The South Plains College men’s and women’s track and field teams combined for six event titles Friday at the Angelo State David Noble Relays at Legrand Stadium.
“We talk a lot about execution, and we put a lot of people in the finals and competed at a high level,” South Plains head coach Erik Vance said. “Our kids took advantage of the opportunity today, and we had a lot of kids go out and compete and run really well. I was really happy with what we did on the track, and we’re going to continue to work and get better.”
Freshman Noah Lawson won the men’s 200 meters for South Plains, crossing the line in 21.66. Evaldo Whitehorne posted the top time in the men’s 400 meters, clocking a 47.38, while Chris Moffett was fifth in the 400 in 49.34.
The Texans took the top four spots in the men’s 800 meters, as Kimar Farquharson went 1:47.94 to take first, while Aron Tanui was second in 1:49.34, Chevonne Hall was third in 1:50.12, and Trayquan Francis placed fourth with a time of 1:52.28. Justin Guy and Dishaun Lamb turned in the top two times in the 110 hurdles, as Guy won the event in 14.11, and Lamb was second in 14.26.
In the men’s 400 hurdles, Caio Almeida won the event with a time of 51.30. Freshman Maximus Palacios placed second in the men’s 3000 steeplechase, posting a 9:36.76.
Django Segovia hit a national qualifying mark in the men’s pole vault, clearing the bar at 14' 7.25'. Elisha Teneus-Claude placed second in the men’s long jump, soaring 24' 1.5'.
Sophomore Donroy Brown placed fourth in the shot put, turning in a final mark of 55' 0.25'. Charles Gaither placed fourth in the men’s hammer throw with a mark of 162' 7', while Nelvin Appiah-Konadu took third in the decathlon with 6697 points, and Harry Crosby was fourth in the decathlon with 6287 points.
The Texans placed three runners in the top six in the men’s 100 meters, as Keontae Gaines was second in 10.65, while Lamb went 10.93, and Lawson was sixth in 10.98.
“We started the meet with the multis, and I thought that group did really well this week,” Vance said. “Nelvin put up the top score in junior college, and Harry put up a solid score and got himself in the national meet. I was really happy with the effort this week, and we are going to continue to work and keep getting better.”
In the women’s 100 meters, the Lady Texans placed three runners inside the top five. Success Umukoro posted an 11.58, good enough for first, while Brandy Hall was second in 11.97, and Breanna Clarke clocked a 12.09 to take third. The Lady Texans posted the top four fastest times in the 400 hurdles, led by sophomore Shenell Tucker who went 1:00.54. Leticia Quingostas was second in 1:02.53, while Safhia Hinds crossed the line in 1:02.68, and Corlasia Scott was fourth in 1:02.99.
“I felt like we came in mentally prepared and cleaned up a lot of things this week,” Vance said. “I thought we were focused coming into the meet, and I still see some things we can improve on and execute a little better. Overall, I think we are on the right track and will continue to do the little things that need to be done heading into the national meet.”
In the women’s 4x100 relay, South Plains placed first as Umukoro, Maria Umoibang, Hall, and Clarke posted a 45.64. Amaya Brown won the women’s high jump for South Plains, clearing the bar at 5' 7', while Paula Ann Chambers placed second in the long jump with a mark of 18' 7'. Ronelle Plaza took third in the women’s shot put with a mark of 42' 2.75', while Kimola Hines was second in discus with a throw of 148' 2'.
Rushana Dwyer and Lilliana Guerrero went two-three in the 800 meters, as Dwyer was second in 2:10.79 while Guerrero was third in 2:16.39. In the women’s 100 hurdles, Ashyira Savage placed second overall with a time of 14.07.
South Plains will be back on the track April 14-15 in Hobbs at the NMJC Ross Black Open, followed by a trip to Albuquerque for the Don Kirby Tailwind Invitational on April 20.
“Next week is going to be a good meet, and there are some really good teams coming in,” Vance said. “We need to be ready, and any time you compete against New Mexico head to head, you need good results. That’s our competition, and there are some really good teams out there, but I really believe the national title goes through region five.”