Long Beach State to Compete at the Don Kirby Invitational

Friday, February 8

Albuquerque, N.M.

Long Beach State University

Don Kirby Collegiate Elite Invitational

2/6/2019 11:26:00 AM | Indoor Track

LBSU T&F takes action at the University of New Mexico.

By: Hollie Harris, Athletic Communications Assistant

Albuquerque, N.M. – After a strong season opening performance two weeks ago, Long Beach State is back in action this weekend at the Don Kirby Invitational on the campus of the University of New Mexico. The Beach will send 30+ athletes to compete Feb. 8-9, in preparation for the MPSF Indoor Championships.

In the field, Kemonie Briggs will take flight in the long jump as the leading scorer in the event for the Beach. Jason Smith will join in the long jump as well as compete in the high jump with senior Vincent Calhoun. Senior Blair Robinson is scheduled to compete in his signature event event, the triple jump as well as perform in the long jump. To wrap up the men's performances on the field, Josh Carr and Charlie Vernoy will both compete in the men's weight throw on Friday.

On the women's side, Bria Palmer will compete in the high jump after winning and recording a new personal-best mark in that event at the Air Force Invitational to start off her 2019 season. Other competitors for the Beach will include De'Ondra Young in the weight throw and Melanee Williams in the long jump.

On the track, school-record holder Courtne' Davis is scheduled to compete in the 60-meter dash and 200m; joining her will be team captain Azaria Hill in both events and Whitney Knox in the 60-meters. Junior Skylin Harbin will compete in the 60mh, coming off of a solid season opening performance at the Air Force Invitational. Joining her in that event will be Melanee Williams and Sydney Barnes. The 4x400m relay is looking to consist of Davis, Hill, Knox and Harbin to finish out the women's competition on Saturday.

On the track for the men's, Kemonie Briggs and Faris Babineux will kick off competition for the Beach in the 400m dash scheduled on Friday. Babineux will also compete in the 200m, with teammate Olufemi Ajose and Kent Harris. Both Ajose and Harris will also run in the 60-meter dash on Saturday. Derreck Affor will compete in the 60mh, looking to improve on his season opening time of 8.39. In the distances, freshman Raymon Orneleas is scheduled to compete in the men's seeded 3000m for the Beach.

The action gets underway for the Beach at 4 p.m. MT on Friday while Saturday's action begins at 10 a.m. MT with qualifying heats in the sprints. This will be the final indoor event for the Beach prior to the MPSF Championships on Feb. 22-23 in Seattle.