COLUMBIA -- USCB's track and field teams commenced their outdoor season with remarkable performances at the John-Hunter James Classic hosted by Columbia International on Saturday. The meet showcased the depth and talent of both the men's and women's squads, highlighted by record-breaking feats and numerous personal bests.
The men's 4x100-meter relay team of Cornell Harris, Sam Mitchell, Zach Sellers, and Bryson Shears delivered a standout performance, clinching first place and setting a new school record with a time of 41.76 seconds. The quartet's seamless baton exchanges and explosive speed underscored their dominance in the event.
In the 100-meter dash, freshmen Mitchell and Shears showcased their sprinting prowess, finishing fifth and sixth respectively, both clocking in at 10.97 and 10.98 seconds. Their performances indicate a promising future for USCB in the sprints.
The 400-meter dash saw freshman Sellers secure a fourth-place finish with a time of 50.16 seconds. Close behind, fellow freshman Cornell Harris achieved a personal record of 50.76 seconds, earning him seventh place.
In the 800 meters, senior Jacob Mitchell placed 18th with a time of 2:05.54, while freshman Ryan Kurz finished 29th in 2:12.97. Freshmen Elliott Howe and Beckett Jones completed the race in 33rd and 34th places, respectively.
Cam Edwards and Q France delivered strong showings in the long jump, finishing third and fourth, respectively. Edwards recorded a best mark of 6.78 meters (22'3"), while France hit a personal best of 6.65 meters (21'10"), demonstrating his continued improvement this season.
In the triple jump, Edwards competed again, securing another top-five finish with a leap of 13.92 meters (45'8"), placing him fourth overall. His consistency across both jumping events bodes well for the remainder of the season.
In the discus, Devin Watson led the way with a top-10 finish, throwing a personal best of 35.62 meters (116'10"). His steady improvement in the event is a positive sign for the season ahead.Â
In the shot put, Watson returned to the ring and recorded a throw of 12.89 meters (42'3.5"), placing him in the top 12 of a highly competitive field.Â
Maggie Olsen made an impressive debut by winning the 400-meter dash with a time of 52.60 seconds. Her teammate, freshman Kasey Thompson, also delivered a strong performance, finishing third in the same event with a time of 50.69 seconds.
The women's 4x100-meter relay team, comprising De'Andra Brown, Maggie Olsen, Selena Cobbs, and Dionna Rivers, secured a third-place finish with a time of 52.63 seconds, earning six points for the team.
In the pole vault, freshman Kate Curry achieved a personal best by clearing 2.00 meters, earning her second place and contributing eight points to the team's total.
Junior De'Andra Brown showcased her versatility by finishing eighth in the 100-meter hurdles finals with a time of 19.49 seconds and securing seventh place in the long jump with a leap of 4.94 meters.
USCB will be back in action after spring break returning to the track and March 20th.Â