Junior Ricky Harris earned a NCAA provisional bid in the long jump at Saturday's Appalachian Invitational. (Photo: ASU Athletics) Game statistics

Appalachian Men Having Strong Showing at Season-Opening Invitational, Harris Qualifies for NCAA Championships
by Appalachian Sports Information

December 1 - BOONE, N.C.- The Appalachian men's track and field team began the 2007-08 season off on a solid foot, as numerous athletes posted strong performances at the Appalachian Invitational. No team scoring took place, but the Mountaineers made marks in every event they took part in.

Junior Daniel Neal was a strong contributor for ASU throughout the day, as he took home a second place finish in the 55m hurdles, with a time of 7.56 and placed sixth in the 55m dash, running the race in 6.55.

Freshman Phillip Bush made a statement as a newcomer to the squad, earning the sixth spot in the 55m hurdles, with a time of 7.92. He also competed in the long jump, finishing seventh with a jump of 23’-5”.

In the 400m dash, senior Greg McCain grabbed the second place spot, with a time of 49.55. Western Carolina’s Manteo Mitchell came in first with a time of 48.10, breaking the previous Holmes Center record of 48.42, held by Otto Spain.

The Appalachian jumpers made their mark on the day as well, as Ricky Harris notched first place in the long jump, with a jump of 24’-10”. Harris's jump earned him a NCAA provisional bid. ASU jumps coach Damion McLean got in on the action as well, finishing right behind Harris, jumping 24-3. Mark Sturgis excelled in the triple jump posting a jump of 50-2 and earning first place.

In the field events, senior Wes Kiser led the way, as he finished fifth in the shot put, and grabbed a second place finish in the weight throw, finishing behind former ASU throws standout Bob Smith. Kiser's performance in the weight throw moved him into fourth on ASU's top-ten list. Two newcomers to the squad also did well in both events. Freshman Jerod Gardner placed third in the shot put wiht a throw of 48'-9", and Tim Daly grabbed a fifth place finish in the weight throw.

Four Mountaineers had strong showings in the pole vault as Barron Shell, Ryan Twiford, Justin Hunnicut and Mike Wilson all earned the 5-8 spots.

The Apps will take a brief break for exams and the holidays, and return to action January 18, as they head to Johnson City, Tenn. to compete in the East Tennessee Niswonger Meet.