CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Appalachian State University men's track and field strong performance earned them nine top-five finishers at the Dick Taylor Invitational hosted by North Carolina on Friday and Saturday.

The Mountaineers dominated the weight throw with junior Jared Stalling claiming first-place with a personal best throw (61-2) while senior Caleb Poplin threw a personal best (52-5.50) fourth-place finish.

In the high jump senior Darius Purcell, who is ranked 15th in the country, took home the title clearing 7-1, while freshman Daryl Saunders recorded a personal best (6-11) to earn third-place.

Senior Dennis Moore, who is ranked 36th in the nation, finished third (22.50) in the 200m dash.  Junior Alex Taylor  finished the mile run with a time of 4:19.05 to earn third-place.  

In the 60m hurdles, freshman Stanley Broaden made his collegiate debut by crossing the finish line in fourth-place with a time of 8.28.  Senior Chris Moen finished in third-place with a time of 8:37.95 in the 3000m run.  Freshman Alex Lomax launched a personal best (15-3) in the pole vault for a fifth-place finish.

 The Mountaineers will return to action on Thursday for the Appalachian Split Meet at 3:00 p.m. at the Holmes Center.