CLEMSON, S.C. – Men's Track and Field started their weekend at the Orange and Purple Invite on the campus of Clemson University on Friday. The Buccaneers had entrees in just three events for the first day of the meet, but made their presence known.
 
Dexter Ratliff continued to big the state on notice, improving on his CSU-debut in the weight throw by climbing up from 3^rd to 2^nd in Buccaneer history for the event. He claimed 6^th at the meet, finishing above nine competitors from ACC and SEC schools as he had a personal best mark of 19.15m/62' 10". Michael Calhoun recorded a 15.59m/51' 1.75" for his best heave of the day.
 
The Buccaneers had a trio of their runners compete in the mile and went toe-to-toe with some of the best competition that the ACC and SEC had to offer. Micha Gilpatric claimed 4^th with a 4:05.65, Griffin Gillespie was 5^th in 4:07.29 and Jaden Kinglsey was 4:10.10 for 10^th. Collin Kleinhen and Mason Raasch took 18^th and 19^th with times of 4:13.69 and 4.15.53 for career bests.
 
Wrapping up the CSU entrees from the day were Luciano Custodio and Talon Rowland each ran in the 400m at the meet and recorded top twenty finishes with times of 49.23 and 49.70.
 
The Orange and Purple Invitational will continue tomorrow with the women's 3K to begin the track events for the day at 11 a.m. The women's shot put and high jump start the field events for Saturday at 10 a.m.