Southeastern men's track and field earn first NAIA title; area baseball programs win
BROOKINGS, S.D. ― A historic moment transpired for the Southeastern men’s track and field program.
The program claimed its first NAIA National Championship in program history. And two athletes claimed individual national titles.
In the 400-meter dash, junior Joseph Taylor from New Orleans posted a time of 46.80, claiming 10 team points for the Fire.
“I came in ranked third, but I knew that I could do it. I just had to run my own race and do what I’ve been training to do all year long," Taylor said. "Prior to coming here, I’ve just been writing it down and putting it on my mirror.”
Senior Keishon Franklin in the 400 had seventh overall with a time of 48.10, which cemented three team points. Franklin is an All-American.
Still, the team championship title came down to the final event — the 4x400 relay comprising sophomore Davion Worrels, Franklin, freshman James Turner and Taylor.
With the Fire positioned in second place, behind two points to Indiana Wesleyan and in a three-way tie with Life University and Keiser University, the local NAIA program began to pull away from the pack after the first leg by Worrels. This secured the team title with a time of 3:10.40, which was four seconds faster than their closest competitor.
In the 60-meter hurdles, graduate student Davonte Vanterpool placed third with a time of 7.91, senior Darion Carter was fourth with a time of 7.95, and senior Glenn Rodgers finished eighth with a time of 8.1.
Sophomore James Williamson III racked up two points thanks to a seventh-place finish in the 200-meter dash.
Additionally, graduate student Kyle Manuel made the podium, earning All-American status in the shot put after placing second with a time of 17.38.
On the women’s side, graduate student Julia Rohm finished an All-American in the 5,000 meters thanks to cementing the last podium spot with a time of 17:57.21.
There were also All-American honors for the 4x400 relay team comprising senior Tanae Grigsby, senior Oluwafikayomi Lawrence, sophomore Irmiris Mendez and graduate student Namiah Simpson. The team finished fifth with a time of 3:48.12.
Simpson also had an All-American title in the 400-meter dash with a time of 57.09 for eighth.
For all the accomplishments of his track team this year, Nick Dodson was named NAIA Men’s Track and Field Coach of the Year.
“What a journey. God couldn’t have drawn it up any better,” Dodson said. “ I probably had two or three heart attacks but I’m just so happy for the kids and the effort they put in. I couldn’t be more excited to get the red banner and bring it back to Lakeland. We deserve it and we brought it home.”
Southeastern baseball continues to dominate
The No. 1-ranked NAIA baseball program in all the land, and last year’s national champion continues to roll, now having won 27 of 28 after sweeping Hastings College 6-0 and 19-2 Monday at home.
In the first game, junior center fielder Josh Pigozzo and senior catcher Pablo Lanzarote both had two hits, with Lanzarote homering in the first game. Junior pitcher Edward Surinach struck out three and gave up three hits in four innings, while sophomore pitcher Andrew Long struck out two in two innings. Former Ridge Community High School senior pitcher Alex Munroe picked up the win, striking out one in one inning.
In the second game, junior outfielder Brandon Fields went 2-for-2 with a grand slam.
Southeastern (27-1) will take on No. 6 Webber International Friday and Saturday at home.
Webber steamrolls competition
The top-10 program, Webber, on the other hand, won four in a row and 11 of 12 after sweeping Aquinas College in a three-game weekend series, 10-0, 13-6 and 9-0.
In the more recent game on Saturday, senior outfielder Drake Dobyanski was 2-for-2 with a double. Sophomore pitcher Blayne Huter (4-1) picked up the win thanks to eight strikeouts, no earned runs and just two hits in five innings.
Florida Southern baseball on hot streak
The local Division II baseball program won 14 of 15 but lost its last outing 13-7 to Indiana University of Pennsylvania Wednesday night at Henley Field.
Junior first baseman Jeff Liquori was 3-for-4 with a two-run home run in the contest.
The Mocs (16-5) will next play No. 2 University of Tampa at 6 p.m. Friday at Henley Field.
Warner baseball fizzles
Warner University dropped three in a row after going down 6-5 to Dordt University Monday at Royals Field.
Junior catcher Devin Bartley was 2-for-4 with an RBI single.
Warner (16-12) will take on Keiser University at 2 p.m. Friday on the road.
Polk State College rolls
The Eagles won seven in a row and eight of nine thanks to a four-game sweep of Hillsborough Community College that lasted from Friday to Wednesday.
In the most recent 6-5 win in the middle of the week, sophomore outfielder Nelson Taylor was 2-for-3 with a solo shot. Sophomore pitcher Breton Cusic struck out two, gave up no earned runs and one walk in seven innings, while freshman pitcher Ryan Combs (3-1) picked up the win thanks to his one strikeout in two innings.
Polk State (19-11) will next compete against St. Petersburg College at 2 p.m., Friday at the Bing Tyus Yard in Winter Haven.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Southeastern men's track and field earn first NAIA title; area baseball programs win
