The excitement is building as Mississippi College Track and Field gears up for the annual Spring Cleaning Classic, set to take place on Saturday, March 2, at the James E. Parkman Track. The action-packed day will kick off with the 5,000-meter runs at 8:00 AM C.T., featuring 36 squads competing in a spirited meet that promises to be a spectacle for fans.
The Spring Cleaning Classic, a home event known for its unique twist, awards the team that contributes the most donation items with free entry to next year's meet.
This year's edition boasts an impressive lineup, with some standout athletes from the Mississippi College Track and Field team set to showcase their skills. Among them are recently announced 2024 national qualifiers for the NCAA DII Indoor Track and Field Championships.
Notable athletes to watch include
Jan Lukas Becker, a six-time GSC Champion and reigning national champion in the 10,000m, who will launch his outdoor season in the Men's 3,000m steeplechase as the No. 1 seed. The Men's 4x400-meter relay team, a national qualifying squad, will be featured across various events, with speedsters
Will Grames and
Grayson Foster headlining the Men's 200m,
Evan Wrights in the Men's 400m, and the Men's 800m promises an exciting showdown with athletes like recent GSC ITF 1-mile champion
Cole Benoit, as well as NCAA DII All-Americans
Niklas Klei,
Gabe Hodson,
Wesley Gibbs, and
Connor Stewart.
The national-qualifying Women's DMR team will showcase a friendly contest in the Women's 800m. Athletes such as
Lauren Wallace,
Taylor Benoit, and
Haley Hall will add flair to the competition. In the Women's 400-meter dash, 400-meter specialist
Hilary Udechukwu, also a member of the national-qualifying Women's DMR relay, will aim to gain more experience in her marquee event.
The 5,000m runs will feature strong contenders
Braedon Methvin in the Men's edition and
Emily Berry and
Bre Bell leading the charge for the Lady Choctaws in the Women's 5,000m.
The women's sprinting events will be highlighted by two-time GSC silver medalist
Alana Green in the Women's 100m and 200m dashes, promising thrilling finishes.
Field events will see
Bryan Puckett, a recent 2024 GSC ITF bronze medalist, headlining the Shot Put, while
Jake Keesee, a two-time GSC bronze medalist, will be one to watch in the Men's Discus. The Men's Pole Vault will feature a standout performance from the two-time GSC ITF Pole Vault Champion, opening his senior season just two weeks after his GSC title and meet record at the 2024 GSC ITF Championships.
The Spring Cleaning Classic begins at 8:00 AM, and admission is free. Fans are encouraged to join us at the James E. Parkman Track to support our athletes and witness the thrilling action of the 2024 track and field season. Don't miss out on the excitement!
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