BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Tuskegee track and field teams kicked off their 2025 seasons with a strong performance at the KMS Invitational, held at the Birmingham CrossPlex on Sunday, January 19.

Both teams displayed their depth and competitiveness in a series of events, marking a promising start to the year.

On the men's side, Tuskegee demonstrated strength across several events. In the 60-meter dash, the Golden Tigers showed their sprinter depth, with multiple athletes clocking competitive times, led by LaQuenton Underwood with a third-place finish at 6.86 seconds.

In the 200 meters, Lamont Brinson finished in the top 20 with a finish of 22.85, while Justice Northern (51.08), Jackson Murry (52.70), and Javonte Andrews (53.01) all finished in the top 25 in the 400-meter event.

Meanwhile, Shawn Jarrett II finished fourth in the 600-meter at 1:22.75, followed by Deinkepribo Harry (1:30.04) and Jamarqus Jones (1:33.62) in 12th and 18th respectively.

In the distance events, Edgar Kosgei and Dennis Kibet finished 15th (10:01.12) and 16th (10:03.97) in the 3000-meter, starting another strong distance season.

Shawn Katsidzira took fifth place in the 60-meter hurdles in his Tuskegee debut, while Michael Oloye took fifth in the triple jump (12.57m), and Harry and Christian Sanders finished 12th and 13th in the high jump.

The Golden Tigers dominated the pole vault, with three top four finishes including Christian Goode second (3.80m), Murry third (3.65m), and Aiden Bass fourth (3.35m). In the long jump, Ethan Zagore Jr. finished seventh (6.62m), followed by Brinson (6.29m) and Sanders (6.13m) at 10th and 14th.

In relays, the distance medley squad including Kosgei, Jones, Carl Richards, and Kibet took a second place (11:21.95) and the 4x400 unit of Northern, Jarrett II, Andrews, and Murry took third place with a time of 3:25.36.

The field events were also a significant portion of Tuskegee's performance, with the men showing great promise in the long jump, where they placed among the top finishers.

Additionally, in the shot put, Tuskegee's athletes demonstrated both strength and technique, providing the team with valuable points in a crucial area.

On the women's side, senior Anitria Sangster was a standout performer, leading the way with a ninth-place finish in the 60 meters with a time of 7.93 and seventh-place in the 200 meters at 25.42. Her speed and consistency in both races suggest she's primed for another impressive season.

Freshman Nadia Jones also had an excellent indoor debut, showing her potential in the 60-meter prelims before finishing 19th in the 200 meters at 27.25. Her promising performances set the tone for what could be a breakout season as she continues to adjust to collegiate competition.

Jahkaya McBurney was one of the top finishers in the 60-meter hurdles, continuing her form from previous seasons with a fifth-place finish (9.35). She also finished 10th in the 600-meter (1:47.93), showing her versatility.

McBurney and De'Shell Carr also performed well in the high jump, with Carr taking fourth with a distance of 1.45m, while McBurney finished seventh (1.35m). Meanwhile in the long jump, Carr finished 12th (4.99m) while Amira Broussard took tenth place at 5.09m.

Returners Akierah Walker (2:31.68) and Genesis Harrell (2:39.85) also made an impression in the 800 meters, finishing sixth and ninth respectively, showing they will be crucial contributors in the distance events throughout the season.

All-SIAC distance runner Anaya Martin also started strong, finishing fifth in the mile (5:51.41) and third in the 3000-meter (12:05.94).

Tuskegee had multiple top performers in the throwing events as well, with Danielle Wilson finishing sixth (10.28m) in the hammer throw and seventh (12.31m) in the weight throw. In addition, Aliyah Purnell took eighth and tenth, while Matealia Harper finished in 11th in both events.

The 4x400 relay team also performed well, finishing fourth (14:01.45) with a unit of Walker, Broussard, Harrell, and Martin.

Overall, Tuskegee's track and field teams are off to a strong start this season. The men's and women's squads both showed depth and determination across sprinting, distance, and field events.

The performances at the KMS Invitational were a good indication of the team's growth and readiness for the challenges ahead.

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