Tinkey sets Furman record in 3,000 meter

Freshman Grace Tinkey set a new Furman record with a time of 9:33.36 in the 3,000m to lead the Paladin indoor track and field team Thursday at the High Point Team Challenge in Winston-Salem, N.C.

The rookie’s time was 16 seconds faster than the previous record of 9:49.53, set by Erin Barker on Feb. 23, 2012.  Tinkey, who placed second in the event, was followed by freshman Allie Buchalski, who placed fifth with a time of 9:42.91.

The Furman men’s team had six individuals place among the top 10, including three athletes in the 3,000m, as junior Tripp Hurt led the Paladins with a third-place finish and a time of 8:22.52.  Freshman Tanner Hinkle was sixth in the event with a time of 8:28.82, while junior Jack Klecker claimed ninth place in the 3,000m at 8:31.19.

Senior Ian Richardson posted a ninth-place finish in the 800m after turning in a time of 2:01.87.  In the field events, Furman placed two athletes among the top 10 in the long jump, as freshman Candler Herrin took sixth at 6.02 and junior Carson Priest placed tenth at 4.79.

The Paladins will compete at the at UCS Invitational in Winston-Salem, N.C., and the Iowa State Track Classic in Ames, Iowa, Feb. 14-15.