Manders & Adden Clean House In Abilene

ABILENE, Texas - Freshman James Manders took first for Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at this year's ACU Spring Break Multi, setting a program record in the first decathlon of his collegiate career. His point total of 6753 beats the previous Blue and Green record by a full 596 points, and currently stands as the top mark in the country.

Including the indoor season, Manders set PRs in the high jump (1.89m), the pole vault (5.00m) and long jump (6.35mw), while placing first among the field in the 400m (50.79), 1500m (4:50.16) and pole vault. 

Junior Bjoern Adden finished just behind Manders in second with a total of 6342 points, better than any mark in Islander history before this week, and a personal best. The German-native set multiple PRs in Abilene this Wednesday and Thursday, posting career-bests in the 100m (11.54w), 400m (54.07), 1500m (5:15.43), long jump (6.87m), shot put (11.72m) and discus (34.36m). Adden's long jump, shot put and 110m hurdle (15.46w) all finished as the top marks in his field, clearing third place by a total of 12 points overall. 

Junior Bryan Wersterfer would be the final of the three Islanders competing in this week's decathlon, finishing with a PR of 5888 points. Even with Adden and Manders' performances, Wersterfer's count still ranks fifth in Corpus Christi all-time, as the multi-athlete set personal bests in the 100m (11.63w), 1500m (4:56.13), 110m hurdles (16.12w), long jump (6.27mw), discus (31.32m) and javelin (43.37m) to finish fifth overall in the decathlon. 

Manders' 5.00m pole vault currently ranks second in the west region and fifth in the country, while Adden's 6.87m long jump is 15th in the west and 24th in Division I track and field. The pair finished first and second among a field of eight Southland athletes, while Wersterfer finished in front of two SFA competitors and ACU's Cole Palka.

COMING UP NEXT
The rest of the Islanders kickoff their outdoor season in San Antonio this Friday, starting with the women's hammer at 1 PM.

For more information on Islanders track and field, follow the team on Twitter (@IslandersTFXC), Instagram (@go_islanders) and like their Facebook page (Islanders Track & Field/Cross Country).