Texas A&M
Reveille Invitational
Reveille Invitational showcases strong early marks
Dec 10, 2011 | Track and Field
COLLEGE STATION - Texas A&M track and field put on a solid show for the fans attending the two-hour Reveille Invitational on Saturday as the Aggie athletes gave away relay batons that highlighted the NCAA Outdoor Championship triple-double A&M achieved in 2009, 2010 and 2011.
"Across the board we had some nice efforts today," noted Aggie head coach Pat Henry, who is in his eighth year with the program. "We let them know while it's the end of their academic year, it's also the start of their athletic year.
"It was also pleasing to see how many people were in the stands today for this type of meet, where we had 10 events each for the men and women."
While Aly Daily attempted to break a nearly 10-year old school record in the pole vault, four other Aggie performances earned a place among the Texas A&M all-time top 10 indoor lists.
Daily won the women's pole vault with a clearance of 13-0 ¼ to match her indoor best and then attempted a school record height of 13-4 ¼ (4.07) that would have surpassed the 13-3 ¾ (4.06) set by Erica Boren in March of 2002.
"To clear that height and attempt the school record this early into the outdoor season is a good sign," stated Daily, who ranks second on the Aggie all-time list. "I wanted the next bar, but I'm pretty happy with my performance today. We still have a whole season left, but for now I'm really happy.
"Having another year of experience has helped me. I'm not as timid and I feel that I own it a little more. It definitely helps to have experience behind you and makes me feel more comfortable."
In the men's 4 x 400 relay the Aggie men were less than a second away from the NCAA automatic qualifying standard of 3:06.50 with a winning time of 3:07.43.
Texas A&M bettered a field that included Houston (3:09.51), TCU (3:12.19) and a group of Baylor alumni (3:17.55) that had former Olympic champion Jeremy Wariner running the second leg.
With Wariner's presence the second leg created some swift splits for Houston's Errol Nolan (45.13) and A&M's Joey Roberts (45.65). Wariner split 46.93 after lead-off leg Marcus Boyd opened with a 48.73.
Houston held the lead as the race reached the third leg after the Cougars opened with a 48.09 carry from Kevin Furlough. The Aggies countered with a 48.20 from Oscar Ramirez.
Carlyle Roudette used a 46.51 third leg to challenge Houston and he passed Garrett Hughley (48.77) before turning over the baton to Michael Preble for the anchor leg. Preble ran a controlled 47.08 to finish off the Aggie victory as Houston received a 47.54 carry from Doug Kelley. The Aggies 3:07.43 ranks No. 11 on the A&M all-time list.
"It was pretty cool running with the Baylor alums," said Preble. "To run 3:07 at this time of the year is good indication of what we can do. It's interesting to see who steps up when we run the relay. We want to continue the tradition of running fast, running well and winning some races."
Donique Flemings opened her season with a victory that placed her among the Aggie all-time top 10. Flemings clocked a personal best of 8.44 to win the 60 hurdles over freshman teammate LaQue Moen-Davis, who was second in 8.50.
Through early season racing in December, Flemings mark ranks second in the nation behind an 8.35 by Clemson's Kendra Harrison and she is now No. 10 on the A&M all-time list.
"It felt really good, especially since it was a PR," said Flemings. "I've had a great fall of training. So, to open up at 8.44 makes me know that I can get a lot better and the season is going to be great for me.
"Natasha Ruddock and Gabby Mayo pushed me a lot as upper classmen. Now I'm the upper classman, but I've got a freshman right there with me. That will make me work harder as we push each other to get better so I can help the team and run the best I can."
Ashley Collier set a personal best of 7.42 seconds to win the 60 meters over teammate Dominique Duncan, who finished second in 7.47. The mark for Collier places her No. 8 on the A&M all-time list.
"We've been practicing hard this fall," stated Collier. "While I know I still need to work on my start it was great to set a PR today."
Aggie frosh Olivia Ekpone placed second in the other 60-meter heat with a 7.62 to place eighth overall while LaKeidra Stewart finished ninth in 7.63.
To close out the women's portion of the meet Ekpone led off the A&M 4 x 400 with a split of 54.92. Then Flemings (55.03) and Collier (55.86) handled the middle pair of legs. The Aggies were in command of the race when the baton reached anchor leg Ibukun Mayungbe, who cruised a 54.83 to secure a 3:40.62 victory.
"Our time in the relay was pretty good for this time of the season," said Collier. "Everybody did their best today. I think Olivia did really well, coming in as a freshman and running such a good opening leg."
The men's 60 meters featured a competitive field led by TCU's Charles Silmon, who claimed the win in 6.68. Ameer Webb finished second in 6.72 ahead of A&M's tandem of Michael Bryan (6.78) and Prezel Hardy, Jr. (6.80).
The men's 60-meter hurdle race was won by Wayne Davis II in 7.87 seconds.
Another newcomer making a solid debut was Jillian Anderson in the women's 800 where her time of 2:13.38 placed third and is No. 8 on the all-time list at A&M.
James Bonn won the men's 800 in 1:52.24 to top a field that included 400 specialists Michael Courtney (1:52.30) and Tabarie Henry (1:53.33) as well as Sean Zurko (1:53.57).
In the men's high jump Tyler Lee matched his personal best indoors with a 6-10 ¾ clearance to match his mark that ranks No. 7 on the Aggie all-time list. Lee bettered two teammates in the event, Cameron Alexander (6-9) and Dylan Richards (6-5 ½).
"My approach was off at the start of the high jump," noted Lee. "Finally, I got into my curve on the approach and exploded from there. Once my curve was adjusted I was able to lean better and pop up off the ground. It's fun having a challenge from Cameron and Dylan."
The weight throw produced a runner-up effort of 58-7 ½ for Casey Strong while Cole Knuth (56-4) placed fourth. Taylor Rosser placed second in the women's shot put with a 46-7 ½.
Players Mentioned
