TUCSON, Ariz. — Sam Jennings threw 67.76m/222-3 in his first collegiate javelin outing and positioned himself to BYU's No. 8 all-time mark Friday afternoon at the Willie Williams Classic.
Jennings was the top Cougar in the competition and third overall in the event. The freshman from Pendleton, Oregon began the day with a 61.72m/202-6 toss. Jennings improved with a 67.00m/219-9 mark for his fifth throw of the day before ending the series with a 67.76m/222-3 mark.
The meet begins Jennings’s collegiate campaign, who prior to the college scene was a three-time USATF state champion in Oregon as well as a two-time AAU regional champ.
Danny Bryant and Tyler Poole competed in the men’s hammer throw and discus events. Bryant led the Cougars in both competitions with a 52.43m/172-0 mark in the hammer throw and a 54.65m/179-3 mark in the discus. Poole recorded 49.20m/161-5 in the discus while Peyton Williams joined his teammates in the event with a 52.10m/170-11 result.
On the track, junior BYU athlete and Olympian James Corrigan returned to the steeplechase Friday night with an 8:43.57 finishing time. It marks the first time back to the track sine the Olympic Games in Paris where he finished tenth in the preliminary round.
“We had a really good opening race for the guys,” said director of track and field Ed Eyestone. “It was really good for our top guys as well as our three new freshman. I’m particular happy with James, Isaac [Hedengren] and one of our new freshmen Landon Heemeyer. We are excited for the future.”
The men’s sprinters began the outdoor season with three freshmen in the mix in the 400-meter hurdles. Trevor Gough finished seventh overall, with Garrett Copelin in ninth and Jayden Jesse in 11th. Jace Jensen returned to the track leading his young teammates with a 53.03 performance which placed him sixth overall.
“The guys had a good start to the outdoor season,” said sprints coach Kyle Grossarth. “I was impressed with my freshmen hurdlers tonight. They all ran solid races in their opening 400 hurdle race of their BYU careers.”
"This group is a lot of fun," said Jensen. "It’s also exciting watching the future of BYU track and field running alongside me. It motivates me to do my best and help put them in the best position when I’m done running. I know that the team will only get stronger as the years pass so I’m grateful to run with the younger guys who will lead the team in the future."
Up Next
The sprints, hurdles and throws will get things started on day two of the Willie Williams Classic Saturday in Tucson as the jumps and multis are set to compete at the Aztec Invitational Saturday in San Diego.