Starting Friday, the N.C. State Wolfpack began its quest to make its mark at the USA Outdoor Junior and Senior Nationals at the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon.
The Pack will bring a young, but well represented group to the event, bringing eleven current and former members of the track to Eugene.
One individual that will be heavily focused on the men’s side of the senior event is sophomore distance runner Ryan Hill, who is definitely no stranger to this event.
During last years event he set the school record in the 1,500 meter run and finished ninth overall in that event. He will also be looking to continue his hot streak, as he is coming off being named an honorable mention All-American at the NCAA Championships in the 5,000 meter run.
“I know last year Ryan went to nationals last year and he did really awesome,” junior Andie Cozarelli said. “He’s been having a great season so I’m sure he’ll do well”
The Pack will also be bringing Andrew Colley to the Senior Nationals, who finished 17th at the NCAA Championships in the 5,000 meter run.
The Pack will also bring some of the best athletes in the nation to the Junior Championships as well. It will be lead by freshman Kenyatta Iyevbelle, who will compete in the 800 meter run.
Iyevbelle has had an outstanding first year so far, as she has set the school record in the 800 meter event at the NCAA National Championships and becoming a first team. That marked the first time that any male or female track athlete at N.C. State has earned an All-American honor in that event.
“She was excited and I expect that she’ll run very well as she has this whole season, Cozarelli said. “I’m really proud of her and I know she’ll place really high up there.”
Iyevbelle will be joined by freshman Bryan Spreitzer and Matt Schick, who are both local products of the Raleigh area on the track side. Tremanisha Taylor and Jule Rich will compete in the discus events. This event will mark each of their first times competing in the Junior Nationals event, but they are still very confident in their abilites despite their inexperience.
“We haven’t really talked about my strategy too much in depth yet,” Iyevbelle said. “It’ll be different form the previous races at regionals and nationals. I’m definitely confident. I’m excited and I feel very ready.”
N.C. State Alumus will also be representatives of the Pack during this event. Current Wolfpack volunteer track and cross country coach Bobby Mack will also compete in the event.
Mack also attended N.C. State, where he earned All-American and All-ACC honors during his career at State. He is also the defending national champion in the 8,000 meter run. Five time All-American Julia Lucas will also compete, as well as Krista Vegh.
The event will run until Sunday and you can track all of the results from each event at www.flashresults.com.
