HIGH POINT, N.C. - The Gardner-Webb University track and field teams returned to action on Saturday afternoon in High Point, competing in Day One of the HPU VertKlasse Meet

Freshman Hope Smith began the day strong for Gardner-Webb, taking part in the women's 400 meters. Smith crossed the line in sixth place after 57.06 seconds

Freshman Emily Leatherman continued a solid debut spring for the Runnin' Bulldogs in the women's 800 meters. Leatherman finished 10th in the event with a time of 2:18.93

The men's 800 meters also proved to be a strong event for GWU, by way of senior Ryan Morita. Mortia, in 1:55.30, brought home a seventh place finish for the Runnin' Bulldogs

Sophomore Anna Spencer continued a terrific spring season on Friday afternoon, taking part in the women's 200 meter race. Spencer sprinted her way to a second place finish, with a time of 23.93 seconds posted to the board. Spencer's time also sets a brand new Gardner-Webb record for the women's 200 meters.

In the early field events, Gardner-Webb was led by sophomore Breeland Madison. Madison posted a solid 48.92 meters in the men's hammer throw, good for third place.

In men's hammer throw elite, Gardner-Webb was led by Big South Indoor champion, junior Quentin Peterson. Among the field of ten, Peterson placed second with a distance of 56.82 meters.

Group B for the men's high jump saw Gardner-Webb take the top spot by way of Jonathan Timpson. Timpson, with a distance of 1.95 meters, won GWU's first event of the day.

Fresh off setting a new Gardner-Webb record in Myrtle Beach, senior Calvin Fernandez was back for the 'Dawgs in the men's javelin throw, With a distance of 65.33 meters, Fernandez placed in third.

Women's javelin throw also proved strong for the 'Dawgs. Sophomore Isa van Sintemaartensdijk placed fifth in her morning event, posting a distance of 41.44 meters.

Setting another Gardner-Webb record, freshman Joshua Powell showed out in the men's long jump. Powell came second overall in the event, recording a distance of 7.56 meters.

UP NEXT
The Runnin' Bulldogs are back in action at HPU on Saturday, as the VertKlasse Meet continues.