Boone, N.C.----Wingate University sophomore thrower Jesse Lavelle (Greensboro, N.C.) set three school records Friday, headlining a big day for the Bulldogs in the Appalachian Open at Kidd Brewer Stadium. Two Wingate runners set one school record each at the event, hosted by NCAA Division I Appalachian State University (view full results at this link).

Lavelle started his day with a 39.95 meter hammer throw. He heaved the discus 37.17 meters and completed his triple play with a 13.16 meter shot put toss. Lavelle was the top NCAA Division II thrower in the hammer and the shot put Friday. He finished in the top nine in all three events.

Wingate freshman sprinter Cole Henderson (Elon, N.C.) continues his solid first year as he recorded a school record time of 49.92 in the 400 meters.  He was second overall and the top NCAA Division II finisher. Freshman teammate Corey Silvestri (Charlotte, N.C.) was third at 50.61.

Bulldog sophomore middle-distance runner Lamont Reaves (Vass, N.C.) posted a school record in the 800 meters, placing second with his time of 1:57.39. Reaves topped the Division II charts Friday, outdistancing four Lenoir-Rhyne runners and one Lees-McRae runner.

Freshman phenom Tyler Lee (Melbourne, Fla.) was second in the 110 meter high hurdles with his time of 15.05. He was the top Division II hurdler, finishing ahead of two runners each from Lees-McRae and Mars Hill. Lee stepped outside his comfort zone Friday, placing fifth in the 400 meters (51.35).

Wingate’s 4x100 meter relay team made a strong statement, placing second with a time of 42.46. The Bulldogs edged the Lees-McRae Bobcat quartet (43.68). Sophomore Jonathan Smith (Cherry Hill, N.J.) was third in the long jump (6.61 meters). Sophomores Astute Evans (High Point, N.C.) and Darion Ryans (Boynton Beach, Fla.) were third (13.65 meters) and fourth (13.00 meters), respectively, in the triple jump.

The Applachian Open was Wingate’s final tune-up prior to the Southeast Regional meet Saturday, April 20 at Lenoir-Rhyne. Friday’s meet was a homecoming for Wingate throws coach Whitney Smyre, who earned multiple All-SoCon honors during a distinguished ASU Mountaineer career.