Conway, Arkansas- The Southeastern men's track team claimed the 2014 Southland Conference Outdoor title, while the Lady Lions finished sixth as championship competition came to a close in Conway, Arkansas on Sunday.
The men's squad posted a conference-high three athletes in the top ten for individual scores, as senior Jeffrey Milliron (25 points, 1st), junior Brett Olsen (22 points, 3rd), and senior Brandon Daniels (16.25 points, 6th) paced Southeastern's winning performance.
"I'm so excited for our seniors," said head coach Sean Brady. "And I'm so glad that they got to accomplish this on their way out…bringing back to back titles home for Southeastern."
The title came in a dramatic fashion, as a seven point lead from Stephen F. Austin was the only obstacle in the Lions' way prior to the final event.
"It came down to the men's 4x400 meter relay, which is the heart of track and field," said assistant coach Lucais MacKay. "And it was amazing to see two seniors and two freshman compete together in the final event."
Seniors T.J. Herbert and Brandon Daniels, and freshmen Brian Verdin and Alex Holden combined for a time of 3:10.44. That time earned the foursome second-place; and ultimately, earned the Southeastern men the deciding eight points to jump ahead of SFA, 157.0 to 156.0.
The total 157 points from the Southeastern men came via the top-three performances of several Lions.
Senior Abram Taylor won the men's 110 meter hurdles, posting a winning time of 14.13 seconds and earning ten points.
Milliron recorded his second event victory of the weekend, placing 1st in the men's shot put (58-05.75). The senior won the discus event the day before. Brett Olsen claimed second in the men's shot (54-06.00), adding to his individual total of 22 points.
Sophomore Christian Chapman stood on the podium for the Lions as well, as he placed third in the 400 meter hurdles (53.03). Kadarius Williams and Clarence Robinsontied for second place in the men's long jump, posting a mark of six feet, nine inches.
But the men's trophy did not overshadow the Lady Lions, as great strides were made on the women's squad.
Senior Alicia Noel shined in her final Southland Conference meet, breaking a pair of school records in the women's 100 and 400 meter hurdles. In the 400, Noel broke the record she set herself in 2013, posting a time of 58.07.
The record in the 100 meter hurdles, previously held by Dwilette Wilkes, was shattered by Noel as well, when she recorded a time of 13.59 seconds to earn 5th place.
Sophomore Misha Frazier placed third in the women's shot put (48-03.50), while the women's 4x400 relay team (Domonique White, Vanessa Williams, Bayliegh Butler and Noel) combined for a third place time of 3:44.65.
"I had a really special group this year," Brady said. "They fought and fought, and it paid off. This team has a special place in my heart."
Men's Shot Put
1. Jeffrey Milliron, 58-05.75
2. Brett Olsen, 54-06.00
4. Jimmy LeBlanc, 51-11.00
Women's High Jump
11. Ikea Kaufman, 5-03.00
11. Raeven Scott, 5-03.00
Women's Shot Put
3. JerMisha Frazier, 48-03.50
10. Amber Darville, 42-11.00
14. Brianna Golden, 41-02.25
22. Erin O'Neal, 36-08.50
Men's Long Jump
2. Kadarius Williams, 6-09.00
2. Clarence Robinson, 6-09.00
Women's Triple Jump
5. Bernadette Derosier, 39-03.75
15. Brookais Milton, 36-02.25
Men's Triple Jump
6. Julian Maze, 48-02.00
Women 4x100 Meter Relay
6. 47.00, Shanetria Thomas, Vanessa Williams, Kaelynn Smith, Domonique White
Men 4x100 Meter Relay
4. 40.63L, Brandon Daniels, Antonio Herbert, Emanuel Kennedy, Brian Verdin
Women 100 Meter Hurdles
5. Alicia Noel, 13.59
Men 110 Meter Hurdles
1. Abram Taylor, 14.13
6. Christian Chapman, 14.82
Women 400 Meter Dash
7. Domonique White, 55.98
Men 100 Meter Dash
4. Brandon Daniels, 10.40
6. T.J. Herbert, 10.42
Men 800 Meter Run
5. Alex Holden, 1:52.48L
Women 400 Meter Hurdles
2. Alicia Noel, 58.07L
Men 400 Meter Hurdles
3. Christian Chapman, 53.03
7. Abram Taylor, 54.91
8. Dwayne Woodard, 55.07
Men 200 Meter Dash
4. T.J. Herbert, 21.24
Women 4x400 Meter Relay
3. 3:44.65, Domonique White, Vanessa Williams, Bayleigh Butler, Alicia Noel
Men 4x400 Meter Relay
2. 3:10.44L, T.J. Herbert, Brian Verdin, Alex Holden, Brandon Daniels