COLLEGE STATION, Texas – The No. 17 Texas Men’s Track and Field team advanced seven entries to the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Ore., on the final day of the NCAA West First Round. The Longhorns also set three program records at E. B. Cushing Stadium on Friday night.

The men’s 4×100-meter relay of Kendrick Smallwood, John Rutledge, Almond Small and Xavier Butler posted the fastest time in the region at 38.57 to advance to the semis in Oregon. It also took down the program record that was set last season (38.60) in Eugene by Marcellus Moore, Nolton Shelvin, Small and Rutledge.

Kelsey Daniel only needed two jumps to qualify for the triple jump, using his second jump of 6.34m (53-7.5) to secure a spot at NCAAs. The jump was an outdoor personal best, the fourth best in the competition and moved him to No. 8 on the school’s all-time performer list.

Sophomore Osawese Agbonkonkon also advanced to the NCAA Championships in the high jump after matching his personal-best jump of 2.17m (7-1.50). It marks the first time in his career that he has reached the NCAA meet.

Later in the afternoon, Smallwood matched his program record in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 13.13 and broke Texas A&M’s facility record on his way to the fastest qualifying time in the west. Smallwood now holds the six fastest times in school history.

Xavier Butler took down his second program record of the day after running the 200-meters in 20.02 seconds. The time bested Micaiah Harris’s six-year school record set at the 2019 NCAA Championship meet. Butler’s time was the second-fastest time of the day and earned him a spot at his first-ever NCAA Championship.

Kody Blackwood will compete in his third NCAA Outdoor Championships in the 400-meter hurdles after posting the fastest qualifying time in 48.83. The time is the 17th-fastest time in Texas history.

The men’s 4×400-meter relay of Blackwood, Logan Popelka, Nabil Tezkratt and Rutledge finished with the fourth-fastest time of the competition at 3:02.55 to advance to the NCAA semifinals. The time was the 10th-fastest time in school history.

Results

Smallwood, Rutledge, Small, Butler – 1^st – 4×100 – 38.57

Kendrick Smallwood – 1^st – 110mH – 13.13

Kody Blackwood – 1^st – 400mH – 48.83

Xavier Butler – 2^nd – 200m – 20.02

Kelsey Daniel – 4^th – triple jump – 16.34m

Blackwood, Popelka, Tezkratt, Rutledge – 4^th – 4×400 – 3:02.55

Osawese Agbonkonkon – 10^th – high jump – 2.17m

Chris Brinkley – 16^th – 400mH – 50.99

Nabil Tezkratt – 22^nd – 400m – 46.52

DEKALB, Ill. – Kamiya Dendy (Anderson, S.C./Pendleton) will represent the Northern Illinois University women’s track and field team on Saturday, May 31, in the high jump at the NCAA West First Round at E.B. Cushing Stadium in College Station, Texas, hosted by Texas A&M.

Dendy, who won the Mid-American Conference high jump crown two weeks ago by clearing a career-best height of 1.79 meters (5-10.50), will be in the first of two flights in the field of 48 competitors at the meet. The top 12 finishers will advance to the NCAA Championships in Eugene, Ore., June 11-14. 

The Anderson, S.C., native is tied for 42nd on the NCAA high jump list this season and is the fourth Huskie to qualify for the NCAA First Round in the high jump since 2014, joining Claudette Day (2014), Channel Palmer (2015, 2016 and 2017) and Arianna Calloway (2024). Day tied for 11th at the west preliminary in 2014 and advanced to the NCAA Championships, where she finished tied for 21st.

Competition in the high jump is scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. CT on Saturday afternoon. 

 

It was another action-packed week of ranked matchups as the top teams in the state continue to battle.

The state sectional tournaments began on Wednesday night and continued into Thursday with most first-round matchups taking place.

Below, check out the latest Top 20 rankings from this past week as the tournaments begin to heat up.

1-Old Bridge (28-1)

Last week: No. 1

The Knights cruised in the first round of the South, Group 4 tournament. Old Bridge looks primed and ready to make another deep run in states. This comes after securing the GMC title once again.

Up next: 6/2 – SJG4 Quarters

2-Southern (26-1)

Last week: No. 2

Southern is in Group 3 and the favorite to come away with a sectional title. The Rams won their 20th game in a row in the first round against Long Branch.

