Dawgs make another statement in their second outdoor straight meet

Friday, April 3

Cape Girardeau, MO

Southern Illinois University

Joey Haines Invite

Coach Brydson with Malik Allen

Photo by: Saluki Athletic Communications

Dawgs make another statement in their second outdoor straight meet

04/06/2026 | 10:23:00 | Track and Field

By: Dante Green, SIUSalukis.com

The Salukis wrapped up their second outdoor meet of the 2026 season Saturday evening in Missouri at the Joey Haines Invitational, turning in a strong showing highlighted by multiple personal bests and first-place finishes.

Xavier Preston captured first place in the men's 100-meter dash with a time of 10.74 seconds.

Leah Thames continued her impressive senior campaign, winning the women's 200 meters. She also placed third in the 100 meters (11.84), just ahead of KeyAnn Wilson, who finished fourth in 11.99.

In the field events, Kylee Weber recorded a season-best performance in the women's pole vault, while Ella McDonnellcleared 1.70 meters to finish second in the women's high jump. On the men's side, Christian Coleman also placed second in the high jump (2.10m), and Malik Allen claimed the triple jump title with a mark of 14.80 meters.

Shane Ashton won the men's 400-meter hurdles, while Na'Kyrah Cooks placed second in the women's long jump. Jordan Smith added another victory for the Salukis in the men's javelin throw with a mark of 56.85 meters.

On the track, Layla Watson delivered a standout performance, winning the women's 400 meters in 56.59 seconds. She also recorded a personal best in the 200 meters (25.49). Jalen Dickerson placed second in the men's 400 meters with a time of 48.46.

Jamison Love finished fourth in the 100-meter hurdles (14.36) before bouncing back to win the women's 400-meter hurdles in 1:06.20. In the men's 200 meters, Otto De St. Jeor took first, followed by Kwame Smith in second (21.45) and Preston in third (21.81).

Distance runner Ellary Blakey broke the 19-minute barrier for the first time, finishing third in the 5,000 meters with a time of 18:25.

The women's 4x400-meter relay team of Watson, Thames, Love, and Kyla Engel placed second with a time of 3:55.48. On the men's side, the quartet of Donte Long, Smith, Marius Coleman, and Dickerson claimed first place in 3:15.00.

In the throws, Kyan Bell finished second in the men's shot put (15.90m). Mark Ishman, Dallas Hodge, and Halaya Woodson all recorded personal bests in the hammer throw on Friday. Mali Thornton posted a season-best mark of 37.51 meters in the women's discus, while Allyson Niedfeldt clocked a personal-best 5:03 in her 1,500-meter debut. Makenna Whitham also notched a season best in the women's long jump.

Director Jones expressed satisfaction with the team's early outdoor performances.

"We had some solid performances this past weekend at SEMO. Outdoor track presents its own set of challenges with the weather, and we experienced that this past weekend. We were able to get some work and good marks in on all events and start building for the next meet."