Lyles and McGill lead women to strong regular season finish

Junior Kimberly Lyles, junior Tamara McGill and senior Matt Brousse led the women’s and… Junior Kimberly Lyles, junior Tamara McGill and senior Matt Brousse led the women’s and men’s indoor track teams in the Penn State Challenge Cup in State College, Pa., this past weekend.

Lyles electrified the crowd with her speed Saturday afternoon by breaking the school record in the 200-meter dash with a time of 23.92, anchoring the winning 4×400-meter relay team, and placing fifth in the 60-meter dash with a time of 7.59.

“She was incredible; it really was mind-boggling what she accomplished this past weekend,” said Alonzo Webb, the head coach of men’s and women’s indoor track team.

Trenace Elliot, Lamoy Stephens and Janine Jones ran on the 4×400-meter relay team with Lyles, helping the Panthers win the event with a time of 3:40:68.

“We ran the B-relay team to get ready for the Big East Tournament, and they did a great job,” said Webb. “They did exactly what I expected, and they are only going to get better.”

McGill, the leader of the Panthers, had another great meet. She won the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 8.46.

“Tamara is one of the best athletes in the country,” Webb said. “She always wants to get better; she is such a competitor and is a true example of someone leading by example.”

Fatmata Fofonah continued to make a name for her self, giving another great effort against some of he best in the nation. She finished third in the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 8.59.

“We expected her to be at a high level coming out of high school, and we have gotten everything we have expected,” Webb said. “Fatmata has such a great attitude; she is the kind of athlete that we want for the program.”

The men’s team was lead by Brousse, who won the pole vault with a jump of 4.95 meters.

“He has a great work ethic and a very good attitude; that is why I named him the captain,” Webb said. “Matt is really motivated right now, and it is coming at the perfect time.”

The Panthers got a huge contribution from star freshman Justin Clickett, who placed second in the shot put, with a throw of 17.05 meters. Senior Mike Stellefson also finished fourth in the event, with a throw of 16.19 meters.

“Justin always strives to get better each meet, and it really shows when he competes.” Webb said.

The Panthers have their biggest meet of the year this weekend at the Big East Tournament in Syracuse, N.Y.

“We are hoping for the men’s team to finish in the top half; if everyone believes, we should be fine,” said Webb. “The women are setting up for a good finish, and I truly believe they will battle for the championship.”