By: by Emily Diekelmann
PHILADELPHIA- Sending some of their top distance athletes to one of the most competitive meets outside of conference, the Kennesaw State track and field duo of Mackenzie Howe, and Nabil Hamid shined at Penn Relays Thursday night. Up against competition from schools across the country, they proved while they are some of the best distance runners to come out of the south.
Having already qualified for the NCAA Preliminaries in the 10,000 meters, Howe tackled the 5,000 meters against women from schools such as Florida, Texas, Clemson and Villanova. Already holding the school record in the event, Howe shattered her previous time by 19 seconds, finishing 10th in 16:30.62. Racing that well has now put her in the position to compete in both the 5,000 and 10,000 meter races at NCAA Preliminaries next month.
Two weeks after getting a first in the 10,000 and second in the 3,000 meter steeplechase at conference, Hamid was back at it again trying to qualify for Prelims that are held in Bloomington, Ind. in May. Racing in the 10,000 meter race, Hamid improved on his time from conference by 25 seconds, finishing 16th in 30:45.60.
The track team continues their quest for a trip to Bloomington next weekend when they travel to Florida State for the Florida State Twilight meet, May 6-7.
