Nekeisha Walker
Blue & White Flash / Staff Writer
After only having four track meets, the Jackson State University Women’s track team had an outstanding showing in Bloomington, Ind. during the Gladstein Invitational.
Many of the team members feel like they are a family who are willing to give all they can to see the team and fellow teammates succeed.
Teammates A’Kendra Lewis, Krissle Nicome, and Terisha Julius all agreed that seeing their teammates on the sidelines cheering is great motivation as they attempt to do their events.
Akila Craig who finished 11th in the 60 meter dash Cameia Alexander finished 33rd in the 400 meter dash, and Shaonda Bryan who tied for 18th in the shot put, are all performing well in there events.
Lewis, an freshman entrepreneurship major from Clinton, Miss did not hold back as she placed 1st in her heat for the 400 meter dash and placed 22nd overall (1:01). She also is the anchor for the 4×4 relay team, which came in 4th place in their heat.
“The 4×4 is easier because it feels good to know I have good teammates who help me in the race and it motivates me more knowing that all of us can depend on each other,” said Lewis.
Krissle Nicome, a sophomore from Trinida, also had an outstanding performance as she gained two personal records (PR’s).
One her records came in the 800 meter dash where she had a time of (2:22) and the other came in the 1500 meter dash where she clocked in at (5:33).
“These races were tough especially since my allergies were bothering me real bad but through the support of my teammates and my coach I was able to finish well,” “I knew I need to break my time so I tried to stay focused on that, and push it out to the end,” said Krissle Nicome.
Nicome finished 4th in her heat but 21st overall in the 800 meter dash. She finish 2nd in her heat for the 1500 meter dash.
“During the 1500 meter dash, it was tough but I discovered another way to run my race and it felt amazing,” said Nicome.
Terishas Julius, a sophomore from Miami, Fla. participated in the 60 meter hurdles.
“I got out hard and fought to the end even though I hit one of my hurdles,” said Julius who finished 5th in her heat and had a PR of 9:05.
As they are planning to go in and work even harder to qualify for the SWAC Championship, they are asking for continued support from there fellow Jacksonians.
“It would be nice to see some tweets about how each track member is doing in their event,” said Nicome.
With a team enhanced with many nationally ranked NCAA athletes including Anaso Jobodwana who is No. 1 in the 200 meters, B.J. Lee who is No. 6 in the 60 meter dash and Bentrell McGee is who is No. 22 in the 60 meter hurdles, it is no shock at all that the Jackson State men’s track team performed so well during the Gladstein Invitational in Bloomington, Ind.
Lee, a senior recreation administration major from Ridgeland, Miss. won the 60 meter dash with (6.71).
“I am proud of my achievement but I still feel like I need to work even harder to prepare for the SWAC Championship such as work a little harder and hit the weights harder,” said Lee.
As a senior from Jackson, Miss., Justin Lampley did not hold back as he competed for the second time in the triple jump event.
“After hitting my PR, I feel accomplished and motivated as I continue to prepare for the SWAC,” said Lampley who came in eight place in the triple jump event (13.99m).
Although this team is preparing to exceed to their highest abilities at SWAC, they must first prepare to perform well at Clemson University.
“I plan to stay humble and do more technical work and build my speed up as I prepare for the next meet,” said Lampley. “We also need the continued support of our peers and faculty.”
Richard Kelly, track team captain said, “It would be nice if we could have a fund-raiser for a small track meet so people can see how we perform since we are always on the road.”
There were also other accomplishments as well.
Jamie McIntosh finished 5th in the 200 meter dash (22.54). Richard Kelly claimed 10th place in the 200 meter dash invitational. Antoine Guice finished 16th in the 400 meter dash (51.72) and Tamarick Johnson finished eighth in the 400 meter dash invitational (49.28).
Ibrahim Hinds finished 10th place in the 600 meter run invitational (1:24.21). Hakeem Belle came in 10thplace (13.91 m) and Tometrick Hemmingway finished 12th (13.59 m). Kenneth Hoskins tied for ninth place in the high jump (1.90 m). Deshaun Allen finished 16th in the shot put (12.27 m).
The JSU Men’s Track team will be back in action on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013 at Clemson University.
