UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State track & field finished a successful first day at the Penn Relays Thursday.
The biggest result for the blue and came from Nick Sloff, who used a strong final leg to take the men’s 1500-meter run, clocking a 3:40.85. Sloff was the only Nittany Lion to win an event on the opening day.
Ryan Watson rewrote his place in the record book, moving to fifth in program history with an 8:46.52 in the men’s 3000-meter steeplechase. Logan Strawser finished at 8:54.63, while Justin Healey clocked a 9:02.96.
EVENT SUMMARY
Thursday began in the women’s hammer throw and three Nittany Lions left their mark. Gabby Cope came in second place, delivering a personal best 184-9.00 (56.31m). Gabi Deglau finished fifth at 181-5.00 (55.30m), while Alex Pancoast took seventh at 177-8.00 (54.16m).
The men’s hammer throw featured Colin Burkhart earning third at 220-3.00 (67.15m).
Moving back to the track, two Penn State athletes earned a top 20 finish in the women’s 1500-meter run. Ada Rand ran a 4:17.11 for 13th place and Lea Hatcher took 16th with a 4:17.79.
The women’s 5000-meter run saw four Nittany Lions turn in solid performances. Katie Dallas finished at 16:18.42, Claire Daniels ran a 16:27.28, Claire Zubey recorded a 16:28.54 and Eva Kynaston logged a 16:35.17. Dallas, Daniels and Zubey’s times all were personal bests.
Rounding out the opening day, Addyson White ran a 1:01.25 in the women’s 400-meter hurdles and Matt DeMatteo clocked a 53.45 in the men’s 400-meter hurdles.
UP NEXT
Penn State continues competition in the Penn Relays Friday, with the men’s long jump and men’s discus starting the blue and white’s competition at noon.
FOLLOW THE NITTANY LIONS
Follow along with the team on our social media pages: Facebook (PennStateTFXC), X and Instagram (both @pennstatetfxc). Live updates on race day regarding weather, start times and other important notes will be posted on X.