Mocs' Lesley Green Wins 3000 Meter At Bulldog Invite

Friday, February 10, 2023

Chattanooga junior Lesley Green took first in the 3000 meter run and second in the Mile Friday at the Samford Bulldog Invite. The Mocs had 13 Top 10 finishes and multiple personal records in the regular season finale.

Green ran a sensation second half of the 3000 meter and took first by a large margin. Emma Russum was fifth in the race and freshman Leah Boyd placed eighth with a PR.

“Lesley, Emma and Leah all ran very smart races,” Mocs head coach Andy Meyer said.

“We were significantly off to a fast pace and then as the race cooled down they went to work.”

In the Mile, Green posted a PR time of 4:55.69. Maddie Wheatcroft was sixth, Russum placed 10th and Faith Brown was, 15th with all posting personal best times.

“Lesley, Emma, Maddie and Faith were patient and took charge when needed,” Meyer said. “They accelerated in the last 800 meter to improve their PRs.”

In the 5000 meter Michaela Dabney led the Mocs with a PR time of 19:22.72, taking third. She was followed by Allie Potter in fourth and Camden Morris placed fifth.

“They ran a much smarter and paced race,” Meyer said. “The mile splits were much more consistent. Michaela had a 19-second improvement, Allie improved by 12 seconds and Camden by 16. All three closed hard with their last lap being their fastest.”

Jessika Rennich set a PR in the 60 meter dash and Reagan Ruth ran her best time in the 60 meter Hurdles. Rennich and Ruth each posted PRs in the 200 meter dash.

The men ran in the Mile and 3000 meter run with all setting personal bests in both races. Aaron Isbell placed third in both races, posting a time of 4:16.67 in the Mile and 8:32.89 in the 3000 meter race.

“The guys must have been inspired by the women in the MIle,” Meyer said. “They were just as impressive.”

The men were patient in the Mile and held off with the first 600-800 meters. They went to work over the last portion of the race and all set PRs in their first race of the season.

The men’s 3000 meter race started off at a blistering pace, but once it slowed they went to work.

The guys went to work and made up ground and made significant improvements.

“In the women’s 800 meter run, both Lexi [Foley] and Delaney [Mulich] continue to gain race experience,” Meyer said. “They are learning to deal with the physicality of the speed in Division I races.

“Overall we did very very well. We showed an increase in fitness across the board. As usual Coaches [Mike] Gadson and [Ty] Griffin had the kids prepared,” Meyer said. “The guys opening their season are significantly ahead of where they were this time last year. The ladies are going into the conference meet
in two weeks with a huge momentum boost after today. As long as we avoid illness and injury we look good for conference.”

The Southern Conference Indoor Championships will take place Feb. 24-26 at Lexington, Va., hosted by VMI.

Outdoor Track

60m

Jessika Rennich

8.48

60m

Imani Bryant

8.20

60m Hurdles