Two Texas A&M Track Athletes Set New National High Marks at 44 Farms Invitational
Stunning Performance Despite Windy Conditions
Members of the Texas A&M track & field team once again demonstrated their prowess as they set new national high marks at the 44 Farms Invitational held at the E.B. Cushing Stadium. However, what made their achievement further commendable is the fact that these feats were accomplished despite the windy conditions that were not optimum for their events.
Exclusive Show of Strength
Timara Chapman, the leading lady of the event, set off the competition with a heptathlon first-place finish. Despite competing at the 44 Farms Invitational for the first time in maroon and white, Chapman excelled, setting a new national mark by scoring impressive 6,219 points.
Lamara Distin, another senior high jumper from the team, captivated the audience on Saturday evening with a staggering jump of 6 feet, 5 inches, securing the event for herself and setting a new meet record.
Weathering the Storm
“We gained ground today. The reason we did is that despite the bad situation, we made some good things happen,” Pat Henry, the head coach, expressed his team’s triumph over the unfavorable conditions.
Chapman Shining Through
Chapman’s debut with Texas A&M was one for the books as she outshone the collegiate season high mark of 5,825 set by Jenelle Rogers of Ball State. She took the first position in the 100-meter hurdles, shot put, and javelin throw, and also finished second in high jump, 200 meters, and 800 meters. Her score levitated her to the 13th position all-time in the college women’s heptathlon.
Distin Rising High
Distin, who made her first appearance this season, managed to surpass the previous 6-4 high mark set on March 29 by Elena Kulichenko of Georgia. Her jump was over a half-foot higher than the second runner-up, Temitope Ojora from the Southern California team.
Aggies on Cloud Nine
In total, six other indiviudal Aggies secured first-place titles, embracing victory in broader fields that included Southern California, Minnesota, Sam Houston, Lamar, Rice, Texas-Arlington, and Houston Christian.
Continuing to Forge Ahead
With the rest of A&M’s track & field team continuing to mentally grow in tough weather conditions, the team’s performance in the future competitions seems promising. “Sometimes you can’t always run as fast as you would like to, because of the conditions,” stated Henry. “But you gained ground between your ears and some strength in, ‘I can tolerate this. I can do this.'”
