Photo Credit: Wesley Hoogendyk
Kennesaw State track and field delivered outstanding performances in a number of events, showcasing the team’s strength and talent at the Don McGarey Invitational on March 28–29 in Kennesaw.
In the men’s 100-meter dash, Xavier Paris excelled, taking first place with a time of 10.41 seconds.
Chance Cross made a statement in the 200-meter race, winning with a time of 20.58 seconds.
In the 110-meter hurdles, Jeremiah Sims won with a time of 13.87 seconds.
Collins KipKemboi placed first in the 1500m with a time of 3:54.85, and Kaelen Mitchell won the men’s long jump with a distance of 24-5.
These strong results highlight KSU’s talent and position them for success as they compete for the remainder of the season.
The women’s side put up a number of strong showings during the meet as well.
With a time of 11.82 seconds in the 100-meter dash and 23.93 seconds in the 200-meter dash, Samiya Wayne placed second.
Akerah Jones finished fourth in the 400-meter hurdles and first in the 100-meter hurdles, winning in 13.49 seconds.
In 54.63 seconds, Yasmine Martin won the 400-meter race.
Kaylan McConnehead performed well in the field events, winning the triple jump with a distance of 40-3.75 feet and placing second in the long jump with a distance of 19-5.5 feet.
Kali Terza’s throw of 212-2.5 feet won the hammer throw.
“They really wanted to perform well in front of their family and friends,” coach Cale McDaniel said. “I think they were just excited to put on a show for all the people that came out to see them.”
Looking ahead, Coach McDaniel shared the team’s mindset for the rest of the season.
“We have really big goals, really big visions for what we want to accomplish this year so I’m not worried about motivating this team,” McDaniel said. “This team is hungry and we have a strong culture of chasing championships.”
In the field events, McDaniel emphasized the comfort and familiarity of competing at home.
“When you get to perform on your own runway or in your own ring for the throws, it’s a comfortable thing,” he said.
This was evident in performances like Kali Terza’s hammer throw and Kaylan McConnehead’s success in the triple jump.
With such outstanding performances across multiple events, KSU’s track and field team has proven their skill and dedication. As Coach McDaniel looks ahead, he remains focused on the team’s big goals.
“The goal is to win championships and to be represented at the national championship meet,” he said. “We want to provide that light for our university.”
