The Blue Raider men and women dominated the day’s jumps events. Cordairo Golden led the way for the men, taking first in the triple jump competition with a leap of 48 feet, 8.25 inches (14.84m) and placing second in the long jump, posting a mark of 23-1.25 (7.02m). Freshman Solomon Atosona came in just behind Golden in the long jump, placing second while jumping a 23-00.50 (7.02m).
“I am very pleased with what we were able to do today,” said track & field head coach Dean Hayes. “We received some great performances from our upperclassmen and our newcomers also did very well. This meet was exactly what I was looking for as we head into the break.”
Michael Stokes had a very productive day for the men’s squad. The senior won the 55-meter dash with a time of 6.43 seconds. He also finished third in the triple jump with a mark of 46-00.00 (14.02m) and fourth in the long jump, leaping a 23-00.00 (7.01m).
Meanwhile Ann Dudley propelled the women’s jumps efforts. The Jacksonville, Fla., native took home the crown in the high jump with an impressive mark of 6-00.00 (1.83m). She also finished first in the 55-meter hurdles, posting a time of 8.09 seconds. Freshman Christal Wilson followed immediately behind in the event with a time of 8.22 seconds.
The Blue Raider women notched a one-two finish in the triple jumps. France Makabu won the event with a jump of 41-05.00 (12.62m) while Euphemia Edem placed second, posting a 40-06.75 (12.36m). Edem also took first in the long jump with a leap measuring 19-08.25 (6.00m).
In the sprints events, Roscoe Payne also came away with a first place finish for the men, taking the 55-meter hurdles in a time of 7.61 seconds. On the women’s side, Amber Dandy and Sheniece Daphness placed second and third in the 55-meter dash with respective times of 7.32 and 7.37 seconds. The women also took first in the 400 meters as Kiara Henry won with a time of 59.44 seconds.
Freshman Lucy Kapkiai registered victory in the 3,000 meters, logging a 10:11.74 to finish more than 42 seconds ahead of runner-up Allison Riedling of Western Kentucky. Transfers Robinson Simatei and Lyle Haywood helped guide the men in the distance events. Simatei claimed victory in the mile run, clocking a 4:22.05 while Haywood placed third with a time of 4:33.65.
The Middle Tennessee track & field teams will step away from competition for Christmas break before returning to action on Jan. 7 at the Tennessee State Invitational in Nashville.
