Jan. 22, 2008

Johnson City, Tenn. - While just in their second year of existence, the Shorter College track and field team has taken some big steps towards becoming a competitive force in the NAIA.

On Saturday the Hawks and Lady Hawks traveled to Johnson City, Tenn. to compete in the Niswonger Invitational, their first meet of the new year.

Shorter had six qualify for the NAIA Indoor National Championships and several that came within a few tenths of a second of joining them.

"To have that many qualify at our first team meet is pretty exciting," Shorter track and field director Scott Byrd said.

"The biggest thing is we have a group of good kids with a strong work ethic who are really farther along in their training than we thought they would be."

Qualifying for the indoor nationals, which will be held at East Tennessee State University during the first week of March, were four members of Shorter's men's team and a pair of members from the ladies' squad.

For the Hawks, N'aithan Scott completed the 60-meter hurdles in 8.33 second and placed third in the open Invitational round.

Albeyon McMillan posted a time of 6.97 seconds in the 60-meter dash, Remy Charpentier ran the 800 in 1:54.90 for third overall and Martin Hernandez completed the 5,000 meters in 15:24.98.

Ashley Cousin took fourth overall in the collegiate division of the women's 60 meters with a time of 7.75 seconds while K'Ianca Dupree completed the 200 meters in 24.99 seconds.

Shorter's next meet is scheduled for Feb. 1-2 at Indiana University.

For complete meet results, click here.