Up next: 6/2 – SJG3 Quarters vs. Howell

3-Scotch Plains-Fanwood (24-4)

Last week: No. 3

The Raiders snapped a short two-game skid with a win over Don Bosco in the first round of the North, Group 3 tournament. Scotch Plains-Fanwood began its title defense with a victory and will now advance to the quarters.

Up next: 6/2 – NJG3 Quarters vs. Belleville

4-Monroe (21-7)

Last week: No. 4

Monroe continues to roll with its last two wins coming in two sets. The Falcons have now won 15 out of 17 games, with the two losses coming against the top two teams in the state.

Up next: 6/2 – SJG4 Quarters vs. Piscataway

5-St. Joseph (Met.) (23-5)

Last week: No. 5

St. Joseph has started its quest for a third consecutive sectional title. The Falcons took down Manchester Township in three sets to win its fourth game in a row.

Up next: 6/2 – SJG2 Quarter vs. St. Augustine

6-Harrison (26-2)

Last week: No. 6

Harrison is among the hottest teams in the state entering states. The Blue Tide entered as the top seed in North, Group 1 after a run to the Hudson County title. Harrison began its run with a victory against Becton.

Up next: 6/2 – NJG1 Quarters vs. Glen Ridge

7-St. John Vianney (20-2)

Last week: No. 7

The Lancers reached 20 wins on the season after taking down Newark Vocational in the first round of the South, Group 1 tournament. St. John Vianney is the two-time defending champion in the section.

Up next: 6/2 – SJG1 Quarters

8-Holmdel (21-3)

Last week: No. 8

Holmdel got back in the win column on Thursday afternoon. The Hornets recovered from a semifinal loss in the Shore Conference Tournament to defeat Lacey in two sets in the sectional tournament.

Up next: 6/2 – SJG2 Quarters

9-Hillsborough (24-4)

Last week: No. 9

Hillsborough made it 23 wins in a row after taking down Cherokee in two sets in the opening round of the South, Group 4 tournament. The Raiders have what it takes to continue on deep into the postseason.

Up next: 6/2 – SJG4 Quarters vs. Lenape

10-Fair Lawn (22-6)

Last week: No. 10

Fair Lawn is a major contender in North, Group 3. It began its run in the tournament with a win in two sets against Iselin Kennedy.

Up next: 6/2 – NJG3 Quarters vs. Kearny

11-Barnegat (22-4)

Last week: No. 11

Barnegat finished the regular season with a win after defeating Toms River South, and won its first matchup in the postseason against Cinnaminson in the first round. Barnegat will now face Pleasantville in the quarterfinal round.

Up next: 6/2 vs Pleasantville

12-Kingsway (24-4)

Last week: No. 12

After winning the Tri-County Conference tournament a week ago, Kingsway has pushed its winning streak to five games following its first round victory over Hunterdon Central in the first round of the South Jersey, Group 4 tournament.

Up next: 6/2 vs Bridgewater-Raritan

13-West Caldwell Tech (21-6)

Last week: No. 13

West Caldwell Tech remains in the 13th spot after a consistent week resulted in a first round victory over North Arlington in the North Jersey Group 1 tournament. West Caldwell Tech is currently on a four game winning streak.

Up next: 6/2 vs Jefferson

14-Hudson Catholic (18-4)

Last week: No. 14

Hudson Catholic has lost three straight games, including the final round of the Hudson County Tournament, but it looks to get back on track as it will take on Thomas Edison Energy Charter in the first round of the state playoffs.

Up next: 5/30 vs Thomas Edison Energy Charter

15-Lenape (21-4)

Last week: No. 15

Lenape has won 11 consecutive games, and is coming into the state tournament as one of the hottest teams in the state. Lenape started its tournament run with a 2-0 victory over Eastern.

Up next: 6/2 at Hillsborough

16-Elizabeth (21-3)

Last week: No. 16

Elizabeth is the top seed in the North Jersey, Group 4 tournament, and finished the season on a three game winning streak before defeating Irvington, 2-0, in the first round.

Up next: 6/2 vs Demarest

17-Ramapo (18-2)

Last week: NR

Ramapo is in the rankings this week after finishing the regular season on a three-game winning streak. Ramapo also took down Hillside in the first round of the North Jersey, Group 2 tournament, and has a ton of momentum as it makes its postseason run.

