Wednesday marked the first day of the NCAA championships in Eugene, Oregon, for the Missouri track and field team. The men’s side kicked off the action, while the women’s side will begin competition Thursday.
Senior Ser Whitaker started off the day for the Tigers in the opening events of the decathalon. He posted a strong showing on day one of the event, ending in 15th place. He’ll continue events tomorrow starting at 10:30 a.m. PST.
On the track, senior Markesh Woodson ran a 10.05-second 100 meter dash, a personal record.
“I felt great,” Woodson said. “Getting a PR at the NCAAs, it’s kind of like walking down the street and finding $10 on the street, and you go to the store that’s having this sale, and the item you wanted is only like $5, so you get to keep that extra $5 for yourself.”
His time qualified him for the finals, giving him the third seed. Woodson said he cannot wait to take on Friday’s finals.
“I feel confident,” Woodson said. “Mostly, I feel confident in my Lord that he’ll bring me strength have me do what I need to do.”
Freshman Kahmari Montgomery, the Southeastern Conference champion in the 400 meter dash, ran a 45.91, just missing the finals qualification. Montgomery holds the school record in the 400 meter dash, with a time of 45.13 seconds.
In the field, freshman pole vaulter Matthew Ludwig’s season came to a close with a 10th-place finish in the championship. Ludwig holds the school record for the pole vault with a jump of 5.46 meters (17 feet, 11 inches).
Junior Reinhard Van Zyl took 13th in the javelin throw with a toss of 70.25 meters (230 feet, 5 inches).
The men’s team currently sits at No. 9 in the track and field rankings, the highest for any men and women’s team in program history.
Woodson said part of the reason the team broke top 10 was because of the bond that it has developed over his years as a Tiger.
“We’re kind of just one big family,” he said. “Win or lose, we’re still a family. Stepping onto that track at the championships just allows us to showcase what we got recruited to do, and we’re actually doing it now. I honestly just feel grateful to be here with my team.”
Being at the historic Hayward Field in Eugene, a city known for track, is awe-inspiring for collegiate athletes.
Woodson knows that, and he is taking in the scene just like the rest of his competitors.
“It’s just like second nature, running here,” he said. “It’s like I’m at home. Eugene is a showcase for track and field, and as an athlete you’ve accomplished something great just being there. For me it’s just a blessing.”
The second day of the NCAA championships will begin tomorrow, starting with the conclusion of the men’s decathlon. The Missouri women will take to the track in the 4×100, hoping to advance to the finals.