The first day of the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field Championships has concluded, seeing several HBCU athletes put forth impressive performances in their quest for a national title.
Dillard sprinter Kevell Byrd was the brightest star of all the HBCU competitors, winning her 200m heat with a 23.96 time (third-fastest among all runners) to clinch a spot in the finals.
This is the fourth straight year Byrd has advanced to the 200m finals at the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Last season, she finished last in the 200m final after running 24.07.
Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA) was the team of the day, putting an individual athlete and a relay team into the finals of their respective events.
XULA’s 4×100 women’s relay team claimed a spot in the finals in the first preliminary heat, squeezing through with a 46.76 time (seventh-best preliminary mark).
They will have the opportunity to improve on their sixth-place finish in last year’s 4×100 relay final.
Dillard ran an impressive 46.94 time in their 4×100 preliminary heat, but fell short of the final qualifying spot by .08 seconds.
Also representing XULA in an event final is 400 hurdler Jaheene Bell, finding his way into his second straight final with a 53.06 mark.
The sophomore athlete is seeking a better performance in his second finals appearance, having failed to finish in his first attempt.
Other notable Day 1 performers
Florida Memorial women’s 4×100 relay: 47.51 (16th-best preliminary time)
Huston Tillotson women’s 4×100 relay: 47.59 (17th-best preliminary time)
Langston men’s 4×100 relay: 40.85 (12th-best preliminary time)
Dillard men’s 4×100 relay: 40.88 (14th-best preliminary time)
Voorhees men’s 4×100 relay: 41.63 (21st-best preliminary time)
Talladega men’s 4×100 relay: DNF
Serina Rose, Florida Memorial women’s 400 hurdles: 1:04.92 (20th-best preliminary time)
Laila Johnson, Dillard women’s 400 hurdles: 1:07.56 (25th-best preliminary time)
Markel Myles, Dillard men’s 400 hurdles: 53.59 (13th-best preliminary time)
Jaelyn Mitchell, XULA women’s 200 meters: 24.87 (16th-best preliminary time)
Shenise Ellis, Florida Memorial women’s 200 meters: 25.34 (21st-best preliminary time)
Damarion Alexander, Voorhees men’s 200 meters: 21.92 (29th-best preliminary time)
