BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WTVA/MSU Athletics) — After two hard-fought meets over three days in Birmingham, the Mississippi State indoor track team has completed action, qualified two for nationals and is headed back to Starkville.
“Having two meets back to back was a new experience for our athletes,” coach Steve Dudley said. “It gave us some great experience going in to the rest of the season. We got to see the shape of our athletes and what they were made of and I can say that I am proud of the effort they gave this weekend.”
Jody-Ann Muir was the top finisher for the Lady Bulldogs as she competed in the 400m dash. The senior posted a time of 54.74 to claim third and finish just ahead of teammate Ocian Archer, whose time of 56.54 earned a Top 10 finish.
“Jody-Ann had a great race, as did a number of our athletes,” Dudley added. “Many of them were running their third or fourth race today, so to get the results they did is impressive. The experience they gained this weekend will only help us as we go forward and we will just continue to improve.”
Joining Muir and Archer in the Top 10 were Favian Cowards in the weight throw (57-00 ¼) and Keisha Wallace in the 60m hurdles (8.66) who both placed sixth in their respective events, Alyssa Hall who took ninth in the high jump (5-07), Ebony Brinker who was tenth in the triple jump (38-03 ½), as well as the fourth place 4x400m relay team of Muir, Brittany Covington, Archer and Erica Bougard (3:43.20).
Marcus Jackson saw action for the Bulldogs as he claimed victory in the high jump with a height of 7-03 ¾. Jackson’s height placed him just ahead of 2011 SEC Champion Rickey Robertson of Ole Miss and fellow teammate James Harris, who finished second and third respectfully. Jackson and Harris' height also automatically qualifies the pair for the 2012 Indoor National Championships.
“Marcus and James’ jumps were a huge surprise for the team,” stated Dudley. “You always want to qualify for nationals, but to do so this early and to have two qualify at one time is an added bonus.”
Joining Jackson in medalist honors were Anthony Bynum, who ran 21.32 to claim victory in the 200m dash and the 4x400m relay squad of Daundre Barnaby, Emanuel Mayers, O’Neal Wilder and Tavaris Tate (3:11.80).
Upon return from Birmingham, MSU will turn its focus to the Auburn Invitational and a return trip to Birmingham on January 20.
