Hinds Track & Field Opens Indoor Season with Multiple Qualifiers at Samford Open
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Hinds Community College Track & Field team started the indoor season with a strong showing at the Samford Open. Multiple athletes qualified for the 2026 NJCAA Indoor Championships, including top-ranked sprinters and hurdlers.
Jayval Wright led the men’s team with a time of 6.64 seconds in the 60-meter dash, ranking him No. 2 nationally. Curtis Coleman also posted a top-three finish with a time of 6.67 seconds, ranking third in the country. In the hurdles, Matthew Sullivan qualified with a time of 7.91 seconds in the 60-meter hurdles, placing him third in the NJCAA.
On the women’s side, Queen Usunobun highlighted the meet with a national-leading time of 54.43 seconds in the 400-meter dash, ranking her No. 1 in the NJCAA. Angel Cumberbatch and Akaree Roberts also secured national qualifiers, with times of 56.35 seconds (No. 3) and 57.38 seconds (No. 6), respectively. Their performances bolster Hinds’ presence in the event heading into the national meet.
In the women’s 60-meter dash, Jaycie Wallace qualified with a time of 7.74 seconds, ranking 21st nationally. The Hinds 4×400-meter relay team also advanced, with a time of 3:55.19, currently ranked No. 4 in the NJCAA. The relay team includes Angel Cumberbatch, Akaree Roberts, Lania McDonald, and Kylie Norbit.
The team will return to competition on Jan. 23 at the LSU Bayou Bengal Invitational in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Follow Hinds Athletics on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for updates.
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