PHILADELPHIA, Pa. --- The Norfolk State men's track and field team delivered a record-breaking weekend at the historic Penn Relays, held at Franklin Field from Apr. 24-26.
Senior
Gidion Sigei headlined the Spartans' impressive showing by shattering his own school and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) record in the 10,000 meters. Sigei crossed the finish line in 29:07.85, eclipsing the record he set last season.
The weekend's second historic moment came on Saturday when the Spartans' 4x400 meter relay team consisting of
Donovan Terry,
Tafari Bishop,
Kendrick Winfield, and
Vincent Bond Jr. broke the school record, finishing fifth in 3:05.07. The previous record had stood for just one season, while the new record now stands as the 15th best NCAA Division I time this season.
In the field events,
Troy McWilliams placed 19th in the hammer throw with a mark of 177 feet, 7.0 inches, closing out Thursday's action.
The Spartans kept the momentum rolling into Friday. Freshman
Jaymes Saunders earned a top-five finish in the long jump, taking fourth with a leap of 22-9.25, while
Jayden Gordon impressed with a runner-up performance in the triple jump at 48 feet, 2.0 inches.
Atrell Williams placed 14th in the shot put with a mark of 49-9.
Norfolk State's sprint squad turned in strong performances at the meet. The 4x100 meter relay team made up of
Christopher Basking,
Antoinne Smith,
Julian Ward, and Terry placed 13th overall with a time of 40.47. Meanwhile, the 4x200 meter relay team including
Lavontay Bond, Ward, Basking, and Smith secured a fifth-place finish with a time of 1:24.03.
Norfolk State will now have a three week break before returning to action at the MEAC Outdoor Championships, taking place from May 15-17 at William "Dick" Price Stadium.
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