Middle Tennessee Performs Well at Vandy Invitational

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Led by a record-setting performance by senior standout Mardy Scales, several Middle Tennessee track and field athletes enjoyed success at the Vanderbilt Invitational this weekend.

Scales set a Middle Tennessee record in the 100-meter with a 10.18, breaking the previous mark of 10.24 shared by three people, including Scales. Scales also won the 200-meter with a 20.37. Both times are NCAA Regional marks. Scales also was on the 4X100 relay team that finished second with a 40.32.

Junior Rosemary Okafor also had another outstanding weekend, winning two individual events and was on the Lady Raiders' winning 4X100 relay team. Okafor won the 400 and 200.

On the men's side, the Blue Raiders dominated the long jump, which was won by Clyde Gibson's NCAA Regional mark of 24-02.25. Teammate J.J. Sturm (24-0.25) was second, and Sean Waller (23-05.5) was fourth.

Willie Parker won the shot put (50-06), while James Thomas finished third (48-00.5) as the two teammates continued to battle back and forth in the throws. Zack Wood also had a personal best showing in the 3000 meter Steeplechase, finishing third with a 9:45.04.

Lady Raider KeKe Deckard won the long jump with a leap of 18-08.0, while teammates Rolanda Howard and Karina Francis were sixth and 11, respectively. The Lady Raiders also were strong in the women's shot put. Laetitia Florimond won the event with a throw of 44-08.7, while Meaghan Byrd (42-06.25) and Kelley Enoch (40-05.5) were third and fifth, respectively.

Also finishing first for Middle Tennessee in the Vanderbilt Invitational were Linnie Yarbrough, Candice Robertson, Kishara George and Willie Parker.

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