The High Point University men's track & field team had four competitors in the Virginia Challenge on Saturday evening in Charlottesville, Va. Freshman Christian Spaulding finished third in the javelin and junior Jacob Smith placed fourth in the 3,000-meter steeplechase.

Spaulding threw the javelin 60.18 meters (197-5) on his third attempt to place third. He ranks 38th in the East with his season-best throw of 64.45 meters (211-5) from the Big South Championship.

Smith placed fourth in the steeplechase with a time of 9:02.96. Sophomore Patrick Crawford placed sixth with a time of 9:02.96 and junior Dakota Peachee placed 12th with a time of 9:26.54. Smith ranks 16th in the East with his season-best time of 8:54.56.

"Christian had a pretty good day in the javelin," said HPU head coach Mike Esposito. "We could have been better in the steeplechase. Jacob led the race for the first mile but, once he disconnected from the leaders he couldn't make up the gap. Dakota engaged well but faded. Patrick worked his way through the field but it was too late."

On Sunday, four Panthers will be competing in the Aggie Classic at North Carolina A&T in Greensboro, N.C. Sophomore Evan Emery will run the 100-meter dash, senior Alex Fisher will run the 110-meter hurdles and senior Seth Harwood will run the 800-meter. Senior Manika Gamble of the women's track & field team will run the 400-meter hurdles. Senior Jevin Monds will run the 1,500-meter at the Wolfpack Last Chance meet at NC State.