Members of the York University Lions track and field team got their season underway this past weekend, coming away with ten top-10 performances, as they made the trip down to Guelph to compete at the Zolten Tenke meet.
 
Third-year captain Quinn Charles led the way for the men on the track, as he not only sprinted to a second-place finish in the 60m, but eclipsed his lifetime best of 7.04, running a solid 7.01 seconds to kick the season off. Also placing top-10 in the men's 60m was third-year sprinter Brandon Shokour with a ninth-place finish, in a time of 7.24 seconds.
 
Staying on the track, it was business as usual for third-year sprinter Monique Simon-Tucker, who narrowly missed out on the podium placing fourth in the 60m, but ultimately ran an impressive 7.78 seconds. The time is only six one-hundredths of a second off her personal best, indicating she's well ahead of last season.
 
A flurry of athletes finished top-10 overall in the field, as rookie high jumper David Nightingale made his mark, clearing a height of 1.85m in high jump placing fifth overall. Finishing one spot behind him was veteran Matthew Barclay, who ended the day with a clearance of 1.70m.
 
Specializing in the jumps this year, multi-event athlete Rasheeda Gurley was technically sound as she was able to record a best jump of 5.20m, placing her sixth overall. Not to be outdone herself, Olivia Henry finished one spot behind Gurley with a jump of 5.11m. The mark was one of two personal bests on the day for Henry, having crossed the finish line in the 60m heats in a time of 8.31 seconds only hours before.
 
Donning the Lions singlet for the first time was rookie jumper Emmanuel Nketiah who was nothing short of impressive Saturday night. Taking flight at a shorter approach, Nketiah placed sixth overall with a best jump of 6.86m. Rounding out the top-10 finishers for the Lions was fourth-year jumper Placide Ilunga, who after a spell of early injuries was able to regain form, and open his season with a best jump of 6.44m, placing him ninth overall in the men's long jump competition.
 
The Lions return home this weekend as they take part in their annual intersquad Red & White meet this Thursday and Friday, Nov. 22-23. They will then open their doors to OUA competition the weekend after, as they host their annual York Xmas Open leading into the winter break.