2014 Jacksons Invitational Results (Day One)

Nampa, ID – Closing out the month of January with the Jacksons Invitational hosted by Boise State, Academy of Art University Track & Field saw Jordan Edwards simply steal the show Friday evening. A stellar performance in the 200m dash gave him another program record while Keanna Moody, Amira Barnett, and Dierra Haven all placed among the upper half of the sprinters in the 200m as well.

"We had a good day with the 200m personal records," head coach Charles Ryan said. "It was a strong start to the meet. The people that are here are running to get on the qualifying list for Nationals as that's the main focus this time of year. Jordan obviously was the highlight. We'll see how tomorrow pans out."

One week after setting the new program record in the 200m, Edwards did one better with a 21.58 time in the event. His new personal record earned him a second place finish out of the 43-person field, wedged in among a large contingent from Division I Utah State. The new mark will almost assuredly improve his standing on the descending order list and was again a NCAA Provisional Qualifier.

"I had a pretty slow reaction to the gun so my start was delayed more than usual," Edwards said. "By the time I came off the first bank, I knew it was time for me to kick in some speed to gain the ground I had lost on my start. Going into the second bank, I had caught back up to the rest of the field and started to drive harder so I could pass them up for my last move. While being aggressive in the last turn I stumbled a little bit and it kind of threw the rest of my race off and didn't finish as strong as I normally do. It's never time for excuses for me though. It was a good race and I'm still just getting used to running indoors for the first time. I'm happy with my time and out here having fun with what I love to do best."

Edwards topped his 21.72 mark from the UAlbany Great Dane Classic which set the new Academy of Art program record exactly one week ago. That time had been 0.08 seconds better than the previous record (which held for two years), but his improvement was a full 0.14 better on this occasion. A junior transfer from Central Arizona College, Edwards felt this race and his year as a whole carries particular significance.

"I'm coming into this season from a two-year break so I have a lot to prove," Edwards continued. "I have been doubted by just about everyone while I was gone to where people either forgot about me or thought I wouldn't be able to perform like I used to. Well, I'm here to show them they were wrong and I'm back ready to be better than before. With so much to prove, I work and train as hard as I can to be the best because that's the point, right? Even at practice, that is my mindset: to be the best. I have built a lot of trust with Coach Ryan this year and have faith in his workouts. I'm extremely excited for outdoor because I'm just getting started."

In the women's 200m, Keanna Moody delivered a 25.59 to snag 13th of 67 sprinters. It was her first showing in the event this season and came within 0.10 of her 25.49 personal best at last year's Nebraska Tune-Up. Also in that competition for the first time this season, Amira Barnett came in 22nd with a time of 26.14. Finally, Dierra Haven placed 30th, dropping 0.06 off her time from the Great Dane Classic for a 26.60 in this race.

The men's long jump saw Ronald Spears, Jr. go 20-9.75 for a 12th place finish out of 25 jumpers.

The Urban Knights return to Jacksons Indoor for their second and final day of competition in the Jacksons Invitational tomorrow.