Men's, Women's track and field show progress at Samford Invitational

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs showed progress while competing in the Samford Open held in Birmingham, Alabama last weekend.

Sophomore Danice Loney finished in the 4th position in the Women's Pole Vault with a vault of 3.50m (11'5.75). That mark not only broke a school record, however it pushes her to number 1 in the Southwestern conference standings.

"This 2018-2019 pole vault season has just taken off and I am thankful for my coaches and teammates support going into this meet," Loney said. "I can't wait to see what God has in stored for the rest of my season. The sky is literally my limit so I hope I continue breaking records."

Sophomore Mya Davis broke the top 20th spots finishing 14th in the 200-meter dash with a time of 25.97 Sophomore Sabria Wooten finished 12th in the 1000-meter run with a time of 3:16.74. Freshman Ciarra Johnson finished in the 10th position in the shot put with a throw of 11.91m (39'1). Nautica Merrell finished 14th in the women's Weight throw with a throw of 14.29m (46'10.75).

On the men's side, the Bulldogs were led by Junior Jordan Minnis who finished 3rd in the 400-meter dash with a time of 49.22, bringing him to in the conference standings. Freshman Jatavion Boone 15th in the same event with a time of 50.22. Boone also advance to the semifinals and Finals in the 60-meter hurdles with a best time of 8.47.

"I think everyone gave their best effort today," Boone said. "We still have some improvements to make overall but are working towards those. Although I was a little off in the hurdles today. I felt great knowing that I had a personal best in the open 400 meter dash".

In the field, Sophomore Jordan Simons finished 5th in the men's triple-jump with a jump of 14.01m (45'11.75). Sophomore Christian Bryant finished 13th with a throw of 13.16m (43'2.25) and Isaiah McCaulley finished in the 14th position with a throw of 13.05m (42'9.75) in the Men's Weight throw.

"This year we have had some challenges as a team and as a university, however, I have a saying that I always say to the team that we have to abide by and that is 'You have to learn how to fight through some things and tough times,'" Alabama A&M track and field coach LaShaunda Jones said. "This meet we have shown some progression and I pray that we continue on the same path."

The Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs return to action tomorrow at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas for the ASU Invitational held at the First National Bank Arena.

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Players Mentioned

Sabria Wooten: 5' 5"; Freshman

Nautica Merrell: 5' 10"; Sophomore

Danice Loney: 5' 6"; Freshman

Christian Bryant: 6' 0"; Freshman

Jordan Simons: 5' 8"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

Sabria Wooten
: 5' 5"; Freshman

Nautica Merrell
: 5' 10"; Sophomore

Danice Loney
: 5' 6"; Freshman

Christian Bryant
: 6' 0"; Freshman

Jordan Simons
: 5' 8"; Freshman