Middle Tennessee Closes Out a Successful Weekend at the Music City Challenge

Friday, May 2

Nashville, TN

Middle Tennessee

Music City Challenge

5/3/2025 7:44:00 PM | Track & Field/Cross Country

By: Evan Snyder / MTSU Athletic Communications

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Blue Raiders wrapped up the Music City Challenge with a strong showing, recording multiple personal bests and podium finishes.

Day 1
After a brief weather delay to start the day, Blue Raider Odilia Jepchumba claimed gold in the women's 3,000-meter steeplechase. It marked her first podium of the outdoor season, continuing her momentum after setting a personal best in the event at the Penn Relays.

Faith Nyathi followed with a win in the women's 5,000 meters, earning her second podium finish of the season in that event.

Courtney Green secured a third-place finish in the 200 meters. Green has shown consistent improvement throughout the season as she heads into the Conference USA Championships.

John Sherman, a reigning CUSA Athlete of the Week, continued to prove himself as one of the nation's top sprinters, finishing first in the men's 100 meters and third in the 200m.

Three other Blue Raiders recorded personal bests in the 200 meters: Kayla Gaddy-Middleton (26.46), Emma Benzinger (26.99), and DeVaun Butler (22.68).

To close out Day 1, three Blue Raiders posted personal bests in the 1,500 meters: Elenore Towe (4:28.10), Carmelo Cannizzaro (3:45.72), and Ross Evans (4:06.36).

Day 2
Four Blue Raiders reached the podium in their respective events on Day 2 of the Music City Challenge.

In the triple jump, Joel Iheakolam took first place with a leap of 15.02 meters, marking his second victory in the event this season. Laura Odivwri followed with a second-place finish, her first podium of the outdoor season.

In the 800 meters, two Blue Raiders captured gold. On the women's side, Privillege Chikara earned her third victory of the outdoor season. On the men's side, Mackdonald Songok won the event, marking his second podium in the 800 meters this season.

The lone personal best on Day two came from Senior Wail Bourahil in the men's 800 meters. The Algeria native clocked a 1:49.26, improving his previous best by one second.

Up Next
The Blue Raiders return to action May 16 for the Conference USA Outdoor Championships at the Dean A. Hayes Track & Soccer Stadium.

Hosting the Conference USA Outdoor Championships
This season's CUSA Outdoor Championships will be held in Murfreesboro at the Dean A. Hayes Track & Soccer Stadium from May 16-18. For more information about the event, visit the Conference USA website or click here.

Purchase Your Ticket for the Conference USA Outdoor Championships Today
Tickets for the 2025 Conference USA Outdoor Championships are now available for purchase. Purchase your ticket today by clicking here

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