May 17, 2009

JOHNSON SETS SCHOOL RECORD IN LONG JUMP AT GEORGIA TECH INVITATIONAL
Full Results

ATLANTA, Ga. – The Virginia Commonwealth University women’s track and field team used a rainy weekend at the Georgia Tech Invitational as its final tune-up before the NCAA East Regional.

It was also the last chance for individuals to qualify for the regional meet, which begins May 29.

Senior Verniece Johnson (Mineral, Va.), who qualified earlier this season, topped her previous school record with a first-place finish in the long jump, while sophomore Quina Fortune (New Orleans, La.) missed the regional qualifying mark by just over one-tenth of a second in the 200-meter dash.

“We didn’t let the rain delays spoil our weekend,” said head coach Jon Riley.  “Despite the weather conditions, we competed very well against a talented field of athletes.”

Johnson captured the long jump title for the fifth time this spring.  She beat her personal best and school record, which she set at the CAA Championship meet in April, by a quarter-inch with a measurement of 20’ 3 ¾”. 

“I think Verniece is ready for the upcoming East Region meet in two weeks,” said Riley. “She is mentally ready, but we will rely on our athletic training staff to get her physically ready as she nurses an ankle injury.”

Fortune, meanwhile, placed 12th in the 200-meter dash, crossing the tape in 24.10 seconds.  Her finish was just .14 seconds shy of qualifying for the Regional.

“Quina had another good race in the 200-meter despite the rain delay,” Riley said.  “She didn't hit the regional qualifying mark, but I am pleased with how she finished the season. I have no doubt that she will be a dominant force on the track for our team next year.”