Tayala's Record-Breaking Performance Highlights Day One of Golden Flash Gala
12/6/2013 7:15:00โฏPM | Track and Field, Men's Track & Field, Women's Track & Field
DAY ONE RESULTS
KENT, Ohio โ Although it was the opening event of the 2013-14 track and field season, Kent State showed up in mid-season form at day one of the Golden Flash Gala Friday night (Dec. 6).
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On his second weight throw of the night, Matthias Tayala broke the 40-year old indoor record and then topped that with his final throw of the night with a 72' 2.5" performance.ย Olympic athlete Jacques Accambray set the previous record of 71' 10.75" in 1973.
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"It was nice, I didn't really expect that," Tayala said,ย "but it's good to get it out of the way.ย I'm excited.ย It feels good."
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"Just a fantastic effort," Lawson said, "and more importantly, with the series he threw with three or four throws over 70 feet, that far surpasses his lifetime personal record.ย That most likely punched his ticket to the national championship.ย Unbelievable effort by him."
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For the women, Jackie Leppelmeier also capped off a first place finish in the weight throw with a personal-best 67' 1.25".ย That mark sits just seven inches off the current Kent State indoor record.
ย
"Fantastic effort by her," said Lawson.ย "I just think it shows the strength of our throws program. I'm really proud of Jackie."
ย
The Golden Flashes found success in other events, as well, including a first place and third place finish in the men's long jump by Dylan Shirley and Devin Monroe, respectively.
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In pole vault, the Kent State women took the third through fifth places; Tori Meyer finished the highest with an 11-06.5 finish.
ย
Kent State's Andrew Goodwin won the 5,000-meter run with a time of 14:58.09.
ย
The event concludes on Saturday (Dec. 7) with the majority of track events to take place.
ย
"I think a lot of the kids are already energized from some of the performances today," said Lawson.ย "I think you're going to see a lot of big performances for early in the season."
KENT, Ohio โ Although it was the opening event of the 2013-14 track and field season, Kent State showed up in mid-season form at day one of the Golden Flash Gala Friday night (Dec. 6).
ย
On his second weight throw of the night, Matthias Tayala broke the 40-year old indoor record and then topped that with his final throw of the night with a 72' 2.5" performance.ย Olympic athlete Jacques Accambray set the previous record of 71' 10.75" in 1973.
ย
"It was nice, I didn't really expect that," Tayala said,ย "but it's good to get it out of the way.ย I'm excited.ย It feels good."
ย
"Just a fantastic effort," Lawson said, "and more importantly, with the series he threw with three or four throws over 70 feet, that far surpasses his lifetime personal record.ย That most likely punched his ticket to the national championship.ย Unbelievable effort by him."
ย
For the women, Jackie Leppelmeier also capped off a first place finish in the weight throw with a personal-best 67' 1.25".ย That mark sits just seven inches off the current Kent State indoor record.
ย
"Fantastic effort by her," said Lawson.ย "I just think it shows the strength of our throws program. I'm really proud of Jackie."
ย
The Golden Flashes found success in other events, as well, including a first place and third place finish in the men's long jump by Dylan Shirley and Devin Monroe, respectively.
ย
In pole vault, the Kent State women took the third through fifth places; Tori Meyer finished the highest with an 11-06.5 finish.
ย
Kent State's Andrew Goodwin won the 5,000-meter run with a time of 14:58.09.
ย
The event concludes on Saturday (Dec. 7) with the majority of track events to take place.
ย
"I think a lot of the kids are already energized from some of the performances today," said Lawson.ย "I think you're going to see a lot of big performances for early in the season."
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