Jan. 14, 2011
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By Pat Salvas
UCFAthletics.com
LEXINGTON, Ky. (UCFAthletics.com) - Four members of the UCF track & field team started their season Friday night at the Kentucky Invitational. The first day of the two-day event saw the Knights compete in the pole vault and weight throw competitions.
With travel across much of the United States affected by the weather Friday, the poles used by the UCF pole vaulters did not make it to the meet on time, forcing them to borrow from other teams. Despite that hindrance, sophomore Erica Weiss (Orlando, Fla.) and freshman London Enos (Tampa, Fla.) were able to compete for the Knights.
Weiss finished 12th in the event, while Enos was 14th though both posted the same height (3.25m/10-8.0).
"These two had to deal with adversity right away without their own poles," said assistant coach Jeff Chakouian. "To their credit, they understood that the circumstances were not ideal, but they managed to push through that and do the best they could."
Two throwers made their college debuts Friday night at Nutter Fieldhouse as freshmen Satrina Oliveira (Fort Myers, Fla.) and Destinee Romain (Miami, Fla.) competed in the weight throw. Romain finished 27th (12.79m/41-11.50), while Oliveira was 31st (9.64m/31-07.50) in the event.
Both will be back on Saturday to compete in the shotput, an event Chakouian says is their strongest.
"This was the first time that either had thrown at this level and at this weight, so you could tell they were a little anxious," the second-year assistant said. "I am looking forward to seeing what they can do on Saturday in their better events."
Saturday will be the first true test on the track for the Knights since last season. UCF will field a much larger contingent on Saturday when the rest of the team will be on the track at the Nutter Fieldhouse starting at 10:30 a.m.
Pole Vault:
12 Weiss, Erica 3.25m 10-08.00
3.25 3.40
O XXX
14 Enos, London 3.25m 10-08.00
3.25 3.40
XO XXX
Weight Throw:
27 Romain, Destinee 12.79m 41-11.50
12.79m FOUL FOUL
31 Oliveira, Satrina 9.64m 31-07.50
9.64m FOUL FOUL