VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – The Norfolk State men's track and field team picked up three victories on Saturday to close out the final day of competition at the inaugural Kenneth Giles Norfolk State Invitational.

Sophomore Je'Shawn Walker opened the day with a win in the mile. He surged in the final lap to post a season-best time of 4 minutes, 33.43 seconds.

NSU's long distance runners made their debuts on Saturday and did not disappoint. Juniors Evans Cheruiyot and Meshack Kipchirchir placed 1-2 in the 5,000 meters. The pair led the pack throughout, but it was Cheruiyot overtaking his teammate on the final lap to finish in 15:33.22. Cheruiyot wasn't far behind, in 15:37.63.

The Spartans' other win Saturday came via sophomore Azad Williams in the shot put. Williams' best throw traveled 49 feet, 7 inches.

Elsewhere on Saturday, freshman Camren Wynder-Hill notched a season-best effort in the long jump. His best jump was 23 feet, 1.75 inches, which placed him fifth in the event. Teammate Rodric Cox-Cooper was sixth with a best jump of 22-11.75.

In the sprints, sophomore Anthony Franklin took third in the 200 meters in 21.50 seconds. He was the top collegiate finisher.

"I was pleased with how the meet turned out and look forward to continuing it next year after the pandemic when even more teams can come," Giles said. "It was nice to get a look at our men's distance runners heading into outdoor. I also like how our young hurdlers and jumpers are starting to round into form. 

The Spartan men will now take a break from competition. The MEAC is not holding a conference indoor championship this year, so NSU will wait for the start of outdoor season in early April.