SU Track team prepares for SWAC at University of Houston meet

On Saturday, February 2, the Southern University track team participated in the University of Houston’s Run Sport All-Comers Meet. This represented SU’s largest competition meet of the year.
“It was an excellent tune up meet for the SWAC,” said Coach Johnny Thomas. “It gave us chance to run people in events other than what they participate in.”
The Southwestern Athletic Conference championship meet is only three weeks away and this meet gave everyone a chance to see what areas need improvement.
Erica Latin made it to the finals in the 60-meter dash for the first time this year with a time of 7.77 seconds and she improved in the 200-meter dash 26.41seconds. The middle distance runners Kenya Warren, and Erikka Thomas had a good performance in the one-mile run. Rayla Hunt and Aisha Harris also improved in the 800-meter run . The women’s relay team knocked 25 seconds off their time placing second with a time of 13:08.38. Women’s shot putter Silvers Fultz made the best throw for SU with a throw of 41′ 50″.
In the women’s hammer throw, two new ladies were added this week Carol Mitchell and Annie Kador who preformed well for their first meet.
“I still have room for improvement because this is my first time high jumping in three year however I will be ready for SWAC,” said Kashanna Bridges.
Bridges cleared five feet in the high jump for the first time in this meet and is steadily improving.
“This was a good-conditioning meet for us going into SWAC…This meet showed us where we are so for the next three we can work on getting ready for SWAC,” said Kevin Harris.
With two of their top sprinters out, SU still managed to perform well in the relays.
In the 4×400 meter teams A and B team placed second and fourth respectively. The distance medley Southern placed second with a 11:07.20 time. Charles Moon ran a little out of his element running the 800 placing fifth with 2:00.15 time. In the 60 meter hurdles Jamie Mclendon, made to the finale and placed seventh with 8.09 seconds. Men’s shot putter and weight thrower Austin Mumphrey also had a great day for Southern.
The track team has this week off, before competing in their last meet before the SWAC Championship, in the Southern Illinois University Invitational February 14-16.