Mississippi State
Vanderbilt Invitational (I)
MSU Dominates Day One At Vanderbilt Indoor Invitational
January 25, 2014 | Track & Field
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – With unrivaled performances in the men's and women's long jump and men's distance medley relay, Mississippi State track and field rolled over its competition on day one of the Vanderbilt Indoor Invitational, capturing six Top 10 finishes, including three wins.
The Bulldog quartet comprised of Scottie Hearn, Brandon McBride, Patrick Monaghan and Damian Roszko clocked a 9:44.28 to finish ahead of all competitors by an outstanding nine seconds in the men's distance medley relay. The foursome's winning time currently ranks fifth in the nation in the event.
“We have a great group of guys to work with this year, and middle distance is especially on the upswing,” McBride said. “This group of hard workers is really going to achieve something special.”
Meanwhile, off the track, a pair of MSU jumpers had successful showings to qualify for NCAA Indoor Nationals. All-Americans Erica Bougard (21-11.00) and Marcus Jackson (7-03.75) posted first and second-place finishes in the long jump and high jump, respectively, to earn a spot in Albuquerque, N.M., on March 12-15.
Long jumper Jarrett Samuels won his event with a leap of 23-11.50, while Rochelle Farquharson posted a 19-11.75 to finish third in the women's competition. Following Samuels were A.J. Ward (22-10.00) in sixth and Zachary Taylor (20-08.00) in 11th.
“I am extremely proud of how well our teams did today,” MSU Coach Steve Dudley said. “If they continue to perform like this, they will keep getting the national attention they deserve. I'm excited to see how we finish tomorrow.”
Action will continue Saturday in Nashville at 10 a.m., starting with the women's 3000-meter run, and will conclude at 4:35 p.m. with the 4x400-meter relays.
“Mississippi State has started the first day of the meet off great,” Hearn said. “With two national qualifiers this early in the season and an outstanding win in the distance medley, I am very excited for the rest of the season. I expect great things for our team, and it's time to make people proud.”
For live results and updates, visit www.cfpitiming.com or follow the team on Twitter (@HailStateTF).
Women's Results
High Jump: Saniel Atkinson, Unattached, 6-01.50
MSU: 12. Abigail Dill, 5-04.50
Long Jump: Erica Bougard, 20-11.00MSU: 2. Rochelle Farquharson, 19-11.75
Weight Throw: Jessica Ramsey, Western Kentucky, 65-05.50MSU: 16. Haley Reynolds, 47-10.50
Men's Results
High Jump: Ricky Robertson, Unattached, 7-06.50
MSU: 2. Marcus Jackson, 7-03.75
Long Jump: Jarrett Samuels, Mississippi State, 23-11.50
MSU: 6. A.J. Ward, 22-10.00; 11. Zachary Taylor, 20-08.00
Distance Medley: Mississippi State, 9:44.28
