeman Center.

Two freshmen walked away with victories on Sunday in field events. CJ Reeders kicked off his career with a 14.36-meter leap in the triple jump. That not only placed him first in the field, but it also moved him to eighth on the program's all-time performance list. In fact, his effort marked the finest showing by a Captain since All-American Dominique Torres won the Capital Athletic Conference Championship with a 14.44-meter showcase in 2017.

Along with Reeders, Forest Flynn headlined an excellent day by Christopher Newport's pole vaulters. Making his debut, Flynn won the men's event after eclipsing 4.27 meters, which was over a foot higher than the next closest competitor. Fellow freshman Jack Armel also came in fifth after topping 3.80 meters.

Meanwhile, on the women's side, Peyton Blanding led the veteran contingent in the pole vault after clearing 3.22 meters. That captured the title on Sunday and ranked sixth on the program's all-time performance list.

Also starring during the season opener, Monica Lannen won the women's 800 in 2:25.58, while Sam Johnson unleashed a 14.47-meter toss in the men's weight throw.

Among other veterans on Sunday, reigning CAC champion Lauryn Helstrom finished second in the women's high jump after eclipsing 1.54 meters, while Samantha Dickerson was third in the mile after crossing the line in 5:30.64. Mazie Clark also excelled in the throwing events after finishing fifth in the shot put (11.26 meters) and ninth in the weight throw (10.78 meters). 

In men's distance events, Jason Putnam placed third in the mile (4:30.64), and Ryan Henderson was fourth in the 800 (2:03.29), 

Among the first-year Captains, Collin Stubbs came in fifth in the men's 60 (7.06), Perry Spring was ninth in the men's 400 (53.87), and Alyssa Roach finished 10th in the women's 60-hurdles (9.46). Incredibly, all of those clockings marked the fastest times by Division III competitors on Sunday. Meanwhile, Reeders also placed fifth in the long jump (6.53 meters), and Riley Park matched that finish in the men's high jump after eclipsing 1.89 meters.

"Overall, we were very pleased with the efforts and execution of cues and race plans throughout the day," said head coach Tyler Wingard. "This is definitely a strong starting point for the season and a lot of good information for the coaches and the athletes to work with heading into the long break for the holiday season."

Christopher Newport will now settle in for a quiet winter break before returning to action on January 17 for the start of the two-day VMI Keydet Invitational in Lexington.

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