By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech track and field program returns to action this weekend for the two-day, Al Schmidt Bulldog Relays in Starkville, Miss. hosted by Mississippi State. Action is slated for both Friday and Saturday at Mike Sanders Track and Field Complex.
Al Schmidt Bulldog Relays Information
Mar. 26-27, 2021 – Located at Mike Sanders Track and Field Complex in Starkville, Miss. Friday's action will kick off with field events beginning at 10:00 a.m. CT and running events set to start at 5:00 p.m. On Saturday, field events will continue with an 11:00 a.m. start while the remaining running events are slated to kick off at 12:00 p.m.
The Field
The Al Schmidt Bulldog Relays field consists of host Mississippi State, as well as Alabama, Alabama A&M, Alabama Huntsville, Alabama State, Alcorn, Arkansas Pine Bluff, Arkansas State, Belhaven, Birmingham Southern, Hinds CC, Jackson State, Kennesaw State, Louisiana, Louisiana Tech, Little Rock, Memphis, Meridian CC, Mississippi College, Mississippi Valley State, Mobile, New Orleans, North Alabama, Northwestern State, Northwood University, South Alabama, Southern Miss, Stillman College, Tennessee Tech, UAB, ULM, Vanderbilt, West Georgia, and William Carey.
What to Watch For
This represents the second event of the season for the purple and gold after competing in the USA Invitational, hosted by South Alabama, back on Mar. 13. It also marks the first two-day meet of the season for the Golden Eagles.
In the season opener, sophomore Lyn'Nikka Vance was the team's top performer, placing second overall in the long jump finals. The Monee, Ill. native catapulted to a distance of 5.79 meters in her first taste of outdoor competition. Rookie Samaria Allen also earned points in the event for Tech, finishing with a final distance of 5.47 meters and in sixth place.
In the 400m finals, it was Ceirra Tate claiming the top result for the purple and gold. The senior veteran sprinted to a third-place finish in the event, claiming a time of 57.98.
Tieara Norman made her Tech debut in outdoor competition after transferring from Fresno State last year, placing fourth overall in the 400m hurdles. The senior turned in a PR performance of 1:06.05, less than half a second back of both second and third place.
Several freshmen made their collegiate debuts in the season-opening event in addition to Allen, including Jadae Joseph, Ashtin Holman, Ayanna Haywood, Trenia Stephens and Stahja Hayes.
Up Next
The Golden Eagles get right back to action for Western Kentucky's Hilltopper Relays taking place in Bowling Green, Ky. from Friday, Apr. 2 through Saturday, Apr. 3.
Photo by Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information