WINSTON-SALEM, NC - Jacob Parkinson continues to excel during his senior year, winning the 5000 meter run at Friday's Liberty Kickoff and topping that with a new meet record in the mile at the JDL Early Bird Invitational on Sunday. 

Liberty Kickoff
A select few individuals competed at Friday's Liberty Kickoff. Leading the way for the Bears was senior Jacob Parkinson, who's time of 14:38.65 in the 5000m was good enough for first place and set a new personal best. In addition to his 5000m success, he also took third in the 3000m with a time of 8:23.47. 

On the women's side, Elizabeth Kessler was the high finisher, taking sixth in the mile with a time of 5:19.69, just five seconds off a personal best. 

Liberty Kickoff Results

• 60m dash
  • Marcus Crumpler - 9th, 6.97
  • Liam Sutton - 32nd, 7.11
  • Damyja Ortiz - 41st, 8.07
• 60m Hurdles
  • Liam Sutton - 8th, 8.36
• 300 meters
  • Damyja Ortiz - 13th, 40.95
  • Kahneil Budham - 23rd, 37.68
• 500 meters
  • Marcus Crumpler - 4th, 1:04.71
• Mile
  • Elizabeth Kessler - 6th, 5:19.69
• 3000 meters
  • Jacob Parkinson - 3rd, 8:23.47
  • Lewis Budgen - 7th, 8:42.03
• 5000 meters
  • Jacob Parkinson - 1st, 14:38.65
• High Jump
  • Kahlil West - 6th, 2.00m (6-6.75)

JDL Fast Track Invitational
A majority of the team opened their season in Winston-Salem on Sunday, competing in the JDL Fast Track Invitational. Leading the way on the men's side yet again was Jacob Parkinson, who set a new meet record in the mile with a time of 4:16.74. Also winning his event was freshman Havyn Spain, who's time of 22.47 in the 200m was tops for the event. The Bears notched two second-place finishes, with Harrison Waddell taking second in the weight throw and Mike Karicher finishing runner up in the pole vault.

The women saw two first place finishes. Olivia Overholt took home the 800m title with a time of 2:23.14, and Elizabeth Kessler won the 3000m in 10:32.93. Caitlyn Christie set a new mile PR, finishing second with a time of 5:19.69. 

Top-Three Finishers

• 200 meters
  • Havyn Spain - 1st, 22.47
• 800 meters
  • Olivia Overholt - 1st, 2:23.14
• Mile
  • Jacob Parkinson - 1st, 4:16.74
  • Caitlyn Christie - 2nd, 5:19.69
• 3000 meters
  • Elizabeth Kessler - 1st, 10:32.93
• Pole Vault
  • Mike Karicher - 2nd, 4.45m (14-7.25)
• Weight Throw
  • Harrison Waddell - 2nd, 16.15 (53-0)

The Bears will be back in action in January when they will take part in the Finn Pincus Invitational, hosted by Roanoke College. The meet will take place on Friday-Saturday January 17-18 in Salem, Virginia.