Men's Track & Field 2/1/2008 5:00:00 AM MEAC Media Relations

Aggie Women Break Two School Records at Chapel Hill Invite

Junior sprinter Alexandria Spruiel got off to an outstanding start in 2008 with first-place finish at the Virginia Tech Indoor Invitational. Spruiel, a 2007 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field national qualifier in the 400 meters, recorded a time of 1:12.70 in the women’s 500 meters on Friday win against 46 other competitors.

Spruiel’s time of 1:12.70 earned her another school record. She also owns the school record in the 400 meters outdoor.

Spruiel was not the only Aggie breaking records over the weekend. Junior Loreal Smith, who was a 2007 regional qualifier, placed fourth in the women’s 55 meter hurdles. Smith finished with a time of 7.91 to break the school record.

Kimona Smith also started where she finished off last season. The sophomore who won gold in the long jump in outdoor as a freshman, finished third in the women’s long jump and triple jump. In the long jump, she leaped 19-feet, 2 ? inches. In the triple jump, her high mark was 40-feet, 1 ? inches. Teammate Brittany Dixson finished in fourth with a jump of 39-feet, 9 ? inches.

Calesio Newman starred on the men’s side. Newman placed second in the 55 meter dash with a time of 6.31. Newman also finished seventh in the 200 meter dash with a sprint of 21.99.

Junior Lonnie Phifer is off to another outstanding start for the Aggies. Phifer, a two-time regional qualifier, placed second in the shot put with a toss of 57-feet, 6 ? inches.

Gordon Smith, who missed last season, ran his first race in a year-and-half. He placed seventh in the 500 meter dash. The Aggies are back in action this weekend when they travel to Johnson City, Tenn., to compete in the Niswonger Invitational on Jan. 18-19.