BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Mississippi College opened the 2026 indoor track and field season with a strong all-around performance Saturday at the UAB Vulcan Invite, posting event victories, podium finishes, a school record, and multiple nationally ranked marks across both track and field events.
Senior Bre Bell delivered one of the meet's top performances for the Choctaws, winning the women's mile in 5:04.06, a personal-best effort that now ranks eighth nationally in Division II. Freshman Gabrielle Jeffery added a sixth-place finish in 5:23.70, while Isabella Bailey followed in 14th.
In the men's mile, Mississippi College placed three athletes inside the top six, led by Matthew Singletary, who finished fourth in 4:22.97. Seniors Braedon Methvin (4:23.81) and Gabe Hodson (4:23.91) followed closely behind with nationally ranked Division II times.
The Choctaws continued their success in the 800 meters, highlighted by a dominant showing from Lauren Wallace, who won the women's 800 in 2:16.88, a mark that ranks 20th nationally in Division II. Freshman Catherine Wallace placed third in 2:20.45, while Lilly Jensen added depth with a 10th-place finish. On the men's side, freshman Benjamin Hodson claimed victory in 1:56.06, followed by Sidney Stegall in second (1:57.92) and Preston Speed in fourth (2:00.00), giving Mississippi College three top-four finishes in the event.
In the sprints, senior Alana Green advanced to the women's 60-meter finals, finishing sixth overall in 7.79, before adding another sixth-place finish in the women's 200 meters with a time of 25.33. Senior Davion Smith led the Choctaws in the men's 200, placing fourth overall in 22.21.
Mississippi College's field athletes also made their mark, led by freshman Schyler Chambers, who set a new school record in the men's triple jump with a mark of 14.81 meters (48-7.25) to finish fourth overall. The Canton, Mississippi native also added a third-place finish in the men's long jump, clearing 6.87 meters (22-6.50) for a personal best and a nationally ranked Division II performance.
In the throws, the Mississippi College men placed second and third in the shot put, led by Bryan Puckett with a season-best 15.66 meters (51-4.50), followed by Steven Conrad at 14.68 meters (48-2.00). Conrad later added a runner-up finish in the men's weight throw, posting a mark of 17.25 meters (56-7.25), while James Miller (16.56m) and Jacob Keesee (16.40m) placed fourth and fifth, respectively.
On the women's side, Morgan Thrift finished third in the shot put at 11.59 meters (38-0.25). The Choctaws shined in the women's weight throw, as Kennedy Thompson captured the event title with a personal-record 16.29 meters (53-5.50). Mississippi College added depth with Keva Thomas placing fifth, Thrift sixth, and Rebekah Zweerink seventh, all recording personal-best marks.
In the vertical events, freshman Isabella Magyar cleared 3.08 meters (10-1.25) to finish sixth in the women's pole vault, while sophomore Ethan Belcher placed second in the men's pole vault with a clearance of 4.25 meters (13-11.25). Freshman Mallory Dial rounded out the day with a runner-up finish in the women's high jump, clearing 1.64 meters (5-4.50) for a personal best.
The Choctaws capped the meet with a fifth-place finish in the women's 4x400-meter relay, crossing the line in 4:11.73.
Mississippi College will return to action on Saturday, Jan. 17, competing at the Samford Invitational in Birmingham, Ala., with events scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.
