Birmingham, Ala. - The Mississippi College Track and Field team kicked off the 2024 calendar year on a high note, turning in several remarkable performances at the UAB Vulcan Invite at the Birmingham Crossplex in Birmingham, Ala.

In the field events, freshman sensation Bryan Puckett made a significant impact, improving his No. 5 All-time mark to 15.00 meters in the Weight Throw, marking a breakthrough in his collegiate career. Furthermore, Jake Keesee delivered a strong showing in the Men's Weight Throw, where he secured fourth place overall with a toss of 16.36 meters. Puckett and Keesee have been consistent workhorses for the Choctaw's throws squad throughout the 2023-24 Track and Field season. 

Over in the running events, the Lady Choctaws demonstrated their depth and strength in the Women's 3,000m event, with three athletes placing in the top four and six in the top 10. Bre Bell led the charge with a runner-up finish in 10:06.69, closely followed by Lauren Wallace in third place with a time of 10:07.24. Notably, Taylor Benoit had an exceptional performance as she slotted in at No. 4 All-time in the Women's 3,000m run, turning in a significant lifetime best of 10:11.52 to finish fourth overall. With this performance, the sophomore standout from French Camp, Miss. has now earned a spot on the Mississippi College Women's Track and Field Top-10 list in three different events. 

The men's team mirrored their female counterparts' success in the 3,000m run, sweeping the top four spots and placing seven athletes in the top 10 overall. Jan Lukas Becker set the tone, opening up his 2024 Track and Field campaign with a GSC No. 1 time of 8:18.38, while Cooper Parmer, Braedon Methvin, and Cole Benoit secured their spots in the top four. 

The distance runners will be back in action tomorrow morning at the Emory Crossplex Showdown to compete in the 5,000m event. This event promises to be another exciting opportunity for Mississippi College Track and Field to showcase their talent.