Smith, Newcomers Set High Bar At Indoor Opener

Phoenix, Ariz.- The Firestorm have not historically set their indoor opener in December, but certainly discovered success early at the Holiday Preview. ACU did not waste any time breaking into the program's record book, as four athletes (Thaddious Thurman, Manny Valenzuela, Drew Gertenrich and Jerahmia Smith) posted top-ten performances in their respective disciplines. Smith established a new standard for shot put, throwing it an impressive 15.92 meters (52'2.75''). Not only was it a school record, it also was a distance that exceeds the "A" Standard qualifying mark for the NAIA Indoor National Championships.

EVENT DETAILS

Holiday Preview (Hosted by Paradise Valley Community College)

Location- Phoenix, AZ
Start Time- 9:00 AM

NOTABLE RESULTS

60-Meter Hurdles

Thaddious Thurman- 9.07 seconds (4th all-time in ACU history)

600 Meter

Manny Valenzuela- 1:41 (10th all-time in ACU history)

Discus Throw

Drew Gertenrich- 43.96 meters/144'2.75'' (2nd all-time in ACU history)

Shot Put

Jerahmia Smith- 15.92 meter/52'2.75'' (New ACU record)

THOUGHTS FROM COACH BRIAN BELL

"In the past we have not competed this early in the season, but with a team that is almost 80% new athletes it was important to have an early test," Coach Bell said. "The entire coaching staff is thrilled with how each athlete competed. This was a great opening meet to get us ready for competing next week at the Air Force Holiday Opener at the United States Air Force Academy on December 8th."

NEXT UP FOR THE FIRESTORM

ACU heads north to Colorado Springs for the Air Force Holiday Collegiate Open on December 8th. This event will be their last in the calendar year, before the Firestorm pick up the remainder of their indoor season in late January.

Roll Storm!

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Players Mentioned

Drew Gertenrich: Throws; 6' 5"; Junior

Thaddious Thurman: Hurdles; 6' 0"; Freshman

Manny Valenzuela: Long Sprints; 5' 8"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

Drew Gertenrich
: 6' 5"; Junior
: Throws

Thaddious Thurman
: 6' 0"; Freshman
: Hurdles

Manny Valenzuela
: 5' 8"; Freshman
: Long Sprints