Mississippi State Track and Field Sets Multiple Program Records in Day One of Split Weekend

STARKVILLE, Miss. — Mississippi State’s track and field team kicked off its split weekend competitions Friday with strong performances at the Tiger Paw Invitational in Clemson, South Carolina, and the Music City Challenge in Nashville, Tennessee.

In Nashville, Roury McCloyen and Juha Narhi made their mark in the men’s weight throw. McCloyen’s personal best of 18.70 meters moved him into second place on the program’s all-time list. Narhi’s throw of 18.45 meters ranks fourth in school history, according to the university.

Marie Rougetet won the open section of the weight throw with a personal best of 19.01 meters. Tafada Wright finished fourth in the invite section with a personal best of 19.27 meters. Wright’s mark is the third farthest in program history, while Rougetet’s is fourth.

Naomi Jepleting closed out the day with a record-breaking performance in the women’s 5,000 meters, crossing the finish line in 16 minutes, 18.10 seconds. The time set a new program record, and Jepleting now holds the indoor, outdoor, and freshman records over the distance, according to Mississippi State.

Meanwhile, at Clemson, Keayari Lee ran a personal best of 45.99 seconds in the men’s 400 meters, finishing 10th and earning the third-fastest time in program history. Nicholas Fakorede posted a season-best time of 6.59 seconds in the 60 meters, advancing to the finals before they were canceled. Both athletes’ times rank in the top 20 nationally.

Overall, 13 personal bests were recorded across both meets on the first day. Competition resumes Saturday in Clemson with the men’s pole vault and in Nashville with the men’s shot put.

For more information, visit HailState.com or follow the program on X, Instagram, and Facebook under “HailStateTF.”

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