Albany State track and field teams in striking distance at SIAC Track and Field Championship

ALBANY — Albany State track and field head coach Kenneth Taylor predicted today’s finals of the SIAC Track and Field Championship would be a fight, and it appears that prediction will come true.

After Saturday’s events, the Benedict women’s team took first with 85 points, followed by Clark Atlanta with 80.5 and Albany State with 72.

On the men’s side, Benedict tallied 100 points, good for first, with Morehouse in second with 91 and Albany State in third with 87.

ASU’s Cervantes Jackson came into the competition knowing a huge target was placed on his back, and he lived up to expectations with a victory in the decathlon. He also took second in the triple jump, with Daniel Oduah right behind him in third.

Marquis Davis gave the men some points from the field, placing first in the finals of the men’s discus and second in the hammer throw.

For the women, Khadija Williams placed first in the discus throw for ASU and fourth in the hammer throw. Channelle Wong took first in the 3,200-meter run that was contested in lieu of the 3,000 meter steeplechase, with former Monroe standout Zamaria Shead placing third in that same event.

The Rams had a number of athletes qualify for the finals in sprinting events.

Jackson, Dorin Thornton and Cameo Wilkerson will all compete in the men’s 110-meter hurdles, while Joshua Ajero and Jamorris Hill both qualified for the 1,500-meter run. Oduah and Chris Jackson will both compete in the 100-meter dash.

Dykearah Jones qualified for the women’s 100 with the best time in both heats.

Taylor said he likes where both teams are right now.

“We’re still chopping away,” Taylor said. “We’re still competing, and we’ll be right in there (today).”

Because of anticipated inclement weather, today’s schedule has been compressed. Field events will begin at 8:30 a.m., with track events beginning at 9:30 a.m. and running on an accelerated schedule.