Hesman And Manuel Lead Reds Split-Squad

UNB's Micah Hesman leads the field in an event during the men's heptathlon at the McGill Team Challenge. Hesman won the heptathlon, setting a new Reds record in the process. (Photo: Matt Garies/for McGill Athletics)
UNB's Micah Hesman leads the field in an event during the men's heptathlon at the McGill Team Challenge. Hesman won the heptathlon, setting a new Reds record in the process. (Photo: Matt Garies/for McGill Athletics)

(MONTREAL, QC) Micah Hesman and Jarod Manuel scored wins to lead the UNB Reds track and field team at last weekend's McGill Team Challenge.

Hesman won the men's heptathlon, establishing a new UNB record by scoring 4372 points, while Manuel won the men's shot put and took third place in the men's weight throw.

Robert Williamson took third in the men's triple jump, setting a new UNB record for the second weekend in a row.

"Micah, Robert and Jarod demonstrated that their preparation this season is on pace to medal at the AUS Championships," said Reds head coach Chris Belof. "The bar continues to rise. Each weekend there have been school records and high-ranking performances."

While one group of Reds was in Montreal, another was in Boston, at the John Thomas Terrier Classic.

Michael Colford ran to a new UNB record in the men's mile, while Isaac Cull set a new school mark in the men's 3000 metres.

Victoria LeBlanc finished third in the women's triple jump, while Tavia Salkey established new Reds record in both the women's 60 and 200 metres.

"It's been a very special season for Victoria LeBlanc," said Belof. "She has shown her consistency, jumping around 12 meters almost every weekend, and Tavia Salkey's performances in the sprints are steadily improving."

"There were numerous personal and season bests across all of our athletes last weekend, which demonstrates the hard work of both our athletes and event coaches," said Belof.

The Reds will participate in the New Brunswick Championships, in Saint John, this weekend.

UNB hosts the Subway Atlantic University Sport Championships, February 21st and 22nd, at the Irving Oil Field House, in Saint John.