The Northwestern State men's 4x400 relay team broke the school record with a time of 3:02.73, earning a spot at the nationals in Oregon. Will Achee's strong anchor leg pushed the team from sixth to near fourth place, marking the first time since 2003 that NSU's men's 4x400 relay reached this level. Associate head coach Adam Pennington praised the team's performance under pressure and expressed excitement for the upcoming competition. Meanwhile, the team also competed in the 4x100 relay and several field events, showcasing notable individual performances despite missing out on additional nationals berths.

By the Numbers
  • 4x400 relay time: 3:02.73 (school record)
  • First men's 4x400 relay to reach nationals since 2003
  • Tarajh Hudson's discus toss: 185-7 (14th place)
  • Randy Kelly's high jump clearance: 6-11 (tied for 15th)
Yes, But

While the men's relay team excelled, both Hudson and Kelly fell short of advancing to nationals, highlighting the competitive nature of the events and their personal bests not being enough to secure qualification.

State of Play
  • The men's 4x400 relay team successfully qualified for nationals.
  • Hudson and Kelly achieved notable personal bests but finished just outside qualifying positions.
  • The women's team is set to compete in the discus and 400-meter dash, with relay events on their agenda.
What's Next

The men's 4x400 relay team will prepare for the national competition in Oregon, where they aim to showcase their record-breaking performance. The women's team will also seek qualifications in their remaining events, potentially adding more opportunities for NSU.

Bottom Line

The NSU men's 4x400 relay's achievement not only sets a new standard for the program but also serves as a motivating beacon for future athletes, marking a significant milestone in their competitive history.