AUSTIN,TEXAS - Senior jumper Babatunde Babalola cleared 7 ft. 0.5 in. (2.15 m), forcing a jump off with Darrell Rodick before claiming second place and hitting a regional mark as the final day of the Texas Relays came to a close in Austin.
Babalola made five successful jumps, each clearing more than 6 ft. 6 in. (2.00 m) before losing in a jump off to Rodick at a height of 7 ft. 1.8 in. (2.18 m). However, Babalola's mark of 7 ft. 0.5 in. (2.15 m) was more than enough to hit the NCAA Regional qualifying mark of 6 ft. 10.6 in. (2.10 m).
Sophomore distance runner Kalphys Kemboi provided another highlight for the Lion squad, claiming a top-five finish in the 3000 m steeplechase. The Eldama Ravine, Kenya native turned in a time of 9:07.85, narrowly missing the NCAA qualifying mark of 9:07.00.
Sophomore thrower Yvette Schubert led the way for the Lady Lions. The Walker native earned a top-ten finish in the women's javelin with a toss of 138 ft. 6 in. (42.23 m).
The Lions and Lady Lions will return to action when they head to Baton Rouge for the LSU Combined Events April 10-11.