Personal records and qualifying marks highlight Friday's action

PROVO, Utah – Several Cougars registered personal records and regional qualifying marks Friday at the Robison Invitational at the Clarence F. Robison Track and Field Complex.

“All in all, this was probably one of our best performances as a team this season,” BYU coach Ed Eyestone said. “We had great showings in a lot of events. I’m very happy for our coaches and athletes.”

Freshman Tanner Sork beat the field by more than four seconds to win the 800 meter race. His time of 1:49.71 set a personal record and was a regional qualifying mark.

The 400 meter hurdles was dominated by a pair of Cougar sophomores, Korey Smith and Mark Carlson. Smith took first and Carlson second with times of 51.26 and 51.35, respectively. Both times were personal records and regional qualifying marks.

Freshman Chase Horrocks and sophomore Evan Argyle paced the field in the mile, taking first and second, respectively. Horrocks finished with a time of 4:10.10 while Argyle came in at 4:10.88.

“Chase had a great race,” Eyestone said. “He just missed on a regional qualifying time but he looks good heading into next week.”

BYU also claimed the top two spots in the high jump with both athletes registering regional qualifying marks. Freshman Zachary Blackham cleared 2.16 meters (7 feet, 1 inch) while sophomore Sam Rockwood was right behind with a height of 2.11 meters (6 feet, 11 inches).

The Cougars also dominated the javelin and shot put, claiming the top four spots in each event. Senior Kyle Baker, sophomore Wyatt Warnick, senior Keith Keller and sophomore Zachary Stetler finished one through four in the javelin. Baker’s winning mark was 62.28 meters (204 feet, 4 inches).

Stetler won the shot put with a throw that measured 17.57 meters (57 feet, 7.75 inches) and was followed by a pair of freshmen in Craig Merkley and Mitchell Swensen and senior Aaron Clark.

Senior Fan Fan Charles and freshman Tyler Sorensen ran well in the 100 meters, taking third and fourth with times of 10.66 and 10.71, respectively.

Other first-place finishers for BYU were Spencer Gardner in the 5,000 meters (14:59.37), Tyrell Yardley in the 400 meters (46.84) and Alex Ashworth in the long jump (7.26 meters/23 feet, 9.75 inches).

“Tomorrow will be a great opportunity to sharpen up our relays,” Eyestone said. “It’s great to compete right here in our own backyard.”

The Robison Invitational continues on Saturday, beginning with the men’s hammer throw at 10 a.m. Visit BYUtrack.com for the complete schedule.