VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – The Norfolk State men's track & field team opened the 2026 indoor season with a strong performance at the VCU Ram Indoor Invite, recording 14 top-10 finishes, including five podium efforts.
The day was highlighted by a first-place finish from
Lavontay Bond in the 400 meters, as he crossed the line in 48.69 seconds.
Norfolk State added a pair of runner-up finishes with
Landon Walker placing second in the pole vault (4.20m) and
Atrell Williams earning silver in the shot put (16.39m).
Julian Ward secured a bronze finish in the 300 meters (34.09), while
Jaymes Saunders followed with a third-place showing in the 60-meter hurdles (7.95).
In the men's 200 meters, Vincent Bond finished fourth with a time of 21.66, while
Donovan Terry placed 10th at 21.94.
The Spartans also turned in a fourth-place effort in the 4x400 relay, as the quartet of
Shamar Heard,
Donovan Terry,
Kendrick Winfield, and
Lavontay Bond posted a time of 3:20.19.
A trio of Spartans finished among the top 10 in the high jump, led by Xaiver McGreal, who placed fifth after clearing 1.99 meters.
Chazden Wilson finished sixth (1.94m), while Chancelor Watson claimed ninth, also clearing 1.94 meters.
In the men's 3,000 meters, Matthew Kipkoech (8:43.7) and
Jemmel Green (8:49.5) crossed the line seventh and ninth, respectively.
Rounding out the top-10 performances was
Tre'Shawn Taylor, who placed 10th in the 400 meters with a time of 50.16.
Norfolk State returns to action on Saturday, January 17, when the Spartans travel to New York to compete in the HBCU Showcase.
VCU Ram Indoor Invite Results
