Track and field team has successful weekend

Over the weekend, IUP's track and field team competed at the PSAC indoor event in Edinboro.

It was a successful weekend all around for both the women and men.

The women's team placed third overall, with 74 points. This set an IUP record for the team's highest finish ever.

"I'm very, very excited for the women's team," IUP Head Coach Michelle Burgher said. "These girls really stepped up big and competed with some of the powerhouse teams." 

The men's team placed sixth overall, with a total of 49 points.

IUP men and women set personal and season bests in nearly every event. 

Notable performances this weekend included IUP senior Brianna Liebold, who won the Field MVP after taking first place in both the women's triple jump and long jump.

This was Liebold's second-straight Field MVP award at a PSAC event.

"Bri is a tremendous athlete. She is a great leader and a great asset to our team here at IUP," Burgher said. Great student as a well as a great overall person off the track."

Senior Leander Toney also came through in the clutch with a big performance in the high jump, setting the PSAC record with a jump of 6 feet, 11 inches, securing an automatic bid to the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championship.

"Leander is very talented athlete, and it is incredible that he set the PSAC record and beat his nearest opponent by four inches," Burgher said. "I'm very excited to see him jump outdoors."

The main highlight of the event was the second place finish by sophomore Ayanna LeBlanc in the women's shot put event.

"Ayanna was huge for us," said Burgher. "She stepped up to the plate for us and took on two top throwers. 

"Taking second against those two was one of the biggest highlights for me in this event as a coach," Burgher added.

Other notable performances from the weekend include Brandon Ford taking third in the triple jump, Steve Wainwright taking third in the 800-meter dash and Laurie Ajavon taking third in the triple jump.

IUP will send five athletes to the NCAA championships March 11-12 in Albuquerque, N.M. Joining Liebold and Toney are Laurie Ajavon, Brandon Ford and Nafee Harris, who is looking to defend his title in long jump.