SIAC track finals return to Hugh Mills Stadium

ALBANY — For the second consecutive year, Albany State will host the SIAC Track and Field Championships. Starting today, the men will try to defend their region title while the women try to complete the sweep.

Prelims begin today with the track events taking place at Hugh Mills Stadium, with the hammer and javelin events at ASU’s East Campus.

The meet will begin bright and early at 8 a.m., beginning with the first events in the decathlon and the heptathlon.

Field events will begin at 1 p.m. The opening ceremony is slated for 3 p.m., and track events are scheduled to start at 5 p.m., concluding with the men’s 10,000-meter run at 8 p.m.

Eleven women’s teams will compete in the upcoming championship, including Albany State, Benedict, Claflin, Clark Atlanta, Central State, Fort Valley State, Kentucky State, Lane, Miles, Paine, and Tuskegee.

Last season, Benedict’s women’s team edged out the Rams with a score of 216 to claim the conference title. ASU wasn’t far behind with 187 points.

Albany State has nationally ranked sprinter Dykearah Jones to anchor the team. They also have Channelle Wong, who has had a strong season in the 800, 1,500 and 5,000-meter runs.

In the field, Khadija Williams will be called upon to get points in the javelin and the discus.

Ten teams will compete on the men’s side, with ASU looking to repeat after scoring 248 points last year.

All-American and reigning U.S. Track and Field and Cross County Coaches Association National Field Athlete of the Year Cervantes Jackson has his work cut out for him as he tries to lead the men’s team again this year.

For those interested in keeping up with the day’s events, news, live results, and more will be available at www.thesiac.com.