CLEVELAND, Tenn. – In an awe-inspiring display of athletic prowess, teamwork, and comraderie, Mississippi College Track and Field teams captivated the nation at the 2023 Gulf South Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships. The prestigious three-day event saw the men's team claim second place and the women's team secure third, etching their names in history as a top-tier national program in one of NCAA Division II's most formidable conferences.
During the thrilling final day of competition, Mississippi College added two more Gulf South Conference Champions and an impressive 12 podium finishes. Al Ferrill solidified his legacy with a fourth GSC title, conquering the Men's Shot Put with a mighty 16.56-meter toss. Cole Benoit left rivals in the dust, winning the Men's 1500m and claiming his second GSC title with an NCAA DII Provisional mark of 3:49.0 and a stunning 55.9 last lap.
The action didn't stop there, as Niklas Klei and Fabio Palmieri dominated the Men's 400-meter race, clinching the top two spots with NCAA DII Provisional marks of 47.00 and 47.18, respectively. Their times ranked them among the nation's top 20 athletes. Short sprints specialist Kevin Turner raced to a silver medal in the Men's 100-meter dash, clocking an NCAA DII Provisional mark and a lifetime best of 10.31 seconds. Gabe Hodson showcased his exceptional middle-distance skills, securing a silver medal with a lifetime best of 1:51.78 in the Men's 800-meter run.
The relay teams furthered the Choctaws' triumphs, with Turner, Palmieri, Shemar Patten, and Will Grames capturing a silver medal in the Men's 4x100m relay with an NCAA DII Provisional mark of 40.55 seconds. The relay success didn't stop there, as the Men's 4x400m relay team – consisting of Grames, Hodson, Brandon Williams, and Connor Stewart – added a bronze medal to the collection.
Additional medal winners include Ben Woolhouse, who demonstrated exceptional skill in the Pole Vault, securing a silver medal with a 4.50-meter vault. Essence Tornabene further bolstered the team's success, earning her second medal of the competition with a third-place finish in the Women's Shot Put, thanks to a 12.67-meter throw. Kelechi Christian delivered a stunning performance in the Women's 400-meter dash, capturing a well-deserved bronze medal.
Beyond the impressive medal haul at the 2023 Gulf South Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships, Mississippi College saw numerous athletes deliver standout performances, contributing to the overall success and point-tally for the Choctaws.
Notable performances on the final day included:
These exceptional performances from a diverse range of athletes showcase the depth of talent within the Mississippi College Track and Field program. As the team continues to excel in one of NCAA Division II's toughest conferences, the future looks bright for these dedicated student-athletes.
The Mississippi College Track and Field program has consistently delivered exceptional results throughout the 2023 season. This success includes their recent achievements at the Indoor Track and Field season, where the men's team captured a GSC title and a top-10 national finish, while the women's team secured a GSC runner-up position.
Moreover, the men's team has accomplished an unprecedented feat by finishing in the top two at every GSC Championship this season. This impressive record comprises a second-place finish in Men's Cross Country, first place in Men's Indoor Track and Field, and second place in Men's Outdoor Track and Field. This achievement marks a first for the team since their transition from NCAA Division III to NCAA Division II in 2015.
Mississippi College Track and Field's continuous ascent through the ranks reflects their dedication to excellence and their unwavering commitment to success.
With their eyes on further glory, the Choctaws will next compete at the 2023 Lee Last Chance Meet in Cleveland. The team aims to secure additional national-qualifying marks at the event, which takes place on Saturday, May 13.
