Cleveland, Tenn. — Belhaven University wrapped up its final tune-up before the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships with strong performances Saturday at the Lee University Last Chance Meet. The meet featured competitors from NCAA Division I, II, NAIA, and unattached athletes.
On the men’s side, Neal Terry led the way. The senior won the long jump with a mark of 7.16 meters (23 feet 6 inches), defeating regional and nationally-ranked opponents. He also finished second in the triple jump with a distance of 14.53 meters (47 feet 8 inches), continuing a successful postseason stretch after breaking the CCS record in the event last month at the conference championships.
Alex Reed added a top-five finish in the long jump, placing fifth with a leap of 6.81 meters (22 feet 4.25 inches). Freshman Kenneth Mills cleared 2.00 meters (6 feet 6.75 inches) in the high jump, matching the height of the second- and third-place finishers to finish fourth in a competitive field. Mills is having an impressive rookie campaign heading into nationals.
On the women’s side, Kimona Haynes competed in both the 200-meter and 400-meter dash against a deep field of nationally-ranked NCAA Division II and NAIA sprinters. She finished 10th in the 200 meters with a time of 24.54 seconds, which remains among the top Division III times in the country this season. Later, she finished seventh in the 400 meters in 56.21 seconds, competing against several nationally-ranked athletes from Division II.
Saturday’s meet marked the final competition for Belhaven before they shift focus to the NCAA Division III Championships, scheduled for May 21-23 in La Crosse, Wisconsin. For more updates on Belhaven athletics, fans are encouraged to follow @BelhavenBlazers on Twitter and Instagram, and like the team on Facebook. Supporters can also contribute through Team Green Giving.
