Jan. 16, 2010
BOONE, NC - High altitudes and a long break didn't stop the Winston-Salem State University track & field teams who had a great day at the 2009 Appalachian Open. With a number of wins and top three finishes, the Rams and Lady Rams got the bulk of the indoor season underway in grand fashion.
The Rams and Lady Rams middle distance runners set the tone for the day with some great performances in the 800m run. WSSU freshman Tyrah Winfrey got things going for the Lady Rams with a first place finish in the women's 800m run with a 2:25.71 in the event. Fellow freshman Korin Shepherd finished fourth with a 2:29.63 in the event. For the men's it was sophomore Andrew Chebii who led the way finishing second in the men's 800m run with a 1:55.87. He was edged out by 00:00.04 seconds for first place. Fellow sophomore Desmond Wiggan finished fourth in the event with a 1:57.43.
Not to be outdone, however, the Rams and Lady Rams sprinters also had a great effort as well as senior sprinter Paul Williams won both the men's 55m and the 200m dash. He opened the day with a 6.40 in the men's 55m dash to win the event. He continued his great day with a win in the 200m dash, posting a 22.20 in the event to take first place. For the Lady Rams, it was freshman hurdler Stephanie Brown who set the tone when she placed second in the women's 55m hurdles. She finished the event with an 8.53, just .08 seconds off of the pace for first place. Sophomore Crystal Webley finished fifth with an 8.83. Sophomore Denesha Jiles kept things going with a fourth place finish in the women's 55m dash. She posted a 7.43 in the event. Junior Chad Smith also had a strong day, placing third in the men's 400m dash with a 50.60 in the event. He finished right behind former Ram Gerrod Sidbury who ran unattached and finished second in the event.
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The Rams and Lady Rams also had a solid day in the sprint relay events with the Lady Rams placing third in the women's 4x400m relay with a 4:06.66 in the event. The Rams' 4x400m relay team placed second with a 3:26.42.
The Rams and Lady Rams will return to action next week when they head to East Tennessee State to take part in the 2009 Niswonger Invitational. For more information on Rams and Lady Rams track & field, contact the WSSU Office of Athletic Media Relations at (336) 750-2909 or log on to www.WSSURams.com.
