Upstate Track Takes First-Ever Dual Meet Against Wofford
4/8/2008 12:00:00 AM | Track and Field
April 7, 2008
SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Competing in their first-ever dual meet, the USC Upstate men's and women's track and field teams delivered a strong performance against cross-town rival Wofford at Broome High School Monday evening with the women taking a 94-21 win and the men winning as well, 95-28. It was the first meeting of the two Spartanburg schools in track and field competition.
"It was a fun event," USC Upstate track and field head coach Jimmy Stephens said. "Hopefully, this is the start of a yearly dual meet between us and Wofford because it's good to bring a college track and field meet to Spartanburg, it's good for the sport and it brings exposure for both programs to move forward."
The USC Upstate women had first-place finishes in 13 of the 15 events and were led by sprinter Kiah White. White, a freshman, won two individual events for the Spartans including the 200 meter dash (28.03) and the 400 meter dash (1:02.11), and was apart of the winning 400 meter relay team, which had a time of 52.39.
"Kiah had a great day," Stephens said. "She ran some good times, she's been working hard and the results are starting to show."
Freshman Emily Tangwar also picked up two wins for Upstate by taking the 800 meters (2:27.91) and the 1600 meters (5:20.34). Freshman LaTerrica Blocker pulled off a rare double win by taking the 100 meter dash (13.36) and the shot put (29-09.00).
On the men's side, sophomore distance runner Matt Henderson came up with a trifecta of wins in the 800 meters (2:07.63), 1600 meters (4:38.86) and the 3200 meters (10:14.49). Freshman athlete Perrish Goggins also came up with three wins by taking the high jump (6-02.00), triple jump (44-02.00) and long jump (21-05.50). He also finished second in the 100 meter dash.
"Matt has really been stepping up. His times are coming down and he's learning to compete at the college level," Stephens said. "Perrish had another great day and 18 points in a dual meet is huge."
Sophomore Billeto McGee took the 100 meter dash at a time of 11.11 and freshman DeNeal Cotton won the 400 meter dash with a time of 52.19.
It was a special day for Stephens, who was Wofford's first track and field coach from 1996-99, and said glad that both teams competed against each other.
"This was special for everyone because it was our first dual meet and you don't see many of those in college track," Stephens said. "I have a place in my heart for Wofford and I really want to see them succeed."
USC Upstate will next compete in the Furman Invitational on Saturday, April 12.
