The Cyclones started off their outdoor track and field season on a high note over the weekend in Tampa, Florida, at the USF Alumni Invitational. The meet was stacked with many good teams and great competition for the Cyclones. 

Here are the three big takeaways from the USF Alumni Invitational:

Men’s shot put does not slow down  

All indoor season, one of the most successful events was the men’s shot put. That did not change at the start of the outdoor season.

The Cyclones placed three in the top five. Cam Jones won the event with a throw of 19.27 meters, Kevin Sakson placed second with a throw of 18.22 meters and Blake Veenstra placed fifth with a throw of 17.67 meters. 

Men’s javelin throw impresses right away

In an event that is not indoors, the Cyclones found success. 

In the first meet of the season where the Cyclones could throw the javelin, they placed three in the top six.

Nathan Vincent placed fourth with a throw of 54.71 meters, Kole Becker placed fifth (53.59 meters) and Clyde Hendrix placed sixth (51.21 meters)

Women’s 400 meters brings home a winner 

Overall, it was a tough meet for the sprinters for the Cyclones. They did find success in the women’s 400-meter dash. 

Sophomore Rachel Joseph won the event with a time of 52.21 seconds.

The Cyclones will look to build momentum in two weeks when they travel to Palo Alto, California, to compete in the Stanford Invitational on March 29-30.