Morris and Williams' Standout Performances show a promising start to the season
NEW ORLEANS (January 9,2026)– The men's track and field team delivered an impressive performance highlighted by national-level times, multiple qualifiers, and strong depth across sprints, jumps, distance, and relays.
Jamaal Morris continued his outstanding season by winning the 60 meters in 6.71s, a mark that currently ranks No. 2 in the NAIA. Morris also punched his ticket in the 200 meters, posting a season-best time of 21.60.
The freshmen made a major statement as Surprise Babalola and Lance Williams dominated the track. Babalola qualified in both the 60 meters (6.75) and the 200 meters (21.21), with the latter standing as one of the top times in the NAIA this season. Williams showcased his strength in the quarter-mile, capturing the 400 meters in 48.50, a performance that ranks No. 6 nationally.
The sprint group showed depth throughout the meet. Denim Charles finished fourth in the 60 meters with a time of 7.17 and placed third in the 200 meters at 21.71. James Pennington III ran 7.34 in the 60 meters and 22.60 in the 200, while Mark Emilien clocked 7.29 in the 60 and 21.90 in the 200. Jordan Winder added a 7.38 in the 60 meters and a 52.94 in the 400. Freshman Dorian Cook ran 55.13 in the 400, while Dequane Davis competed in multiple events, recording 23.82 in the 200 meters, 5.90 meters in the long jump, and 11.80 meters in the triple jump.
Junior Jeremy Geary Jr. opened his season in the 400 meters with a solid 52.47. All-American Markel Myles tested his speed in the 60 meters, finishing in 7.38, and followed with a strong 400-meter opener of 50.15. Freshmen Kydell Miner and Jordan Thomas held their own in the 600 meters, running 1:26.41 and 1:28.13, respectively.
The distance squad competed in the 1,000 meters and the mile. Phillip Isaac ran 3:09.17 in the 1,000 meters and 5:23.82 in the mile. Justin Lyles posted times of 3:28.49 in the 1,000 and 5:43.39 in the mile, while Ellis Nelson recorded 3:39.72 in the 1,000 meters and 6:18.33 in the mile.
In the field events, Anthony Thompson turned in a strong day with career-best marks of 6.96 meters in the long jump and 13.02 meters in the triple jump. Elijah Williams also competed in both events, recording jumps of 5.90 meters (long jump) and 11.60 meters (triple jump). Senior throwers Stanley Rhone and Damion Hammond represented well in the shot put with throws of 9.55 meters and 8.90 meters.
The day concluded with a statement performance in the men's 4x400-meter relay. The quartet of Markel Myles, Mark Emilien, Jamaal Morris Jr., and Lance Williams clocked a blazing 3:14.81, currently ranking No. 2 in the NAIA.
-Bleu Devils-