at the University of Montevallo in Montevallo, Alabama
Florida Tech has experienced its most successful season in program history this year with athletes on both squads breaking personal and school records. (Photo by Austin Coffey)
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Florida Tech has experienced its most successful season in program history this year with athletes on both squads breaking personal and school records.
The Panthers look to continue improving their stride as they head into the Peach Belt Conference Track & Field Championships this Thursday through Saturday, April 16-18, at the University of Montevallo in Montevallo, Alabama.
Rachel Tobin
The Panthers broke a number of program records this season and leading the charge are two freshmen sprinters, Rachel Tobin and Alexis Santiago.
Tobin has been phenomenal in her first season competing at the college level. She has set new individual records for the Crimson and Gray in the 100 meter dash (11.85) and the 200 meter dash (23.90).
Tobin ranks No. 3 in the PBC in the 100 meter dash and No. 1 in the 200 meter dash and is provisionally qualified for the NCAA Championships in both events.
Alexis Santiago
Alexis Santiago has been just as impressive in her first season, also breaking several individual records. She set new program marks in the 100 meter hurdles (14.10) and the 400 meter hurdles (1:08.50).
Santiago’s performance in the 100 meter hurdles puts her at No. 3 in the PBC rankings and provisionally qualifies her for the NCAA Championships in the event.
Tobin and Santiago also teamed up with JoeMarie Reid and Maia Carter to form a relay team that broke records in the 4×100 meter (47.81) and the 4×400 meter (4:03.40) relays.
Three other female Panthers set new marks this season.
Ellyn Willse
Ellyn Willse now holds the record in the 3,000 meter steeple chase with a time of 12:13.30. MacKenzie Broughthon set a program record in the high jump with an attempt of 5’0.25.”
Noelle Novakowski carries the new mark in the long jump with her leap of 18’9,” which also sits her at No. 2 in the PBC.
Terence Brookins
Terence Brookins set a new program mark in the 400 meter dash with a time of 48.61, sitting him at No. 2 in the PBC for the event.
The Panthers are eager to get started with their inaugural participation in the PBC Championships.
The meet kicks off on Thursday with the men’s hammer throw finals at 2 p.m. ET. The women’s and men’s 100 meter dash trials begin at 5 p.m. ET.
Pete Mazzone
“The team is excited and ready to compete in our first ever track and field conference championships,” said head coach Pete Mazzone.
“We brought 16 men and 12 women, so we do not have as much depth in some events, but what we do have is great quality. I am expecting us to be very competitive for those top spots.”
“The facility looks great, the weather looks great and the team is feeling great. We are expecting some great things from this team. We’re ready to go,” said Mazzone.
The second day of the competition begins with the opening ceremonies at 1 p.m. ET and the men’s discus final at 3 p.m. ET. The women’s and men’s 4×100 meter relay finals start at 4:30 p.m. ET
