MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – Freshman Jamarian Bates got the outdoor track and field season started on a good note by taking third place in the long jump last weekend at the Shamrock Invitational.

Bates' top jump was 23 feet, 6.25 inches. He was the second-highest collegiate finisher.

Freshman pole vaulter Willard Ward joined Bates as NSU freshmen who took top-10 finishes at the meet. Ward tied for ninth with a top height of 12-1.5.

Junior Damtew Adnew had the best individual finish among the Spartans' individual runners. He came in 16th in the 5,000 meters in 15:30.96.

NSU's 4x100 relay team also ran well in its first performance of the year. The quartet of Marcus Finney, Kenneth Smith, Damian Smith and James Taylor placed seventh in 41.58 seconds.

The Spartans are back in action this Friday and Saturday at the William & Mary Tribe Invitational in Williamsburg.