MCC Track & Field Excels in Starkville; Set Sights on Nationals

STARKVILLE, Miss. – Meridian Community College's men's and women's track & field teams delivered strong performances at the Maroon & White Tune-Up hosted by Mississippi State University on May 2nd, capping off the regular season with momentum as they head into nationals.

The Eagles men's team, currently ranked #12 in the nation by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA), continued to prove why they are among the nation's elite, securing multiple top-five finishes across several events.

Top Performances from the Meet:

• T.J. Autrey – 1st Place, Men's High Jump (2.11m)

• Jaylon Blackmon – 1st Place, Men's Triple Jump (13.53m)

• Mykala Carter, Nakirsten Hughes, Yasmyne McCann, Jakhia Martin – 2nd Place, Women's 4x100 Meter Relay (48.05)

• Tafadzwa Chikomba – 3rd Place, Men's 100 Meter Dash (10.51)

• Jaci Summers – 4th Place, Men's 200 Meter Dash (21.23)

• Robert Englebert – 2nd Place, Men's 1500 Meter Run (4:12.18)

"These athletes continue to raise the bar each week," said Head Coach Chip Gayden. "We're proud of their growth and focus, and we're excited to see how they compete on the national stage."

With their sights now set on the NJCAA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships in Hutchinson, Kansas, May 15–17, the Eagles aim to carry this momentum forward and represent MCC on the biggest stage in junior college athletics.