Huskers Win Two Titles on First Day of Frank Sevigne Husker Invitational

LINCOLN, Neb. - Competition began on day one of the Frank Sevigne Husker Invitational on Friday at the Bob Devaney Sports Center Indoor Track.

In front of a crowd of 1,533, James Joycey started off the meet strong for the Huskers with a new personal best in the weight throw. His throw of 67-10 3/4 (20.69m) was the top mark by a collegian and moved him up two spots to No. 4 in school history. 

Ieva Turke won the women's long jump title with a season-best mark of 19-8 3/4 (6.01m). It was her second individual win of the indoor season. Zionn Pearson placed fifth for the Big Red in the event, jumping 19-3 1/2 (5.88m), also a season best. 

Tony Nou was the runner-up in the 400 meters with an indoor collegiate best time of 47.45. Freshman Kayla Hugg earned the bronze medal in the 400 meters with a time of 55.36. 

Marika Spencer got fifth place for the Huskers in the weight throw after a personal-best throw of 60-6 3/4 (18.46m). Luke Russell finished fifth in the long jump at 23-3 1/2 (7.10m). 

Luke Siedhoff qualified for the men's 60-meter hurdles final, winning his heat with a season-best time of 7.87. Matthew Brown (6.76) and Lorenzo Paissan (6.79) qualified for the 60 meters final, while Deja Ingram (7.56) and Darby Thomas (7.59) qualified on the women's side. 

After day one of the heptathlon, Zach Podraza is in fourth place with 2,903 points. 

Day two of the Frank Sevigne Husker Invitational begins on Saturday with multi-events at 9:30 a.m., and both running and field events commencing at 11:30 a.m.