UF Track & Field: Lester Kicks Off the Weekend for UF, Finishes 2nd in the Pentathlon
Courtesy of University Athletic Association
BY RICK HURTADO
The Junior multi-eventer now ranks sixth in school history
Multi-eventer Sterling Lester gave the Gators a strong start Friday, placing second in the pentathlon after earning 3,837 points during the first day of this year’s South Carolina Invitational in Columbia, S.C. The junior was the first Gator to compete in the two-day meet.
The Marietta, Ga. native now ranks sixth on UF’s Indoor All-Time Top 10 list in the pentathlon.
Sterling’s strongest performances came during the 60-meter hurdles and the 800 meters. She secured first place in the hurdles with a time of 8.65 seconds, while clocking a 2:20.85 time in the 800 meters for second place. A complete list of results for Lester’s performances during the pentathlon portion of this weekend’s meet is below.
The Gators are back in action Saturday as Florida’s throwers will start the day with their season debut.
Senior Thomas Mardal and redshirt senior Connor Bandel will compete in the weight throw and shot put, respectively. Meanwhile on the women’s side, sophomore Thea Jensen kick off her season in the shot put.
Returning senior Raymond Ekevwo and Sophomore hurdler Grace Stark will also compete for the first time this season as they’ll run the 60 meters and 60-meter hurdles, respectively.
Saturday’s competition will be streamed live on SEC Network+ beginning at 11 a.m. ET, and it can be watched here.
CAROLINA CHALLENGE MEET INFORMATION (all times Eastern)
 *  Day 1 Results
 *  Live Results / Start Lists (Adkins Results)
 *  Venue: Carolina Indoor Track and Field Complex
 *  Coverage: Saturday’s competition will be streamed live on SEC Network+ beginning at 11 a.m. ET, and it can be watched here. Additionally, follow the Gators on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for coverage and updates, and stay tuned to FloridaGators.com for a full recap of the two-day meet.
 *  COVID-19 Protocol: During the 2021 track season there will be no fans permitted at South Carolina Track and Field events. In accordance with SEC policy, no unattached athletes will participate at any meets throughout the season. Additionally, athletes, coaches, staff, and officials will adhere to social distancing and masking measures.
