EMORY, Va. – The spring 2020 season of intercollegiate athletics is one that most certainly will be remembered. Unfortunately, it will not be the excitement of competition, the camaraderie between teammates that leads to lifelong friendships or the pride which comes from representing one's school that will be remembered. The memory will be that the season was cut short. Cut short by a thing so small, but one that has made a huge impact on our world as we know it.
The Emory & Henry College Department of Athletics will take pause over the next four weeks to reflect on these uncompleted spring seasons and look at what was, what might have been and what will be going forward. Some sports were in the middle of their seasons on Friday, March 13 when play was suspended. Others had barely gotten started.
Today, we continue our review with Men's Outdoor Track & Field.
RELATED - ODAC Men's Outdoor Track & Field Spring Wrap-Up
Under the direction of Head Coach Shawnee Kegley and assisted by Nathan Magstadt, Mike Caro and Leroy Worley, Emory & Henry was only able to compete in the Coastal Carolina Invitational on Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14. Junior Jackson Kaze (Midlothian, Va.) set a new school record in the 1,500 meters at 4:17.56. Senior Justin Fannon (Abingdon, Va.) broke the E&H record in the hammer throw (39.67m) while freshman Colby Martin (Fork Union, Va.) posted an E&H-best 12.54 meters in the triple jump.
RELATED - 2020 Schedule
"After a record performance at Indoor ODACs, we were ready to prove ourselves again during outdoor season," said Kaze. "When the virus was starting to peak, we knew that the odds of the season continuing were slim. Most of us are fortunate to have next season to look forward to, but our two seniors Trel (Phillips) and Justin (Fannon) don't. They made the most out of the situation at Myrtle Beach, with Trel winning the shot put and Justin getting third in the shot and setting a record in the hammer."
An additional three meets were scheduled to take place during the regular season leading up to the 2020 ODAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships which would have been held on Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18 at University of Lynchburg.
RELATED - 2020 Top Performances
"Our men's team was really excited heading into the outdoor season," commented Kegley, who recently resigned from her position as head coach to spend more time with her growing family. "They had a great indoor campaign, and I believe we would have scored well in the field events and had conference champions. Our first meet was exciting to see how everyone was progressing. These young men bring everything they have to practice and meets, have winning attitudes and will continue to excel in the future."
An announcement regarding Emory & Henry's next Head Cross Country/Track & Field Coach is forthcoming.
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