MEAC Indoor Results - Day 1

LANDOVER, Md. – Freshman Jamarian Bates posted a season-best effort to win the long jump, and the Norfolk State men amassed a total of 24 points in the 5,000 meters to get the Spartans out to a solid start Thursday at the MEAC Indoor Track and Field Championships at the Prince George's Sports & Learning Complex.

Seeking their record eighth straight MEAC indoor title, the Spartan men have 34 points, 20 ahead of second-place North Carolina A&T.

Bates' top leap was his last, at 23 feet, 11 inches. That's more than five inches better than his previous season best of 23-5.25.

The Spartans flexed their muscle – and depth – by taking second through fifth places and also the eighth and final scoring position in the men's 5,000 meters. Junior Nathnael Meseret was second in 15 minutes, 10.12 seconds. Classmate Damtew Adnew was third in 15:28.66.

Junior Kipchirchir Kiptoo placed fourth 15:45.12 and senior Amos Kipkosgei was fifth in 15:49.84. Rounding out the scoring for NSU in the event was freshman Sammy Kiptoo, who was eighth in 15:52.72.

The semifinals of the 200 meters were also contested on Thursday, and junior James Taylor, freshman Damian Smith and senior Kenneth Smith (no relation) all won their heats to advance to Saturday's event final.

The championships continue Friday with the final men's heptathlon events at 9 a.m. Other field events on Friday's slate include the women's pentathlon, men's and women's high jump, and men's and women's weight throw. Semifinals track events include the men's and women's 60m hurdles, 60m dash and 400m dash. The day closes out with the men's and women's distance medley relays.

Admission is $5.