Dillard Men’s Track & Field Sets Meet Record, Posts NAIA Marks at Southern Miss Invite

Hattiesburg, MS — April 4, 2026 — The Dillard University men's track & field team delivered a strong showing this weekend at the Southern Miss Invite, highlighted by a meet record performance in the 4x400-meter relay and multiple NAIA-ranked marks.

The Bleu Devils' 4x400-meter relay team of Jordan Thomas, Mark Emilien, Jamaal Morris Jr., and Markel Myles stole the spotlight, breaking the meet record with a time of 3:14.30, earning the #6 mark in the NAIA and #16 among HBCUs this season.

On the track, freshman Denim Charles led the way in the 100 meters, clocking a personal best 10.64s, which ranks #25 in the NAIA and #59 among HBCUs. Teammate Mark Emilien followed with a 10.80s, also earning national rankings.

In the 800 meters, Markel Myles turned in a standout performance, placing third with a personal best 1:57.91, adding an HBCU top-70 mark.

Dillard showed depth in the 400 meters, with six athletes finishing under 52 seconds, led by Khel Arvie (50.03) and Jordan Thomas (50.08 SB). Senior James Pennington III added a personal best 50.72s.

In the sprint relays, the 4x100-meter relay team of Surprise Babalola, Denim Charles, Mark Emilien, and Jamaal Morris Jr. placed third in 40.59, continuing their consistent performances this season.

In field events, freshman Ja'lahn Limbrick made a major impact in the long jump, recording a season-best 5.82m (19-1.25). Limbrick also posted personal bests in both the 110m hurdles and 400m hurdles.

Senior Stanley Rhone led the throwers in the hammer throw with a mark of 43.88m (143-11), while Robert Jackson Jr. recorded a personal best 10.22m (33-6.50) in the shot put.

In distance events, Phillip Issac and K'mon Washington posted NAIA-ranked performances in the 3000 meters, while Maurice Lyles competed in the 1500 meters.

-Bleu Devils-