JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – South Alabama track and field concluded competition at the NCAA East First Round at Jax Track at Hodges Stadium, with several athletes delivering strong performances to close the outdoor season.
Despite multiple solid showings, no Jaguars advanced to the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
Competition opened Thursday with the men's javelin. Reuben Booysen came up just short of a qualifying mark, placing 13th with a top throw of 67.29 meters (220 feet, 9 inches). Freshman Jackson Laughlin also impressed, finishing 34th with a throw of 61.96 meters (203-3).
On the track, freshman Jadon Thomason wrapped up a promising first season by running 14.18 seconds in the men's 110-meter hurdles, placing 36th in the first round.
In the men's 400-meter hurdles, Kendal White ran a strong race and pushed hard down the final stretch, but fell at the last hurdle to finish in 45th.
Due to inclement weather, the men's pole vault was rescheduled to Thursday. Freshman Will Frederick placed 25th with a clearance of 5.18 meters (17-0). Terek Logan did not record a mark.
South Alabama's women began competition in the throws Thursday. Iyana Johnson posted a mark of 57.88 meters (189-11) to finish 27th. In her second regional appearance, Ava Grace Wheaton recorded a throw of 41.63 meters (136-7) to take 40th.
Flora Dupans closed out the Jaguars' season Saturday, placing 42nd in the women's discus with a throw of 43.45 meters (142-6).
Quotable
Head Coach Paul Brueske:
"Well, we had our opportunities in some cases and were close to capitalizing. We had some unfortunate mishaps. However, I'm proud of my team. We have a lot of athletes returning next year, and I think this experience will be beneficial for us moving forward."
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