Recap | Men's Track and Field finishes third thanks to huge day three from relays, jumps

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - The Southern Illinois men's track and field team tallied 83 points on day three to earn third place at the Outdoor Missouri Valley Conference Championships Sunday, May 12, in Terre Haute, Ind. 49 points were added on the 400-meter hurdles, triple jump, and 4x400 relay alone.

The Salukis began the day with a bang thanks to a second-place finish from the 4x100 relay team of Kyle Burgoni, Xavier Preston, Christian Donatelli and Jeremiah Hamilton, whose time of 40.06 is second in SIU history.

Preston earned two individual medals on the day, both bronzes in the 100 and 200-meter dashes.

Shane Ashton and Nikyan Hodge spearheaded the day when they finished first and second in the men's 400-meter hurdles. Ashton (50.37, PR) set a facility record while running the second-fastest time in school history. Hodge was no slouch, running 51.95 (PR), good for ninth in the record books.

Darius Fuller and Darrione Williams' performances in the men's triple jump skyrocketed the Salukis in the standings. Fuller set a PR after jumping 15.30 meters, smashing his previous record and earning a first-place finish in the event. Williams (14.83m) grabbed a PR as well, earning him the bronze medal.

Jumps coach Jake Brydson was less surprised than most based on what he knew of Fuller and Williams' potential.

"Darius came in knowing he could jump 50 (feet), which is the blessing and the curse, but he handled the pressure tremendously and delivered in the biggest moment," he said. "Darrione stayed the course and put in the work for months to get back to this level and on the biggest stage he brought out his best."

The hotly-contested men's 4x400 relay delivered in every way, as the Saluki men comfortably finished first and doubled up on gold after winning the indoor event in February. Ashton, Bryson Wilson, Marius Coleman and Hamilton dominated the race wire to wire.

Director of Track and Field Richard Jones credits the team's performance in the biggest moments to their preparation going for weeks on end.

"The conference meet always tends to bring out the best in athletes," he said. "The team as a whole has been working the last few weeks for this weekend and it showed."

The Saluki women also outperformed their pre-championship projection, racking up 58 points and finishing fifth.

Teanna Bell capped her impressive weekend with a personal record 54.78 in the women's 400-meter dash, earning a silver medal.

Shavell Riley joined teammate Xavier Preston in winning bronze medals in both the 100 and 200-meter dashes.

Vashti Grey, Leah Thames, Selisa Palmer and Bell added eight points to the team score with a silver medal in the women's 4x400, an event that has continuously proved successful for the Salukis this outdoor season.

Distance coach Brian Biekert's crew of Ethan Senti, Rachel Anderson and Josh Allison were vital to Southern's success on days one and two and believes team culture can drive athletes to greatness.

"They are representative of the values that we try to instill in the team; focus, courage, determination, and team-focused," he said. "It's encouraging to see them be rewarded for their hard work."

Saluki MVC Medalists:

Ethan Senti - Third Place - Men's 10,000-meter run
Rachel Anderson - First Place - Women's 3,000-meter steeplechase
Josh Allison - Third Place - Men's 3,000-meter steeplechase
Teanna Bell - Second Place - Women's 400-meter dash
Shavell Riley - Third Place (x2) - Women's 100 and 200-meter dash
Xavier Preston - Third Place (x2) - Men's 100-meter dash
Shane Ashton - First Place - Men's 400-meter hurdles
Nikyan Hodge - Second Place - Men's 400-meter hurdles
Darius Fuller - First Place - Men's triple jump
Darrione Williams - Third Place - Men's triple jump

Here are Salukis who did not medal but achieved personal records on day three:

Tiara Murray - Women's triple jump (11.14m)
Halaya Woodson, Women's discus throw (43.96m)
Jaden Smith, Men's discus throw (40.56m)

UP NEXT
The 2023-24 Track and Field season has concluded. However, some athletes have qualified for NCAA Regional competition and will await official placement.

Jones sees how this young group responded towards the end of the season and believes the quality performances are only just beginning.

"I am pleased with how the year went and as this program continues to grow with athletes and staff, it will only get better," he said. "Getting the right balance is important and I believe we are on the right path to that."

FOLLOW THE SALUKIS
For the latest updates on the Salukis, follow the team on X (@SIUTrackXC), Instagram (@SIUTrackXC) and Facebook (@SalukiTrackAndField).

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