ARBONDALE, Ill. – The Tommie Dabney era of Maryville Track and Field officially began as the Saints competed in the Saluki Fast Start meet, hosted by Southern Illinois University Carbondale. The Saints were the lone NCAA Division II program in a field dominated by Division I teams.

The first meet of the year brought plenty of excitement for the Saints, highlighted by Bryson Pickard and Lyric Ford capturing individual event titles. Pickard clocked a 44.66 in the 400 meters to earn not only the event title but also an NCAA provisional mark. His time currently ranks seventh in Division II for the 400 and broke the program record previously held by Jobey Smith from last year's GLVC Championships. Ford, transitioning from cross country season, won the 3000 meters, with teammate Savannah Lesher finishing second. The race also saw three other Saints achieve personal records (PRs).

Pickard wasn't the only Saint to hit an NCAA provisional mark. Sarai Brown finished third in the 60 meters with a time of 7.56, a new personal best and an NCAA provisional qualifier.

The men's 4x400 relay team closed the meet with another event title. Landon Oxford, Pickard, Jobey Smith, and Ladarius Williams combined for a time of 3:25.05 to secure the win.

Dawson McCown had a strong showing in the men's 3000 meters, finishing second with a PR time of 8:54.21.

The throws squad also impressed, with Julia Hahn and Liz Vermillon leading the way on the women's side. Hahn placed third in the weight throw, while Vermillion matched that finish in the shot put. On the men's side, Amrish Hallberg finished fourth in the weight throw, and Sherodd Tate led the team in the shot put with a fourth-place finish and a PR.

Other notable performances included Kanden Bolton's second-place finish in the long jump during his collegiate debut. He was joined by PRs from Smith and Devon Vandiver. Freshmen Emoni Owens (400 meters) and Jade Matthews both made strong debuts, with Owens breaking the one-minute mark in the 400.

Jada Calbert recorded a PR in the 60-meter hurdles, while Autumn Hawkins achieved the same milestone in the long jump.

UP NEXT
The Saints return to competition on Friday, Dec. 13, at the Indiana University Early Bird Meet.