KENNESAW, Ga. - The Samford men's and women's track team started its outdoor season this weekend at the Don McGarey Invitational. The Bulldogs competed the past two days as they eased into the outdoor season, not bringing a full roster as they finished third on the women's side and second on the men's side.

The field events kicked off the meet yesterday and Erin Long was one of Samford's top finishers as she finished in third in the women's javelin throw. Kyle Kaufelds and Grayson Eady finished back-to-back in third and fourth on the men's side to wrap up throwing events on the day. Ellison Chadwick continued her strong work in the women's long jump as she took third with a best jump of 5.82m.

The track events took over last night and Samford had a strong showing in the women's 400m hurdles. Maddie Edwards took first place by one-hundredth of a second while her teammate Ayden Drake took third place. The Dogs also dominated the men's 400m hurdle race as Landon Wright and Jackson Olivo went first and second. 

The event moved to this morning and the Bulldogs placed on the track for the first time when William Jordan captured second in the men's 1500m. Amiel Dabney and Bradley Franklin each came in second place in the 100 and 110 meter hurdles sprints while Cole Grande captured third place in the 100m sprint. Dabney's time of 13.54 is the second-fastest in program history while Franklin's time of 13.91 is the third-fastest. Grace Lueders had a strong run in the women's 800 meter as she outraced the field for the win. William Murray closed out the track events by winning the men's 3000m steeplechase. 

As they do in most meets, the Dogs dominated the pole vault events on each side. Antonina Tereshchenko took first place on the women's side while Libby Jackson and Lindsey Havens took third and fourth. On the men's side, Carter Ellis beat Jed Sisco on tries as they each cleared 5.06m. The Bulldogs finished off the field events in the men's high jump where the duo of Jaggerd Moore and Arthur Chitty continue to impress. Moore edged Chitty by clearing 2.07m as the pair took the top two spots.

The Bulldogs are back in action next weekend at the Joe Walker Classic hosted by Ole Miss. A strong field will see teams compete on April 4 and April 5 in Oxford.

FOLLOW THE BULLDOGS:
For the latest news and information on Samford Track and Field, visit the official website for Samford Athletics at SamfordSports.com. Fans can also follow the Bulldogs on social media at /SamfordSports (Facebook), @SamfordXC_TF (Twitter), and @samfordxctf (Instagram).