DURHAM, N.C. - Duke track and field is gearing up for an exciting weekend at the Raleigh Relays, set to take place from March 26-28 at the Paul Durr Track & Field Facility. With a strong lineup, the Blue Devils are ready to make their mark.
Spotlight on Matthew Prebola:
Senior standout Matthew Prebola is turning heads after being named ACC Men's Outdoor Field Performer of the Week. His performance in the men's javelin at the High Point Bob Davidson Team Challenge was nothing short of spectacular.
Prebola launched a personal best of 70.29m (230-7 feet), securing a first-place finish by over 23 feet. This impressive throw places him at the top of the ACC and fifth nationally.
It's clear that Prebola is a force to be reckoned with this season.
Duke's Strong Contingent:
The Blue Devils are sending a formidable squad of 74 student-athletes to compete across a variety of events. The action kicks off on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. with the women's shot put, followed by the men's 1500m at 4:05 p.m.
Friday's schedule includes the women's discus at 10 a.m. and the women's 100m hurdles at 10:45 a.m. The weekend wraps up on Saturday with the men's hammer throw at 9:30 a.m. and the women's 4x100m relay at 11:15 a.m.
Duke boasts six athletes ranked in the top 25 of their events: Andres Langston (3rd in 400m hurdles), Gianna Locci (4th in long jump), Julia Magliaro (17th in javelin), Allison Neiders (11th in pole vault), Matthew Prebola (4th in javelin), and TJ Rowan (12th in pole vault). These athletes are poised to deliver standout performances.
Recap of Recent Success:
The High Point Bob Davidson Team Challenge marked a strong start to the outdoor season for Duke. The Blue Devils clinched victories in the men's 110-meter hurdles, men's and women's 400-meter hurdles, women's 200 meters, men's javelin, and women's long jump.
In total, they secured 16 podium finishes and 22 top-five placements. The women's team finished third with 90 points, while the men placed fourth with 80 points.
Notable performances included Gianna Locci and Johrdyn Tarpeh's wins, along with Taylor Aska in the 200m and Michael Scherk in the 110m hurdles.
Looking Ahead:
Next on the agenda, Duke will host the Duke Invitational from April 8-11 at Morris Williams Stadium. It's an exciting time for the Blue Devils as they continue their promising season.