BREVARD, N.C. — The Bluefield University men's and women's track & field teams turned in an impressive showing this past weekend at the Brevard Tornado Classic, highlighted by multiple personal records, podium finishes, and new qualifications for the Appalachian Athletic Conference Championships.
Leading the way on the women's side was
Alayshia Griffith, who delivered standout performances in both sprint events. Griffith placed fifth overall in the 100-meter dash with a personal record time of 13.04 seconds, earning her qualification for the AAC Championships. She followed that performance with another fifth-place finish in the 200-meter dash, clocking a personal best of 27.96 seconds.
In the field events,
Ella Gawellek had a dominant day, capturing first place in the discus with a personal record throw of 32.47 meters, which also secured her a spot at the AAC Championships. Gawellek continued her strong performance in the hammer throw, placing eighth with a personal best mark of 35.52 meters—another AAC-qualifying effort.
Autumn Matthews added to the team's success with a second-place finish in the women's javelin. Having already met the AAC qualifying standard earlier in the season, Matthews continues to demonstrate consistency as one of the team's top throwers.
On the men's side,
Dayson McMillian recorded a personal best in the long jump, finishing 6th with a leap of 6.00 meters. He also competed in the 200-meter dash, placing 12th with a season-best time of 23.51 seconds.
Jason Johnson contributed strong performances in the throwing events, placing ninth in the javelin with a personal record throw of 34.98 meters and 11th in the discus with another personal best of 35.05 meters.
Head Coach Mark White praised the team's efforts and continued progress.
"I'm really happy with our performances this past weekend," said White. "They have been working really hard, and to see the results of that work is a really good thing."
Bluefield University looks to carry this success into the remainder of the season with the next meet on April 17th and 18th at Wake Forest for the Wake Forest Invitational.
