Posted: Feb 05, 2024

SMC Competes at 2024 South Carolina Invitational

Another strong showing for the Pioneers as they faced nationally competitive programs this weekend. Freshman Myah Adams took the 60 meter hurdles school record to kick off the day and was followed closely by teammate Sophia Outhous who now owns the second fastest time in school history. This performance qualified each of them for the semi-finals in which they would each finish in the top 20 respectively. The men’s 60 meter dash did not disappoint as freshman Romeo Brown improved upon his personal best to move up to second in school history. He was followed closely by teammate Parker Balog who now holds the 7^th fastest time in school history and Malik Job who ran a new season’s best. Romeo would return in his 200-meter dash debut and ran the 3^rd fastest time in school history with Parker Balog again on his heels with the 9^th fastest time in school history. Diamond Croft competed in the event on the women’s side where she would add her name to the record books, with the 6^th fastest 200 meter dash in school history. Jose Pacheco shined in his track debut as he ran the 9^th fastest 400 meter dash in school history, and was followed by a trio of teammates in Devon Kimble, Detrell Mitchell and Marc Mixtega. In the 800 meters Sophia Outhous, Alondra Velazquez and Mariela Velazquez all ran top 10 times in school history, led by Sophia Outhous with the 4^th fastest 800 meter ever run in a Pioneer jersey. In the mile Luke Kochanowicz returned to the event with a new seasons best and 21^st overall finish at the meet. In the women’s mile Mariela Velazquez, Alondra Velazquez and Averi Vance (Season’s Best) all added to the record books as well, with the 5^th, 6^th and 7^th fastest times in school history. Each of these ladies were just 1 second apart. Last race of the night freshman Averi Vance debuted in the 3000m and would run the 4^th fastest time in school history.

Overall Coach Shelton says that he is excited with how the season has gotten started, and that there are a lot of things to clean up. This is just the beginning and the team knows that our goals are coming in April. All it takes is discipline and getting better one day at a time.