2013 Boise State Jacksons/New Balance Invitational (Day 1 Results)

Nampa, ID -- It was another triumphant performance for Academy of Art University Track & Field Friday at Boise State's Jackson Indoor for Day One of the Jacksons/New Balance Invitational. Among the highlights were senior Vashti Thomas and freshman Johnny Carter each posting the #1 long jumps in NCAA Division II while the trio of Thomas, junior Dinesha Bean, and senior Briana Stewart swept the 200m dash, placing first through third respectively. Thomas would auto-qualify for the NCAA Indoor Championships in both the long jump and 200m.

In the men's 200m dash, a trio of ART U athletes hit the provisional qualifying time including Emil Tolliver (22.07), sophomore Jaylon Hicks (22.14), and freshman Shaquille Howard (22.18). Those three placed in the Top 11 slots of a 62 sprinter field with Tolliver leading in 5th, Hicks in 9th, and Howard 11th overall. Tolliver's mark was an impressive new personal record for the indoor 200m.

Well below the 24.00 mark necessary to ensure a spot at the NCAAs, Thomas burst to a 23.84 time in the 200m to lead a pack of Urban Knights. Thomas' performance, which also serves as a new program record, put her first with Bean's 24.27 and Stewart's 24.33 to follow ironically all in the same section. In fact, though she ran unattached, assistant coach Lauren Smith (24.48) made it four Knights at the front. A memorable race for many ART U sprinters, Thomas, Bean, Keanna Moody, Chantel King, and Ashley Austin each set new personal records while Dominique Berry matched hers.

Carter was on his game once again Friday. Following up his dynamic debut two weeks ago, the USTFCCCA's first Division II National Athlete of the Week this season started strong with a 24-1.75 (7.36m) jump in his first attempt. He saved his best for last, however, as Carter proved his performance at the UAB Blazer Invite was no fluke with another 24-7 (7.49m) to capture first overall in the field of 20 jumpers.

Showing incredible versatility in her quest to reach the post-season, Thomas stood above all the rest with three long jumps all beyond 20-2.25 (6.15m) as no other competitor went past 5.92m in this meet. She offered a 20-4.25 (6.20m) initially and then delivered a 20-5.75 (6.24m) mark that skyrocketed her into the NCAA DII lead as well as making her an automatic qualifier. Heading into Jacksons/New Balance, the country's top distance had been 19-6 (5.94).

ART U Track & Field is back in action tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 26, for the conclusion of the Jacksons/New Balance Invitational.