University of South Carolina Upstate Athletics
Virginia Tech Final Qualifier
Spartans Compete at Virginia Tech Final Qualifier
3/6/2010 12:00:00 AM | Track and Field
March 6, 2010
Virginia Tech Final Qualifier Full Results
BLACKSBURG, Va. - After combining to win three events at last weekend's Atlantic Sun Conference Indoor Championships, Gilbert Kemboi and Carolyne Chelulei both had strong performances on Saturday. The Spartan pair competed at the Virginia Tech Final Qualifier inside the Rector Field House.
Kemboi (Eldoret, Kenya/Kangetuny) won the 3000-meter run with an event time of 8:26.89. His time on Saturday was less than four seconds off of the school-record that he set last week as he won the 3000-meter run at last weekend's conference championships. The freshman finished approximately seven seconds ahead of second-place finisher Matt Shiffbauer of Marshall University.
"As usual, Gilbert ran a great race," said head track and field coach Jimmy Stephens. "Gilbert is a tremendous athlete and he continues to improve each and every meet. I am looking forward to the outdoor portion of our schedule to see what he can accomplish."
Carolyne Chelulei (Eldoret, Kenya/Alliance Girls) competed in the mile run on Saturday. She raced to a second-place finish with a school-record time of 5:01.50. She surpasses the old mark of 5:09.15 that was set a season ago at the Carolina Invitational by Emily Tang war (Eldoret, Kenya/Lareto).
Chelulei finished behind Samantha Dow of Virginia Tech who posted a time of 4:53.59. However she finished ahead of ACC competitors Alyssa Kulik and Jessica Trapeni. Kulik (Clemson) finished third with a time of 5:02.45, while Trapani (Virginia Tech) finished fourth after posting a time of 5:04.81.
"Carolyne competed very well today," said Stephens. "She had a great championship event last weekend and she picked right up where she left off as she had a strong showing as she competed against some very talented athletes."
The Spartans will kick off the outdoor portion of the schedule when they travel to Charlotte, N.C. for the 49er Classic that begins on March 18th.
