Track and Field Squads Compete at SCSU's William Sutherland Invitational

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – Competing in their second of three meets this season held at the James Moore Field House at SCSU, the University of Bridgeport's men's and women's track and field teams took part in the William Sutherland Invitational on Saturday.

MEN'S HIGHLIGHTS
The Purple Knights posted a series of standout performances, highlighted by multiple podium finishes and personal bests across the meet.

Freshman Kamal Abdul-Aziz led the way in the sprints, blazing to a second-place finish in the 55m with a time of 6.47 that not only marked a personal record but also set a new school record.

He followed that effort with another runner-up showing in the 200m, crossing the line in 23.02 to complete a stellar day on the track.

Toby Middleton continued his strong distance campaign by placing second in the 3000m with a time of 9:23.25.

In the field events, freshman Darreyle Simpson delivered a highlight performance in the high jump, clearing 1.88 meters to earn second place while setting a collegiate-best mark.

The Purple Knights also saw a productive day in the weight throw, led by Jeremy Choi's 10th-place effort at 13.01 meters.

Lucas Reinhardt and Connor Israel each posted personal bests in the event, with Reinhardt placing 12th at 12.63 meters and Israel finishing 20th with a throw of 9.42 meters.

WOMEN'S HIGHLIGHTS
The women's squad also turned in an impressive showing, highlighted by a school record and several podium finishes across the meet.

Graduate student Emma Pastorelli delivered a standout performance in the 55-meter hurdles, placing second in 8.75 after clocking a new school-record time of 8.71 during the prelims.

Pastorelli also showcased her versatility in the field events, finishing fifth in the high jump with a 1.40m and seventh in the long jump at 4.78 meters.

Julia Fortune continued her strong season in the distance events, placing fourth in the mile with a personal-best time of 5:45.25.

Marcela Bañuelos added a solid effort in the 800m, finishing 10th in 2:41.44.

Fiona Richards was once again stellar in the throwing events, capturing first place in the weight throw with a mark of 15.09 meters. She also secured a third-place finish in the shot put with a throw of 12.55 meters.

Faith Hershberger rounded out the Purple Knights' top-10 efforts by placing seventh in the triple jump with a leap of 9.32 meters.

UP NEXT
The Purple Knights will travel to Pennsylvania next weekend (Jan. 30-31) to take part in the Bucknell Bison Open and Multi.