NEW YORK – Jax State wrapped up its trip to The Big Apple on Friday with a barrage of personal bests alongside a school record for Olivia King in the 5000m and a first place event finish for Chidinma Margaretmary Agu in the women's 400m dash The Armory Track. The Gamecocks compiled 20 top 10 placements across 15 events at the Scarlet Knight Open. 
 
"It was a fun meet and we had some great performances," said head coach Jeremy Provence, "The Armory did not disappoint. As one of the most historic indoor facilities in the world, I think everyone in track and field looks forward to experiencing it on a meet day."
 
Freshman Olivia King starred for Jax State in the 5000m, placing third with a time of 17:35.25, shaving a second off of the previous school record. It was not only King's first 5k appearance of the season, but her first career 5k on the track.

"I want to give a big congratulations to Olivia on the 5k school record. We had a basic plan going into the race but didn't exactly know what to expect with it being her first indoor 5k. Needless to say, Olivia figured things out quickly and ran a great race. I am extremely proud of her accomplishment but also excited about what's to come." 
 
Agu continues to shine for Jax State this spring, earning two top five placements, including the individual event title in the 400m. Agu's 400m time of 54.94 was nearly two seconds faster than the next individual. Emma Drinkard (2nd) and Amber Bailey (6th) each also placed in the top 10 of the 400m with personal bests.

"Chidinma ran a great 60 meter race and followed up with a strong 400 performance. Her short sprints continue to improve. Emma and Amber also both had a big breakthrough running personal bests in the 400. In different ways, both executed the plan to perfection."
 
In the 60m pentathlon hurdles, sophomore Chaci Whitfied picked up a second place finish with a time of 9.66 seconds while Sara Mobayed Caballe finished fourth with a 9.72 second outing. Caballe and Whitfield also finished near the top in the 800m pentathlon, placing second and third respectively.

The pair combined for four more top five placements in the three other pentathlon events, rounding out to a third place pentathlon finish for Whitfield and a fourth place finish for Caballe. 
 
"Chaci and Sarah improved from their performance earlier in the season, both setting a season best while Chaci set a lifetime best in the pentathlon."
 
In the 800m, freshman Maxima Majer paced the Gamecocks, placing eighth out of 38 participants. Breanna Becerra and Rania Yousef Moreno also both finished among the top half of the field.

Emily Coddington earned a top 10 finish of her own, in the 3000m, placing ninth out of 30 individuals, clocking a time of 10:34.32. Majer and Coddington also earned top 15 finishes in the one mile, placing 14th and 15th respectively out of 55 athletes. Majer set a new personal best in the mile run.

"Maxi and Emily ran season bests in the mile and I'm really pleased with their progression. We are in a good spot at this point in the season."
 
In the field, Cayla Johnson placed fourth in the high jump, reaching a height of 1.60m. Johnson also placed fourth in the shot put with a throw of 12.43m, setting a new best mark for her career.

"I thought Cayla had a good day as well. She started with a solid hurdle race, but followed with a great performance in shot put and another solid performance in high jump. It is very encouraging seeing the improvements this weekend as she gears up for the pentathlon next week"

Savannah Yates (10th) and Kayley Stanley (12th) each finished in the top half of the pole vault with heights of 3.73. Yates' throw was her best of the season while Stanley set a new career mark in the event. 
 
"Our vaulters had a good day as well. Kayley set a personal best for indoor and Savannah ended up with a season best."
 
Jax State continues its indoor season on March 7 at the UAB Vulcan Invite in Birmingham, Ala.