Men's Outdoor Track and Field | 5/25/2023 7:33:34 PM
PITTSFORD, NY - Four Empire 8 student-athletes competed on day one of the 2023 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships, held at Polisseni Track and Field Complex on the campus of Empire 8 institution St. John Fisher University on Thursday, May 25.
Utica University sophomore Justin Swavely was the Empire 8's top finisher on day one, placing ninth in the javelin. Swavely started his afternoon as the winner of the first flight with a mark of 61.05 meters. He was the only athlete in flight one to reach 60 meters. On his first attempt, the sophomore hit 53.77 meters before hitting his flight-winning toss of 61.05 meters. That mark was the second-farthest of his career as well as the second-farthest in program history, trailing only his program record throw of 61.73 meters set on May 14.
His final toss of the first flight went 59.20 meters. After sweating out the second flight, Swavely advanced to the finals as the ninth and final participant. He was the only thrower from flight one to advance. In the finals, Swavely opened with a throw of 53.78 meters before following up with a mark of 58.56 meters. His final throw checked in at 56.28 meters to lock up a ninth place finish.
A trio of student-athletes from host institution St. John Fisher competed on Thursday. Junior Makenna King began the day by placing 15th in the discus throw by firing it 42.30 meters.
The duo of junior Michaela Kurbs and sophomore Veronica Duell competed in the long jump for the second consecutive season. Both came into the championship in the top-three nationally. Kurbs placed 12th overall with a top leap of 5.67 meters, while Duell finished 16th overall with a jump of 5.50 meters.
Action continues on Friday from the Polisseni Track and Field Complex. Hunter Logan of Utica University will look for his second consecutive All-American honor in the men's shot put, starting at 1 p.m. Utica's Jane Fahy and King of St. John Fisher will compete in the women's shot put at 4 p.m. Ciarra Franz of St. John Fisher is set to compete in the prelims of the 100-meter hurdles at 5:15 p.m., while teammate Samantha Shea is in the 400-meter dash prelims at 5:45 p.m.
ABOUT THE EMPIRE 8 CONFERENCE
The members of the Empire 8 Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the E8. For more on the Empire 8 visit
www.empire8.com.
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