Indoor track and field start off season big

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Sophomore sprinter Allah Laryea-Akrong won the 60 meters at the BYU Invitational. Courtesy of UVU Athletics

The Utah Valley Indoor Track and Field team got back on the track Jan. 7-8 at the BYU Invitational, where two new school records were set for the Wolverines.

“Leaving the meet, we were pleasantly surprised how the athletes preformed,” said Coach Scott Houle.

The first day of competition saw sophomore Aaron Best set a school record with a 50-foot, 3 ½ inch throw in the shot put, while teammate junior Maryn Pincock set two personal bests in the weight throw (42-10 ½) and the discus (145-8).

The second school record was set on day two by junior sprinter Olivia Kyere-Boateng, who won the 300 meters in 40.20 seconds. Senior teammate Chelsea Baker finished third in 300 meters at 41.19.

The men’s side saw two sprinters, sophomores Akawsi Frimpong and Allah Laryea-Akrong, win the 300 meters and 60 meters at 35.45 and 6.78.

“Going to BYU meets is always fun for us as coaches to make sure we are doing everything right,” said Houle.

Houle is confident in his team for their 2011 season, saying, “As long as we can keep them healthy I think it will be a good season for us. We’re definitely better than we were last year and ready for the season,” concluded Houle.

The Wolverines will now head to the Boise State Invitational, which will take place over a three-week period, with meets held Jan. 22, Feb. 4-5, and Feb. 11-12.

The closest meet where fans can check out the Wolverines for the 2011 indoor track and field season will be the Weber State Invitational, which will be held on Feb. 19 in Ogden before the team heads to the Great West Conference Championships on Feb. 26-27.

The outdoor track and field season will begin on March 4-5 when the team heads to the UNLV Invitational in Las Vegas.