Freshmen athletes successful in home invitational
Alex Von Hagen was one of several freshmen Friday and Saturday to snag top honors in several events during their first competitions as Buffs at Colorado’s track and field opener.
Von Hagen finished first overall in the men’s heptathon, the long jump and high jump and placed second in the 60-meter dash at the Potts Indoor Invitational at the Balch Fieldhouse.
“I’m excited that I’m performing the way I am in January,” Von Hagen said.
Colorado has not hosted a combined event in several years, head coach Mark Wetmore said, and he said he is pleased with his multi-event athletes.
Von Hagen also said he is already looking forward to the Big 12 Indoor Championships at the end of February.
“I’m really excited for this year,” Von Hagen said. “I really want to place in the conference for indoors. That’s my main goal for this season.”
Lindsey Malone, first-year assistant coach for jumps and combined events, said that she is impressed with Von Hagen.
“Alex right now is only a couple hundred points off from qualifying for NCAA,” Malone said.
Von Hagen was not the only Buff newcomer that had a strong showing at the invitational.
Fellow freshman Adam Salzmann also performed well in the men’s heptathlon, finishing second in the 60-meter dash and the 60-meter hurdles as well as the 1,000 meter run.
Ryan Dresen, another CU freshman, won the men’s high jump and finished second in the men’s long jump.
“Our freshman class looks pretty strong,” Von Hagen said. “I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Following the competition, head coach Wetmore said he was pleased with the men’s 60-meter dash.
Senior Ryan Campbell took second place in the event, with junior Jeremy Dodson placing third and football running back Hugh Charles placing fourth.
“I felt pretty good for my first race of the year,” sprinter Campbell said.
Wetmore and Campbell said Charles is a welcome addition to the team.
“We’re really excited about having Hugh running indoor for us this season,” Campbell said.
On the women’s side, sophomore Troi Smith finished second in the pentathlon.
The Buffs’ next meet will be Jan. 26 at the Colorado School of Mines.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Brad Cochi at bradley.cochi@thecampuspress.com
