Northwestern State's men's 4x400 relay team secured a Second Team All-American title at the national track meet, finishing 16th overall with a time of 3:04.68 after rival teams were disqualified. The relay featured Kason Jones, Charlie Bartholomew, Will Achee, and Desmond Duncan, overcoming the challenges of running from lane two. Additionally, Roy Morris earned an honorable mention with a 19th place finish in the long jump, marking his second consecutive appearance at nationals. He achieved his best jump of 23-11.75, while the top competitor, Tafadzwa Chikomba, leaped 27-5.5. The day saw SEC teams dominate, capturing the top five spots in the relay event.

By the Numbers
  • The men's 4x400 relay finished 16th overall with a time of 3:04.68.
  • Roy Morris placed 19th in the long jump with his best jump of 23-11.75.
Yes, But

Despite the achievements, the SEC's dominance raises questions about the competitiveness of other conferences at nationals, with top teams like LSU, Arkansas, and Georgia showcasing faster times and securing prime spots.

State of Play
  • No teams from Northwestern State reached the top eight for First Team All-American honors.
  • Upcoming events include the women's 400-meter dash, where Rushana Dwyer aims to achieve a historic first for the Lady Demons.
What's Next

As competition continues, more athletes from Northwestern State will compete, particularly with Rushana Dwyer looking to make history in the women's 400-meter dash, potentially improving the team's standings.

Bottom Line

The relay and long jump results highlight Northwestern State's potential and the need for refinement going forward, signifying a foundation for future success in national competitions.