Friday, January 17
Blacksburg, VA
Wake Forest University
vs
Virginia Tech Invitational
Wake Forest Excels with Top-10 All-Time Program Marks at Virginia Tech
1/17/2025 10:55:00 PM | Track and Field
Seven podium finishes lifted the Demon Deacons on Friday evening in Blacksburg.
BLACKSBURG, VA. - The Demon Deacons kicked off the 2025 indoor season at the Virginia Tech Invitational on Friday in Blacksburg, Va., earning seven podium finishes. The highlight of the evening were the victories of Rocky Hansen, Charlotte Augenstein, and Robbie Grace in their respective events.
In the women's 1-mile, Charlotte Augenstein surged late to take first place with a time of 4:46.51. Rylan Engels finished just behind her in second at 4:48.94.
The men's mile saw an impressive performance from the Demon Deacons, who placed seven runners in the top 10. Sophomore Rocky Hansen led the charge, claiming victory in 3:57.90.
Freshman JoJo Jourdon followed in second with a time of 4:00.35. Paul Specht and Luke Tewalt also delivered strong performances, finishing third and fourth in 4:01.06 and 4:02.22, respectively.
Robbie Grace powered through the field in dominant fashion, sealing victory in long jump with a mark of 6.16m.
Notable Finishes
Men's Mile
2025 Indoor Track and Field Top-10 Marks
Men's 1-mile
From the Staff
"I say nearly the same thing every January - we had some really good performances and I expect the next few weeks to get much better. In order to hit what I think we can accomplish this season we have some work to do. The indoor season is so short. I can tell that we had people that worked hard over the break. We have some athletes competing tomorrow at JDL so I'm excited to see what they can do." – Director of Track & Field and Cross Country John Hayes
"Today was a typical early-season meet, with a mix of performances across the board. That said, we're focused on maintaining a neutral mindset and staying consistent in our approach. February brings plenty of exciting race opportunities, and we're looking forward to making the most of them. " - Associate head coach Ashley Bastron
"Overall we are happy with how everyone opened up this week. Our goals were to win the heats we were in and not get too focused on the clock. We've now got a much better understanding of each athlete's fitness level coming off of Christmas break which will be really important as we move forward in training - Assistant coach Brandon Hazouri
"Collectively, we had a fantastic start to the 2025 season. In the long jump, Robbie Grace demonstrated remarkable consistency and she is poised for greater jumps ahead. Bridget McNally, not far behind, will undoubtedly continue to improve with each competition. Altogether, we are all excited for our next track meet and beyond. - Assistant coach Ryan Grinnell
Up Next
The Deacs' head back to Boston, Mass. to compete in the BU Terrier Classic that is being held from Jan. 31 to Feb. 1. Meanwhile, other squad members will travel to Columbia, S.C. to compete in the Gamecock Challenge on Feb. 1.
Follow The Demon Deacons
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | #GoDeacs
In the women's 1-mile, Charlotte Augenstein surged late to take first place with a time of 4:46.51. Rylan Engels finished just behind her in second at 4:48.94.
The men's mile saw an impressive performance from the Demon Deacons, who placed seven runners in the top 10. Sophomore Rocky Hansen led the charge, claiming victory in 3:57.90.
Freshman JoJo Jourdon followed in second with a time of 4:00.35. Paul Specht and Luke Tewalt also delivered strong performances, finishing third and fourth in 4:01.06 and 4:02.22, respectively.
Robbie Grace powered through the field in dominant fashion, sealing victory in long jump with a mark of 6.16m.
Notable Finishes
Men's Mile
- 1st Place – Rocky Hansen (3:57.90)
- 2nd Place – JoJo Jourdon (4:00.35)
- 3rd Place – Paul Specht (4:01.06)
- 4th Place – Luke Tewalt (4:02.22)
- 6th Place – Rynard Swanepoel (4:04.35)
- 4th Place – Elizabeth Whaley (2:47.87)
- 1st Place – Charlotte Augenstein (4:46.51)
- 2nd Place – Rylan Engels (4:48.94)
- 1st Place – Robbie Grace (6.16m)
2025 Indoor Track and Field Top-10 Marks
Men's 1-mile
- 2nd - Rocky Hansen - (3:57.90)
- 4th - JoJo Jourdon - (4:00.35)
- 7th - Foster Shelbert - (2:26.13)
- 4th – Elizabeth Whaley - (2:47.87)
- 8th - Molly Dreher (2:52.83)
- 6th - Bridget McNally (5.85m)
From the Staff
"I say nearly the same thing every January - we had some really good performances and I expect the next few weeks to get much better. In order to hit what I think we can accomplish this season we have some work to do. The indoor season is so short. I can tell that we had people that worked hard over the break. We have some athletes competing tomorrow at JDL so I'm excited to see what they can do." – Director of Track & Field and Cross Country John Hayes
"Today was a typical early-season meet, with a mix of performances across the board. That said, we're focused on maintaining a neutral mindset and staying consistent in our approach. February brings plenty of exciting race opportunities, and we're looking forward to making the most of them. " - Associate head coach Ashley Bastron
"Overall we are happy with how everyone opened up this week. Our goals were to win the heats we were in and not get too focused on the clock. We've now got a much better understanding of each athlete's fitness level coming off of Christmas break which will be really important as we move forward in training - Assistant coach Brandon Hazouri
"Collectively, we had a fantastic start to the 2025 season. In the long jump, Robbie Grace demonstrated remarkable consistency and she is poised for greater jumps ahead. Bridget McNally, not far behind, will undoubtedly continue to improve with each competition. Altogether, we are all excited for our next track meet and beyond. - Assistant coach Ryan Grinnell
Up Next
The Deacs' head back to Boston, Mass. to compete in the BU Terrier Classic that is being held from Jan. 31 to Feb. 1. Meanwhile, other squad members will travel to Columbia, S.C. to compete in the Gamecock Challenge on Feb. 1.
Follow The Demon Deacons
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | #GoDeacs
Players Mentioned
Distance/Mid Distance
/ Track and Field
Distance
/ Track and Field
Distance/Mid Distance
/ Track and Field
Jumps
/ Track and Field
Distance
/ Track and Field
Distance
/ Track and Field
Jumps
/ Track and Field
Mid Distance
/ Track and Field
Distance
/ Track and Field
Distance
/ Track and Field
Distance
/ Track and Field
Distance
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