Thames, Foltz Record Personal Bests on Day 1 of Jim Green Invite

Christian Coleman and Ella McDonnell

Thames, Foltz Record Personal Bests on Day 1 of Jim Green Invite

05/01/2026 | 6:58:00 | Track and Field

By: Dante Green

Day one of the Jim Green Invite saw several strong performances, highlighted by senior Leah Thames posting another personal best in the women's 200 meters. Thames clocked a 23.16, the fastest time in the MVC this season, further strengthening her position after already ranking second in the conference in the event.

In the men's steeplechase, Foltz delivered a major breakthrough with a time of 9:22, shaving 20 seconds off his previous personal best. His mark currently ranks ninth in the MVC this season.

Jalen Dickerson also impressed, tightening his hold on the Missouri Valley Conference lead in the men's 400-meter hurdles with a season-best time of 51.83. Dallas Hodge finished second in the men's hammer throw with a personal best of 63.32. Kyan Bell finished ninth in the event with a personal best of 54.79m.

Other notable performances from Day 1 included:

Na'Kyrah Cooks placed 10th in the women's long jump with a mark of 5.53 meters.
Jordan Smith finished third in the men's javelin with a throw of 59.40 meters.
Henry Harsy placed ninth in the same event, also recording a mark of 49.74 meters. It was a personal best.
Jamison Love took eighth in the women's 400-meter hurdles, finishing in 1:03.32.
Jalynn Wood earned fifth place in the women's javelin with a throw of 37.68 meters.
Drew Twyman debuted for the first time in the men's 3000 meter steeplechase. He had a time of 10.02.59.
Halaya Woodson finished seventh in the women's hammer throw. Her mark was 50.55 meters.