Track and Field: France Claims 10,000 Meter Run in Friday’s Classics Action

LAFAYETTE – Zach France’s first place finish in the 10,000 meter run highlighted Friday’s action for the Ragin’ Cajuns Track and Field team in the annual Louisiana Classics Track Meet at the Cajuns Track/Soccer Facility.

Spiller clocked in at 33:03.44 and finished 41 seconds faster than the nearest competitor.

The Cajuns also had representatives in the men’s and women’s hammer throw, which kicked off the field events portion of the meet.

Jacob Fontenot was UL’s top finisher in the men’s hammer throw, reaching a distance of 53.55m/175-8 for a seventh place finish in the event. Tyler Guidry also competed and landed a throw of 51.34m/168-5.

In the women’s hammer throw, junior college transfer Brittany Blunt was the Cajuns’ top performer with a throw of 49.97m/163-11 which placed her 10^th in the event.

“Well the meet just started so we haven’t learned a whole lot, with only the hammer going on so far, but what we did find out is that all of our kids that were entered in the meet actually set personal bests so that’s a good start for us,” head coach Lon Badeaux said. “The second thing we found out is that the meet is going to be really tough because some of our kids reached personal-best marks and still didn’t make the finals.

“This meet is going to be really tough. It’s going to be a good indicator of where we’re at to start the outdoor season.”

Nicolo Bolla of Troy took top honors in the men’s hammer throw with a mark of 60.50m/198-6. South Alabama’s Latifah Johnson claimed the women’s hammer throw with a distance of 59.96m/196-9.

Earlier in the day, the multi-events wrapped up with Connor Smith of South Alabama finishing first in the men’s decathlon with 6,592 points and Leah Hixon, also of South Alabama, taking top honors in the women’s heptathlon with 4,663 points.

The 2012 version of the Louisiana Classics concludes on Saturday. Field events begin the day at 10 a.m., and track events are slated to started at 1 p.m. The Cajuns will recognize all alumni in attendance during a special ceremony at 1:30 p.m.

“The high jump is going to special tomorrow,” Badeaux mentioned. “The men’s high jump is going to be special, so watch that.”

Live stats can be tracked at RaginCajuns.com. Complete meet results will be posted to the site at the end of the day.

Men’s Performance List

Hammer Throw
Jacob Fontenot (7) 53.55m/175-8
Tyler Guidry (9) 51.34m/168-5

10,000 Meter Run
Zach France (1) 33:03.44
Patrick Spiller (5) 36:18.40

Women’s Performance List

Hammer Throw
Brittany Blunt (10) 49.97m/163-11
Ashlee McElroy (30) 29.43m/96-7

10,000 Meter Run
Michon Meche (2) 43:33.96
Hlfti Kahssay (4) 44:25.69

— Ragin’ Cajuns —

RaginCajuns.com