BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Mississippi College track and field had a strong showing at the Samford Open on Saturday, highlighted by multiple event victories, personal records (PRs), and standout performances across the board.
Men's Highlights
- Cole Benoit led the way for the Choctaws with an outstanding performance, claiming victories in both the 800m (1:54.31) and the 1 Mile (4:10.10). His mile time ranks #9 in NCAA Division II this season.
- Braedon Methvin delivered a dominant win in the 5000m, clocking 14:50.28 to establish himself as #64 in Division II.
- The Men's 4x400m Relay team captured first place with a time of 3:15.13, showcasing their strength in the final event of the meet.
- Other PRs:
- Jonathan Bunch Jr. recorded a personal best in the 60m Prelims with a time of 7.18.
- Liam Wilkerson clocked a PR of 50.02 in the 400m, finishing 13th.
- Matthew Singletary set a new personal best in the 3000m with a time of 8:43.15.
- Steven Conrad threw a PR of 15.28m in the Weight Throw, tying for 9th place.
Women's Highlights
- Taylor Benoit posted an impressive performance in the 800m, finishing third with a time of 2:17.41, ranking #40 in Division II. She also finished second in the 1 Mile with a time of 5:01.95, good for #19 nationally.
- Kinley Harris led the way in the 5000m, finishing fifth with a time of 18:43.83, ranking #88 in Division II.
- Other PRs:
- Livia Fischer set a personal best in the 60m Semis, clocking 7.96 and finishing 15th.
- Shana Sellers ran a PR of 5:14.44 in the 1 Mile, finishing sixth.
- Kathryn Finch achieved a PR in the 5000m, finishing sixth with a time of 18:51.32.
Additional Performances
The men's distance squad had a strong day in the 1 Mile, with Brock Kelly placing second (4:13.41, #15 in Division II) and Sidney Stegall finishing fifth (4:17.46, #36 in Division II). The 5000m saw Gabriel McElwain place second with a time of 15:02.17, ranking #82 nationally.
On the women's side, Hilary Udechukwu placed 10th in the 400m, clocking 58.63, which ranks #82 in Division II.
Looking Ahead
Mississippi College athletes will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next competition. The Choctaws' balance of veteran leadership and emerging talent continues to highlight their potential for a successful season.
