CHARLESTON, Ill. — The Maryville Saints track and field teams delivered impressive performances at the Eastern Illinois John Craft Invitational on Saturday, highlighted by multiple event victories and personal records across both squads.
 
INS & OUTS
On the women's side, Mallorie Metzger stole the spotlight with a commanding win in the 800-meter run, continuing her strong indoor season. Emoni Owens secured a fourth-place finish in the 600-meter run, setting a new personal record, while Grace Graham also achieved a personal best in the same event. Lyric Ford placed fourth in the mile, with teammate Savannah Lesher finishing two spots behind her in sixth; both runners recorded personal records.
 
Courtney Talley earned a ninth-place finish in the 400-meter dash, while Grace Graham added a fifth-place finish in the high jump, clearing 4'11. Liz Vermillion capped off the field events for the women with a strong showing in the shot put, finishing fourth with a throw of 12.53 meters.
 
The men's team also had a banner day, with Giovanni Jones blazing to a victory in the 60-meter dash, clocking a personal-best time of 6.93. Landon Oxford showcased his versatility, finishing eighth in the 200-meter dash and winning the 400-meter dash with a personal-record time of 51.23. Jobey Smith joined Oxford on the 400-meter podium, placing third.
 
In the 600-meter run, Bryson Pickard delivered another stellar performance, winning the event with a personal-best time of 1:22.29. Dawson McCown added a fourth-place finish in the mile, crossing the line in 4:26.16.
 
The Saints were dominant in the 60-meter hurdles, with sophomore Donteaus Moore capturing first place and classmate Ladarius Williams finishing third with a new personal record. In the high jump, freshman Amel Abdul-Mumin cleared the two-meter mark for the first time in his career, earning third place.
 
Freshman Kanden Bolton had a breakout performance in the long jump, finishing second with a leap of 6.92 meters, surpassing his previous best of 6.76. In the shot put, Sherodd Tate rounded out the Saints' field successes, taking third with a toss of 14.36 meters.
 
UP NEXT
The Saints stay in the Lincoln State for their next meet as they head to the Illinois College Snowbird Invite on Jan. 25.