Panthers Open 2023-24 Season with a Bang at Liberty Kick Off
LYNCHBURG, VA - The Claflin University men's and women's track & field teams opened the 2023-24 season in impressive fashion with some solid showings at the 2023 Liberty Kickoff. Competing against some of the top competition in the nation from all NCAA divisions, the Lady Panthers and Panthers were both able to put on some strong performances.
The Lady Panthers saw some strong showings both on the track and in field events. On the track, senior Jonnica Fuller set the tone with a 13
th place finish in the women's 400m dash with a 1:00.39 while senior Pheijana Burnside placed 11
th in the women's 60m hurdles with a 9.21. In field events, it was the freshman duo of Marlayna McBride and Jhnyia Knuckles who led the way for the Lady Panthers. McBride placed ninth in the women's long jump with a 16'9.75" (5.12m) jump. Knuckles placed 10
th with a 16'8.50" (5.09m) jump of her own.
The Panthers had some great efforts of their own. Sophomore Jonathan Fleimester led the way when he won the men's 200m dash with a 21.74 and he also added a second-place finish in the men's 60m dash with a 6.87. Junior
Zion Murry also won the men's 800m run with a 1:55.15. Sophomore
Jakarriez Sanders added a third place finish in the event with a 1:55.91. In field events, junior
Jocolbi Morgan placed third in the men's high jump with a 6'2.75" (1.90m) jump. He also placed third in the men's long jump with a 22'9" (6.93m).
The Panthers and Lady Panthers will return to action, Sunday when they take part in the JDL Kick Off. For more information on Claflin indoor track & field, contact the Claflin University Office of Athletics Media Relations at (803) 535-5548 or log on to
www.athletics.claflin.edu.
