Several Top Finishes Highlight Day 1 at Clemson

CLEMSON, S.C. – The Florida Atlantic University track & field team boasted a number of top performances in day one at the Bob Pollok Invitational hosted at Clemson University. Three Owls etched their way into FAU's top 10 in their respective events, including Madlen Kappeler, who won the 5000m.

Coach Smolka's Take

Opening Statement:
"After a day like today, it's hard not get ahead of ourselves," said head coach Alex Smolka. "Obviously, it's a two-day meet; however, today we had a great day!"

On Individual Performances:
"Cara [Simpson] really exploded onto the scene as a force to be reckoned with in the 60m dash in addition to her jumping ability," said Simpson. "Madlen [Kappeler] and Marisha [Thompson] both displayed their abilities, which make them contenders in their events at the conference level!"

Looking to Tomorrow:
"The team is getting along great, our team dynamic is extremely positive and we are excited for what is to come. Hopefully tomorrow will be as successful, if not more so than today!"

Quick Hits

Kappeler kicked off the day with an individual win in the 5000m. Her first-place time of 17:30.13 became a new personal record and fourth best time in school history
Morgan Sharp followed Kappeler in the 5K with a sixth-place showing (18:52.86)
Marisha Thompson cut a big chunk of time on her mile, capturing 10th place with a time of 5:03.03. The finish marked the ninth best time in school history
Cara Simpson had herself a memorable day in South Carolina. The junior qualified for the 60m finals after tallying seventh place with a time of 7.59, which was a then-personal record. Simpson then bested that time in the finals to record sixth place and a time of 7.56, which is the fourth best mark in school history
Simpson also logged a new personal record in the long jump with a mark of 5.53. She finished in ninth place
Venice Stewart placed 16th in the 60m prelims (7.77)

Upcoming

Day two of the Bob Pollock Invitational at Clemson will commence tomorrow morning at the Clemson Indoor Track & Field Complex

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Calendar

Upcoming Events

Players Mentioned

Madlen Kappeler

Morgan Sharp

Cara Simpson

Venice Stewart

Marisha Thompson

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Event: Women's XC/Track & Field at UM Hurricane Alumni Invitational on April 11, 2026 at All Day

Upcoming Event: Women's XC/Track & Field at Georgia Tech Invitational on April 17, 2026 at All Day

Upcoming Event: Women's XC/Track & Field at UNF Invitational on May 1, 2026 at All Day

Upcoming Event: Women's XC/Track & Field versus American Outdoor Championships on May 13, 2026 at All Day

Upcoming Event: Women's XC/Track & Field versus NCAA East First Round on May 28, 2026 at All Day

Florida Atlantic University Athletics