BOSTON, MA. / LYNCHBURG, VA. – The Wake Forest track and field team had a historic day on Friday, Feb. 14, as three Demon Deacons shattered indoor school records in their respective events while competing at the Eagle Elite Invitational, the David Hemery Valentine Invitational, and the Darius Dixon Invitational.
With record-breaking performances in the long jump, 800 meters, and 3,000 meters, Wake Forest athletes made a strong case for national championship qualifications while cementing their names in program history.
Robbie Grace Breaks Long Jump Record – Wins Sixth Straight Event
At the Darius Dixon Invitational in Lynchburg, Va., Robbie Grace continued her dominance in the women’s long jump, securing her sixth consecutive first-place finish of the 2024-25 season.
- Grace jumped a school-record 6.37m, breaking her own previous best of 6.22m.
- She set a new meet record and tied Liberty University’s facility record.
- Ranked No. 2 in the ACC and No. 18 nationally, Grace is closing in on a potential NCAA Championship qualification.
Assistant Coach Ryan Grinnell praised Grace’s performance:
“Robbie displayed remarkable poise and consistency today, breaking her old school record four times—a truly rare feat. She is extremely close to hitting a national standard.”
Emma Douglass Sets 800m School Record in Boston
Competing at the Eagle Elite Invitational, Emma Douglass had an outstanding performance in the women’s 800 meters, breaking her previous school record of 2:05.25.
- She finished seventh overall with a new Wake Forest record of 2:03.95.
- This time ranks No. 1 in Wake Forest history and puts her in contention for ACC and NCAA Championship qualifications.
Director of Track & Field John Hayes highlighted her potential:
“Emma beat our school record today. She probably has to run a second faster at the ACC Championship to make the NCAA Championships.”
Luke Tewalt Smashes 3,000m Indoor Record
At the David Hemery Valentine Invitational, Luke Tewalt delivered a historic performance in the men’s 3,000 meters, setting a new Wake Forest indoor record.
- Tewalt clocked a personal-best 7:39.77, breaking the previous school record.
- He finished sixth overall in a loaded field.
- His time likely secures a spot in the NCAA Championships.
Coach John Hayes acknowledged Tewalt’s achievement:
“Luke had the top performance of many great ones today. He likely secured a spot in the national championships.”
Additional Top Performances
Boston – David Hemery Valentine Invitational
- Men’s Mile:
- Paul Specht (3:55.10) – Second-fastest time in Wake Forest history.
- JoJo Jourdon (3:56.37) – Third-fastest time in program history.
- Men’s 5,000m:
- Joe O’Brien (13:38.75)
- Aidan Ross (13:39.24)
- Hunter Jones (13:48.86)
Boston – Eagle Elite Invitational
- Women’s Mile:
- Charlotte Augenstein (4:40.22) – Second-best in Wake Forest history.
- Elizabeth Whaley (4:41.09) – Third-best in Wake Forest history.
- Molly Dreher (4:43.43)
Lynchburg – Darius Dixon Invitational
- Men’s 800m:
- Foster Shelbert (1:53.02)
- Women’s 5,000m:
- Mackenzie Hart (16:39.40)
Wake Forest’s 2025 Indoor Track & Field Top-10 Marks
| Event | Top Wake Forest Marks (2025) |
|---|---|
| Men’s 800m | 2nd – Rynard Swanepoel (1:48.36) |
| Men’s Mile | 2nd – Paul Specht (3:55.10), 3rd – JoJo Jourdon (3:56.37) |
| Men’s 3,000m | 1st – Luke Tewalt (7:39.77), 4th – Charlie Sprott (7:51.90) |
| Men’s 5,000m | 1st – Rocky Hansen (13:14.43), 4th – Joe O’Brien (13:38.75) |
| Women’s 800m | 1st – Emma Douglass (2:03.95, School Record) |
| Women’s Mile | 2nd – Charlotte Augenstein (4:40.22), 3rd – Elizabeth Whaley (4:41.09) |
| Women’s Long Jump | 1st – Robbie Grace (6.37m, School Record) |
Coaches React to Record-Breaking Day
John Hayes, Director of Track & Field:
“What a great start to the weekend! We have athletes competing at four different venues, and so far, we are performing at a very high level. With three school records going down today, it’s an exciting time to be a Deac!”
Brandon Hazouri, Assistant Coach:
“It was a great day of execution. We had a lot of people get the best out of themselves, which is all you can ask for. We need to keep the momentum through ACCs.”
Collin Post, Associate Head Coach:
“Three school records in a single day doesn’t happen very often. It’s a good day to be a Deac!”
What’s Next for Wake Forest Track & Field?
With multiple athletes nearing NCAA qualification, the Demon Deacons will turn their focus toward the ACC Indoor Championships and national-level meets.
Stay tuned for more historic performances as Wake Forest track and field continues to shine!
