Courtesy of Tennessee State Athleticcs
ATHENS, Ga. – The Tennessee State men’s track and field team recently competed in a thrilling two-day meet at the University of Georgia, showcasing their talent and determination on the track against tough competition. The results were impressive, with several standout performances.
In the men’s 100 meters, Anthony Ward finished in fourth place with a time of 10.97 seconds, while junior Amari Jelks followed closely behind in fifth place with a time of 11.05 seconds. Keandric Verge, also a junior, finished in eighth place with a time of 11.24 seconds.
The team’s success continued in the men’s 200 meters, with Ward finishing in sixth place with a time of 22.20 seconds, and Jelks coming in seventh with a time of 22.42 seconds. Jeremiah Lewis, Evan Echols, Christian White, Nigel SimonJr., and Zavante Chichester also gave commendable performances in the event, showcasing the team’s depth and talent.
In the men’s 400 meters, Echols, a freshman, finished in ninth place with a time of 50.76 seconds, followed closely by Simon Jr. in tenth place with a time of 51.00 seconds, and Lewis in eleventh place with a time of 51.76 seconds.
The team’s middle-distance runners also had their moments of glory. Robert Hooper, a freshman, finished in sixth place in the men’s 800 meters with a time of 1:56.41, and went on to finish fifteenth in the men’s 1500 meters with a time of 3:59.12.
The hurdles events also saw the TSU men’s team excel. Thurman McMullen, a freshman, claimed victory in the men’s 110 hurdles with a time of 14.31 seconds, while Zavante Chichester, a senior, finished in second place with a time of 14.48 seconds. McMullen also secured fourth place in the men’s 400 hurdles with a time of 56.37 seconds, showcasing his versatility and skill.
The team’s relay prowess was evident in the men’s 4×400 relay, with the TSU team consisting of Lewis, McMullen, Morgan Jones, and Hooper finishing in second place with a time of 3:30.60, a commendable effort.
In the field events, Jon’Terio Horton, a junior, secured fourth place in the men’s high jump, clearing a height of 1.95m (6′ 4.75″).
Verge and Ward also performed well in the men’s long jump, showcasing their athleticism and skill. Verge took home third place with a jump of 7.09m (23″3.25), while Ward was one spot back in fourth place with a 6.89, (22’7.25″).
Verge also had a good showing in the triple jump as he finished in second place with a jump of 15.33m (50’3.5″), while Ward finished in fourth with a 14.56, (47’9.25″).
In the men’s shot put, freshman Justin Biggsclaimed third place with a mark of 13.92m (45′ 8″), showcasing his power and technique. Freshman Jarius Stewart also delivered a solid performance, finishing in fourth place with a mark of 13.13m (43′ 1″), while Garrison Holland, also a freshman, secured fifth place with a mark of 12.41m (40′ 8.75″).
In the men’s discus, Stewart continued to impress, finishing in second place with a mark of 43.17m (141′ 8″). Junior Forrest Saffo also gave a commendable effort, finishing in third place with a mark of 40.47m (132′ 9″).
Holland secured fourth place with a mark of 39.81m (130′ 7″), while Biggs rounded out the team’s performance with a mark of 36.90m (121′ 1″) to finish in fifth place.
The Flying Tigers will be back on the track next Friday and Saturday as they are set to head to James Madison University for a two-day meet.
