Roman Smith and Keith Fowler, Southern University's high jumpers, narrowly missed qualifying for the NCAA Championships at the East Regional in Kentucky. The duo cleared 2.11 meters (6-11) and were tied for fourth after the first flight but ultimately finished outside the top 12. A jump-off at 2.16m determined the final qualifiers, where both Smith and Fowler were unsuccessful in clearing the height. Smith placed 13th overall, while Fowler finished 14th in his freshman season. Their efforts were commendable but ultimately fell short in this high-stakes competition.

By the Numbers
  • Smith and Fowler cleared 2.11 meters, tying for the best mark in their flight.
  • Only two qualifying spots were available for the NCAA Championships after the main competition.
State of Play
  • Riyon Rankin from Georgia and Tyler Hughes from Southern Miss secured the last two championship berths in the jump-off.
  • Tashina Alase is set to compete in the quarterfinals of the 100-meter hurdles, aiming to break a long-standing absence from NCAA Championships for Lady Jaguars.
What's Next

Alase's upcoming race will be crucial, as she seeks to become the first Lady Jaguar to reach the NCAA Outdoor Championships since 1994. Her performance in the quarterfinals will determine her chances of advancing to Eugene, Oregon.

Bottom Line

Although Smith and Fowler's seasons concluded without NCAA Championship berths, their efforts highlight the competitive nature of collegiate athletics. With Alase next in line, Southern University’s track program remains poised for potential future success on a national stage.