HARRISONBURG, VA. – Tiffany Sisk claimed a thrilling event victory in the shot put and Christa Horrocks earned all-CAA honors in the 400 meter dash to lead the College of Charleston track and field team on the final day of competition at the CAA Championships.
“To say it was an emotional weekend would be an understatement,” said College of Charleston track and field coach Amy Seago. “We had some ups and downs and some unexpected events. Tiffany (Sisk) pulled out the win in the shot put on her sixth and final throw. She took full advantage of her chances and came through when it mattered. Christa Horrocks became the first CofC athlete since 2009 to compete in the conference finals of the 400 meter dash in a conference tournament setting. I'm proud of them both.”
Following a competitive opening day, The College got things underway on the track where, after Horrocks' great performance, freshman distance runner Carlee Cassidy laid down a superb showing of her own, claiming a third place finish in the steeplechase with a time of 11:01.60. Sophomore Kornelia Kostka was also ran well in the steeplechase, finish,ing in eighth place. Rounding out the scoring for the Cougars was Hayley McMahon who finished eighth in the 1500 meter run with a time of 4:43.90.
In perhaps the most emotional moment of the day, sophomore Alexia Neal – an underdog heading into the final – was leading the 400 meter hurdles with just 40 meters to go before taking a tumble coming out of the final hurdle.
“Alexia had an amazing race going,” said Seago. When her legs gave out, our heart broke with her. She gave her absolute all – no doubt about it.”
In the field, the Cougars managed to score points in all four throws for the first time in program history. Alex Coyle threw 36.09 meters in the discus to finish sixth, while Christine Klinar and Sisk each grabbed points in the javelin and hammer throw, respectively. Sisk then followed up her performance in the hammer throw with a thrilling event victory in the shot put, hitting a distance of 14.08 meters on her sixth and final throw to give the junior her biggest win of the season.
Freshman high jumper Julisa Tindall also scored points for the Cougars, finishing in seventh place with a mark of 1.65 meters.
“I'm proud of this team,” said Seago. The conference result does not tell the entire story with this team. We have seen so many personal improvements and personal victories. We are making great strides as a program. We have our work cut out for us in this conference, but I have no doubt this team will embrace the challenge and rise higher as a result.”
Athlete of the Meet: Christa Horrocks
Head Coach Amy Seago on Horrocks' big day…
“Christa Horrocks' story is one of inspiration for this team,” said Seago. “She put four years of hard work and dedication in to her goal of making the final of the 400 meter dash and ultimately set a new personal record, capping off her senior season in style by becoming the first CofC track and field athlete to make the podium at the CAA Championships. We are really proud of her and I am so excited to have seen her development over the past four years. Her attitude of perseverance and commitment to the process has paid off.”
Overall Team Results
1) Delaware, 158
2) Northeastern, 138
2) William and Mary, 138
4) UNC-Wilmington, 127
5) James Madison, 119
6) Towson, 87
7) Col. of Charleston, 50
