WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - The Meredith College Track & Field team opened the 2025 indoor campaign with an impressive showing at the JDL Early Bird Invitational. The opening weekend showcased several early-season highlights—including a plethora of personal bests and a new school record in the weight throw.
Sophomore Bryanna Herring delivered the performance of the meet for the Avenging Angels, placing 3rd overall in the women's weight throw with a massive mark of 15.24m (50' 0").
This throw not only earned her a top-three finish against a competitive collegiate field—it also broke the Meredith College school record, setting the tone for a powerful season ahead. Herring's series included multiple strong attempts, highlighted by her historic 15.24m throw.
Joining her in the weight throw were freshmen Jamie Cornatzer (11.40m, 13th) and Kaitlyn Lawton (7.28m, 17th), giving Meredith a promising early look at a deep and developing throws squad.
Sophomore Abigail Clayton led the sprint group with a strong 200 meters clocking in at 26.78, placing 28th overall. Junior Natasha Elder 28.79.
The 400 meters proved to be one of Meredith's most competitive events of the day. Abigail Clayton (SO) posted a 1:02.23 in the seeded section, placing 19th. Abrianna Casarez (JR) ran 1:02.33, finishing 11th in the open division. Natasha Elder (JR) added a strong 1:04.73, with freshman Lydia Smith competing in her first collegiate 400.
The group later combined for a determined performance in the 4x400m relay, where Smith, Elder, Casarez, and Clayton clocked 4:19.79, finishing 7th overall.
In the 60m hurdles, freshmen Lydia Smith (11.61) and Arianna VanGelder (11.94) gained valuable early-season experience.
The long jump was led by junior Abrianna Casarez leading the way with a mark of 4.31m (14' 1.75").
The throwers continued to shine in the shot put. Athena Mowatt (JR) – 10.35m, finishing 15th, Jamie Cornatzer (FR) – 9.89m, 18th, and Finley Sparks (FR) – 8.86m, 24th
Head Coach Field Miller on the day: "Opening weekend can sometimes be an up and down affair but this group has been working extremely hard and I was proud of our effort as we work towards pushing our baseline performance higher."
With a school record already falling on the opening weekend and strong performances spread across every event group, the Avenging Angels are poised for a powerful indoor season. Meredith will return to action next month as they continue building momentum toward the USA South Championships.