Up next: 6/2 vs Payne Tech

18-Hackensack (26-2)

Last week: No. 18

Hackensack suffered its first two losses of the season in back-to-back games, and since, has gone 4-0 including a first round victory over Middletown South.

Up next: 6/2 vs Watchung Hills

19-Marlboro (19-6)

Last week: No. 17

Marlboro lost to Southern in the final round of the Shore Conference tournament, and is looking to get back in the win column when it faces Colts Neck in the first round on Friday.

Up next: 5/30 vs Colts Neck

20-Passaic Tech (18-6)

Last week: No. 20

Passaic Tech went 3-1 in the final four games of the regular season, and it picked up a first round win against Plainfield in the North Jersey, Group 4 tournament.

Up next: 6/2 vs North Bergen

The N.J. High School Sports newsletter is now appearing in mailboxes 5 days a week. Sign up now!

Follow us on social: Facebook | Instagram | X (formerly Twitter)

Greg Patuto can be reached at gpatuto@njadvancemedia.com.

COLLEGE STATION, Texas – DePaul senior Darius Brown is headed back to the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships after a record performance in the men’s 110m hurdles at the NCAA West Preliminary Rounds on Friday night. With Brown and Alex Bernstein both advancing to Eugene, DePaul will send multiple athletes to the NCAA Final Rounds for the first time since 2012.
 
The evening began with the men’s 4x100m relay. The BIG EAST Champion squad, featuring Brown, Demetrius Rolle, Dominic Cole, and Charles Lewis, recorded a DNF after a miscue disrupted the exchange. Cole and Lewis concluded their Blue Demon careers as part of the fastest 4x100m unit in program history.
 
Rolle returned to the track shortly after for the men’s 100m quarterfinal. The graduate sprinter clocked a 10.26, just .02 seconds off his program-best time, finishing 21st in the West and nine places shy of Championship qualification.
 
Brown then took the track for the 110m hurdles, continuing his dominant postseason by lowering his own school record for the second straight meet. After running a 13.40 to win his third BIG EAST title earlier this month, he trimmed that mark to 13.37 in College Station, finishing seventh overall in the West to punch his return ticket to nationals. He closed strong down the stretch to secure his second consecutive NCAA Outdoor Final Rounds berth. Already tied as DePaul’s most decorated track and field athlete with three All-America honors, Brown will have the opportunity to claim the top spot outright with a fourth All-America finish in Eugene.
 
NCAA West Preliminary Rounds – Day Three
E.B. Cushing Stadium – College Station, Texas
Friday, May 30
 
Men’s 4x100m Relay: DNF – Cole, Lewis, Brown, Rolle
Men’s 110m Hurdles: 7. Darius Brown – 13.37 (PR, School record)
Men’s 100m: 21. Demetrius Rolle – 10.26
 
UP NEXT
DePaul closes its stay in College Station on Saturday with the women’s discus, women’s triple jump, and 3000m SC.
 
FOLLOW THE BLUE DEMONS

For all of the latest on DePaul Cross Country, Track & Field, stay tuned to DePaulBlueDemons.com and follow the team on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Nova Southeastern Sharks Volleyball team, under the direction of Head Coach Kacie Ehinger, has announced the signing of an additional six commitments to the program and welcomes Mackenzie Pryor, Caiden Largent, Erika Spankus, Brantley Chipley, Cami Kelsay and Abbie Roth to Sharks Volleyball.  

Mackenzie Pryor | Outside Hitter | Hagerstown, MD. | Keiser University 

Pryor joins the Nova Southeastern Volleyball program following a dominant season at Keiser University. During her lone season at Keiser, Pryor led the Seahawks in kills (623/also led NAIA), kills/set (5.24), points (694.5), points/set (5.84), attack percentage (0.295), while being second on the team in digs (353), third in service aces (43), and fourth in blocks (50). Pryor recorded a career-best 32 kills and 33 points against Mobile on August 15, 2024.  

Pryor was named an AVCA second-team All-American, while also earning AVCA NAIA first-team All-Southeast Region and Player of the Year honors. Pryor earned the Sun Conference Player of the Year – the third Seahawks player to be recognized with the award – and was named to the first-team All-TSC.  

Prior to her time at Keiser, Mackenzie totaled 249 kills at Nicholls State.  

