The track and field team competed in LSU Alumni Gold meet last week. This was the final meet before the Southland Conference Outdoor Championships where the team took their full squad.
Head Coach Corey Mistretta described how he felt about the results at the meet and what the results meant going into the conference championships.
“I am very happy with how everyone performed at the LSU Alumni Gold meet,” said Mistretta. “Competing at a large meet like this, against some very good competition, is always a test. I believe our young team handled it very well. We are moving in the right direction with the Southland Conference Championships less than two weeks away.”
Mistretta highlighted the top performers at the meet.
“This past weekend, we had a few very good performances,” said Mistretta. “DJ Ruffin continues to shine in the men's long jump and is currently ranked number three in the NCAA. Ashley Davis broke her own school record in the women's shot put and is sitting herself up for a strong finish to the season. Stevon Crooks also had a huge personal best in the men's shot put this weekend. Grant O'Callaghan had a personal best in the men's 1500 meters and is poised to make run toward a podium finish at the conference championships.”
O’Callaghan finished the 1,500 meters with a time of 3:51.91 to secure the win. Mistretta spoke about his progress.
“Grant would probably be the guy who has made the most significant improvement over last year,” said Mistretta. “Many of our freshman athletes have improved greatly from their high school marks, and some of our returners have improved very much as well. However, Grant has taken things to another level this year.”
With the conference championships on the horizon, the meet presented an opportunity of the team to test themselves.
“Competing against quality competition is always a great way to prepare for championship meet, and this meet was no different,” said Mistretta. “We definitely took some steps in the right direction.”
The team will travel to Hattiesburg, Mississippi for the Southern Miss Open on Friday, April 27. Mistretta shared his plans for the event.
“This week we will be traveling with a very small group to Southern Miss,” said Mistretta. “Only those athletes we believe need a little more competition before conference will be attending the meet. In addition, we will be bringing both sprint relays to this meet to continue working on chemistry among the group.”
