NORFOLK, Va. – Norfolk State gained 24 points in the final event of Tuesday's action at the 2023 MEAC Outdoor Championships, taking a narrow lead after the first day of competition.
 
The Spartans swept the podium in the 10,000 meters with a dominant performance in the long-distance event. Gidion Sigei took the first prize in 32 minutes, 22.78 seconds.
 
Victor Jumo followed behind in second (32:56.23), while Brian Rotich took third (32:56.23). The trio closed out the race miles ahead of their competition, with Delaware State's Bryant Adams Jr. crossing the finish line next in 35 minutes, 37.47 seconds.
 
The Spartans finished the day with 34.50 points, while North Carolina Central added 29 points to apply pressure in second. Delaware State stands third with 29 points.
 
Joshua Sutton took third in the high jump, clearing a height of 6 feet, seven inches. Isaac Haywood nabbed fourth, recording a successful jump at 6-4.
 
After one day of decathlon events, Rayquan Smith ranks second with 3,226 points. Sadiq Nurse is fourth with 3,041 points, and Kalon Jeffery stands sixth with 2,850 points.
 
Smith put himself in prime position after the first day of the multis with strong showings in multiple events, winning the 100 meter dash (10.87) and shot put (42-11) portions, while earning second in the long jump (20-11.75) section.
 
Norfolk State also saw early success from its sprinters, with Kai Cole posting the best time in the 200 meter prelims (21.03). Anthony Franklin (21.47) also qualified for the finals.

The Spartans will look to continue the momentum at William "Dick" Price Stadium on Wednesday, with the decathlon continuing at 9 a.m.