Head Coach Kacie Ehinger – “Mackenzie had an exciting junior season at Keiser, where she put up big numbers all year long. Mackenzie plays at a high level and has a strong arm. She began practicing with us in January and I am excited about what she has brought and will continue to bring to the team.” 

Caiden Largent | Outside Hitter | Advance, NC | University of West Florida 

In two seasons at UWF, Caiden appeared in 113 sets, totaling 200 kills and 119 digs. During the 2024 season, Largent set career-bests in kills (140), kills/set (2.03), points (154), points/set (2.23), digs (64), and blocks (19).  

Head Coach Kacie Ehinger – “Caiden is a solid six-rotation player, that has a very good vertical and ability to find holes in the defense as an attacker. She joined us in January and is already thriving in the gym, providing solid ball control and attacking. I can’t wait to continue watching her develop in a fast-paced offense.” 

Erika Spankus | Outside Hitter | | Palm Harbor, Fla. | University of South Alabama 

After two seasons as a member of the South Alabama Volleyball program, Spankus joins NSU, as well as her sister Gabrielle. Erika red-shirted during her first collegiate season and appeared in 101 sets during the 2024 season. Erika totaled 129 digs, 14 services aces and 30 kills, playing primarily as a defensive specialist.  

Head Coach Kacie Ehinger – “Erika is someone we have been familiar with, since Gabrielle has been a part of our team. She brings a heavy arm and the ability to play six rotations at a high level. Erika joined the program in January and has fit seamlessly into the offense. I’m excited to see her continued growth over the next three seasons.” 

Brantley Chipley | Middle Hitter | Spartanburg, SC | Anderson University 

Chipley joins the Sharks following three seasons at Anderson (NC). During her time at Anderson, Chipley appeared in 255 sets, totaling 515 kills, 658 points, and 217 blocks. In 2023, Chipley led the team in blocks (106), while finishing fourth on the team in points (270), and fifth in kills (202), guiding Anderson to the NCAA Southeast Championship and to the NCAA Division II National Championship tournament. Chipley earned all-tournament honors during the NCAA South Region Tournament.  

The following season, Chipley set career-highs in kills (278), kills/set (2.34), points (343.5), and points/set (2.89), while totaling 98 blocks. Chipley earned second-team all-Southern Athletic Conference (SAC) honors for the second-time in her career, in addition to being named to the AVCA first-team All-Southeast Region.  

Head Coach Kacie Ehinger – “Brantley brings proven experience in the middle. Having hit over 0.320 over her career, while recording 217 blocks, she is a strong offensive and defensive threat. She knows what it takes to win, and we’re excited to get her here in the fall.” 

Cami Kelsay | Outside Hitter | Franklin, IN. | Jacksonville University 

Across four seasons at the University of Jacksonville, Kelsay appeared in 167 sets, totaling 332 kills, 38 service aces, 259 digs, 29 blocks, and 386 points. Kelsay set career-highs across the board during the 2024 season, recording 194 kills, averaging 2.04 kills/set, 24 service aces, 211 digs, 2.22 digs/set, 25 blocks, 232 points, and 2.44 points/set.  

Head Coach Kacie Ehinger – “I’m excited to add Cami to our group of outside hitters. She has experience as an attacker in a high-level conference and has the ability to also pass and defend well. We can’t wait to get Cami here in August to start her graduate program and finish her two years of eligibility.” 

Abbie Roth | Setter | Kansas City, KS | Piper High School 

Roth joins the Sharks as an incoming freshman. During her time at Piper High School, Roth was twice named to the All-Conference first-team (2023 & 2024) and earned second-team recognition in 2022. Roth was a multi-sport athlete in high school, also playing basketball.  

Head Coach Kacie Ehinger – “Abbie is a strong and consistent setter with the ability to run a fast-tempo offense. She has a vocal presence on the floor that is required of the setter position and I’m excited to have her in our gym come August!” 

Pryor, Largent, Spankus, Chipley, Kelsay and Roth join Amalee Doyle, Ayana Solan, Natalya Bergant and Hadley Dantzler as incoming members to the 2025 Sharks Volleyball team. NSU Volleyball will return to action in the fall of 2025. To stay up-to-date on Sharks Volleyball, be sure to follow on Instagram at NSU_VBall and X at NSU_VB.