Dabbs highlights record-breaking day at Virginia Challenge

Posted on Friday, Apr. 22, 2022, 11:36 pm

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Courtesy UVA Media Relations

The Cavaliers turned in an incredible showing on the second day of the Virginia Challenge at Lannigan Field. A strong overall outing from the Wahoos was highlighted by a record-breaking performance from Ethan Dabbs that would see him go to the top of the NCAA in the javelin.

Dabbs had a historic day in the javelin as he unleashed a rocket reaching 80.41m (263’9”) to top his own Virginia record. The mark set not only a school record but also the records for the Virginia Challenge and Lannigan Field. Dabbs currently leads the NCAA in the competition.

Three Cavaliers placed in the top-four of the women’s discus. Ashley Anumba’s best throw of the day soared to a mark of 56.67m (185’11”) to set both a school and meet record. Maria Deaviz claimed third place with her mark of 49.99m (164’0”) while Thelma Kristjansdottir placed fifth at 48.74m (159’11”). Anumba has broken the Virginia school record in the discus in each of her two appearances at Lannigan Field.

On the men’s side of the discus, it was Claudio Romero who remained undefeated in the competition this season. His best throw of the day soared to his season-best distance of 64.79m (212’6”) to set a Virginia Challenge Record. Following Romero was Jacob Lemmon in fourth place at 57.65m (189’1”).

In the 15000m Mia Barnett finished in second place as the top collegian in the field running a time of 4:11.32. She trailed only former Cavalier and current Nike athlete Michaela Meyer who crossed at 4:11.03. Barnett’s time ranks second in Virginia history trailing Meyer’s school record of 4:09.02 set last season.

Wes Porter continued his impressive campaign as he took down a 35-year-old Virginia record in the 5,000m run with his time of 13:36.84. The time betters a record set by Kris Herdt in 1987. Yasin Sado ran a personal best 13:42.84.

In the men’s 10,000m Rohann Asfaw put down the second-fastest time in Virginia history clocking 28:53.84. Peter Morris claimed a victory for the Wahoos in the early section of the event with his time of 30:07.99.

Jada Seaman placed second overall in the 100m dash finishing as the top-collegian in the race running a personal-best time of 11:43. Kayla Bonnick placed fourth overall as she equaled her best time of 11:51.

Jordan Willis topped a competitive field in the men’s 400m with his season-best time of 46.48. Abby Comella won her heat in the 400m recording a personal-best time of 55.49.

A pair of Cavaliers raced in the 3000m steeplechase for the first time in their careers in a competitive field. Freshman Nathan Mountain placed sixth overall. His time of 8:45.42 ranks ninth on the Virginia all-time list. Ka’eo Kruse clocked 8:52.63 in his steeplechase debut.

FROM DIRECTOR OF TRACK & FIELD VIN LANANNA

“Our team competed very well today at what has been a great event so far. I am very pleased with the quality of the meet. The competition from the athletes has been fantastic, and our officials and event staff have been great as well.”

UP NEXT

The Virginia Challenge will continue at 12 p.m. tomorrow (April 23) at Lannigan Field.