VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – The Norfolk State men's track and field team opened up the MEAC Indoor Championships on Monday by having three athletes place in both the 5,000 meters and long jump as the Spartans ended the day tied for first at the Virginia Beach Sports Center.

Freshman Joshua Peterson led a strong effort for the Spartans in the long jump by finishing fourth with a season-best jump of 24 feet, 0.75 inches. His teammates, Isaac Haywood (23-5.25) and Rodric Cox-Cooper (23-1.75), finished in seventh and eighth, respectively.

The Spartans also showed their depth in the 5,000 meters. Meshack Kipchirchir (15:37.20), Evans Cheruiyot (15:51.09) and Isa Suleiman (16:04.07) took fourth through sixth places to pick up 12 more team points for the Spartans.

NSU finished the day with 20 total points, tied with Howard for first place.

In other events Monday, the Spartans had the top three qualifiers in the 200 meters. Kai Cole (21.01), Trequan Barnes (21.25) and Anthony Franklin (21.47) all won their heats to advance to Wednesday's 200m final.

Additionally, Camren Wynder-Hill leads the heptathlon after four events.

Day two of competition at the championships begins at 9 a.m. Tuesday with the conclusion of the heptathlon.