The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas


Razorback Invitational

Men's Track and Field freshmen stand out at Razorback Invitational
01.26.2008 | Track & Field / Cross Country m, Track & Field / Cross Country
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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- Freshman Logan Gonzales earns runner-up honors in 800 while fellow rookie Danzell Fortson finishes in the top 10 in a competitive quarter-mile on the final day of the at the Razorback Invitational at the Randal Tyson Track Center.
Gonzales (Boone, Iowa) finished second in the 800 in 1:54.15 competing in his third meet at Texas, but in his first 800 race of the year. Gonzales clocked the Longhorns' fastest time this season.
Classmate Fortson ran 47.68 for ninth in the 400. In a 400 that included professional runners, Fortson had the fifth-fastest time of any collegian. The first-year runner completed the race after contact with another runner left him with a six-inch cut on his leg.
Texas registered five additional top-10 finishes.
The 4x400-meter relay, comprised of freshman Andre Thomas (St. Peters, Mo.), junior Jacob Hernandez (Magnolia, Texas), junior Tevan Everett (Bel-Aire, Kan.) and Fortson, neared the provisional standard with a time of 3:11.05 for sixth place.
Junior Elliot O'Hare (Austin, Texas) finished fourth in the 60-meter hurdles in 8.00 seconds. He had the fourth-fastest qualifying time of 8.02 and added an eighth-place finish in the triple jump, landing in the pit at 48-7.5 (14.82m).
The men's triple jump was bolstered by a trio of Longhorns. Freshman Devon Bond (Mt. Vernon, N.Y.), who is primarily a high jumper, jumped 49-0.25 (14.94m) for seventh place in the first triple jump competition of his college career. Senior Joseph Davis (San Antonio, Texas) placed two spots behind him with a mark of 48-4.75 (14.75m).
OTHER FINISHES: Thomas crossed the finish line in a season-best 49.28 in the 400 for 31st-place before running the 1,600-meter relay ... Freshman Brian Rhodes-Devey (Slingerlands, N.Y.) completed the 800 in 1:58.81 for 14th- place... Rookie Jay Heller (Marietta, Ga.) placed 13th in the mile in 4:16.13. Sophomore Chuck Freeman (Arlington, Texas) continued to improve in the triple jump, recording a career-best distance of 45-1.50 (13.75m) for 22nd overall.
TEXAS POSTMEET QUOTES
HEAD COACH BUBBA THORNTON
On competing at the NCAA track for the first time this year: For many of the guys, it's their first time on this track, and it's unlike any track they've ever competed on. They have a taste and are now ready to come back again with better results. We were kind of successful today but we're going to be much better the next time we compete here.
On Fortson's 400-meter race: Danzell learned a few good lessons today. I feel sorry for the next group of guys he runs with. He ran 47.68 after getting a six-inch gash on his legs after the first turn. He almost stopped but he got back in stride and finished the race with a good time. He's still learning that this is a different level. It almost becomes a contact sport.
On Gonzales' second-place finish: Logan is another freshman that is learning. These competitions are important, especially if they are scored, because we want our guys to get used to winning. In reality, our season comes down to one meet -- the Big 12 Championship. We try to win so that we are used to it when the conference championship comes around.