Memphis, Tenn. — Belhaven University’s track and field team made a strong showing at the Rhodes 7-Way Invitational, its fifth outdoor meet of the season. The meet featured several event wins, personal bests, and a new program record in the men’s long jump, according to the school’s athletics department.
On the men’s side, freshman Kenneth Mills continued his standout season, winning the 100 meters in 11.03 seconds — his second consecutive victory in the event. Mills also took first in the high jump, clearing 1.90 meters. Neal Terry highlighted the field events with a long jump of 7.31 meters, which set a new program record and ranks fifth in NCAA Division III this season. Terry also won the triple jump with a mark of 14.47 meters.
Julius Phillips finished second in the 200 meters in 22.63 seconds, while Leeson Taylor III was runner-up in the 400 meters with a time of 51.21 seconds. Damian Sidelien placed fourth in both hurdle events, clocking 17.25 seconds in the 110 hurdles and 1:00.83 in the 400 hurdles. Drew Duckworth led the middle-distance runners with a personal-best 2:01.83 in the 800 meters, followed by Jacob Turner (2:08.86) and Donovan Hurst (2:11.17). Peyton Vandevuss completed the 1500 meters in 4:52.21.
The Belhaven relay teams found success as well. The 4×100 team of Seth Haynes, Julius Phillips, Leeson Taylor III, and Kenneth Mills won in 42.32 seconds. The 4×400 relay of Taylor, Phillips, Jaheem Cook, and Alex Reed finished first in 3:26.70.
On the women’s side, Kimona Haynes finished third in the 200 meters with a time of 25.08 seconds. Yasmyne McCann was fourth in the 100 meters (12.85 seconds) and eighth in the 200 meters (27.02 seconds). She also placed fourth in the long jump with a mark of 4.89 meters. Brycelyn Townsend secured wins in both hurdle events — first in the 100-meter hurdles in 15.96 seconds and in the 400-meter hurdles in 1:14.31.
In distance events, Courtney Adams led Belhaven in the 800 meters with a time of 2:35.26. She was followed by teammates Myisha Turner (2:45.27) and Destiny Griffin (3:15.81). Jocelyn Belonga finished the 1500 meters in 6:08.15. The Blazers have a little over a week before they host the CCS Track & Field Championships on April 21.
For more updates on Belhaven athletics, follow @BelhavenBlazers on Twitter and Instagram, and like the team on Facebook. Fans can also support the program through Team Green Giving.
