BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Mississippi State’s track and field team launched its 2026 indoor season at the Samford Invite, securing 11 event wins across track and field disciplines, according to assistant director of communications Jhordyn Stallworth.
Head coach Chris Woods expressed satisfaction with the team’s start. “I’m happy with how the season started for the team,” he said. “This was a good opportunity to see where we are at, and now we can return to training with a more refined game plan to get us to where we need to be at the end of the indoor season.”
The Bulldogs dominated in several events, sweeping the top three positions in both the women’s 60-meter and 3,000-meter races. The meet began with the throws and pole vault, where Riley Brush and Alla Parnov both cleared 4.07 meters, placing them on the program’s all-time list. Brush also won her collegiate debut and is just one centimeter shy of the program’s freshman record.
Tamiia Fuller made a mark in the record books by tying the 60-meter record and posting the fourth-fastest 200-meter time in program history, winning both events. Caleb Kaplan improved his personal best in the weight throw, recording 18.29 meters — nearly a meter further than his previous best — placing him fifth in school history. Manie Mevo won the triple jump with a personal best of 12.69 meters, which also set a meet record at the Samford Invite.
The Bulldogs are set to compete next at the Bob Pollock Invitational, hosted by Clemson, at the end of the month. Fans can follow the team’s progress on HailState.com and on social media platforms under the handle “HailStateTF.”
