Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Middle Tennessee
Dean Hayes Classic
Middle Tennessee Opens Dean Hayes Classic with Strong All-Around Performances
2/7/2026 8:43:00 PM | Men's Cross Country and Track & Field, Women's Cross Country and Track & Field, Track & Field/Cross Country
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee began competition at the Dean Hayes Classic on Saturday, showcasing notable performances in various track and field events, including several first-place finishes and personal records.
The Blue Raiders kicked off the day with a fantastic performance in the field events! In the women's long jump, the team shone bright on the leaderboard. Xarya Udoumana claimed first place with an impressive jump of 5.72 m (18-09.25). Viktoria Rusnakova followed closely in second place with a jump of 5.60 m (18-04.50), and Laura Odivwri showcased her skills in third with a distance of 5.39 m (17-08.25).
In the men's long jump, Devaun Butler leaped to third with a season-best mark of 6.60 m (21-08.00). Devin Walker soared to first place in the men's high jump, clearing a height of 1.84 m (6-00.50).
The excitement continued in the women's triple jump, with Rusnakova earning first place with a distance of 12.14 m (39-10.00). Arianna Thomas brought home second place with 11.68 m (38-04.00), while Laura Odivwri rounded off the podium with a jump of 11.48 m (37-06.50).
On the track, the men's mile saw Gabe Allen clock in at 4:13.04, while Moses Lekokei took the lead with a time of 4:11.57. In the men's 400m, James Thomas Jr. secured third with a time of 49.41, while Wail Bourahli celebrated a personal best of 49.23, finishing in second place.
For the women, Mariah Ivery crossed the finish line in second place at 57.72, Zenade October followed in third with a time of 58.16, and Privillege Chikara shined brightly, taking first place with a personal record of 56.75.
In the 55m hurdles, Ella Miller placed second with a time of 8.32, and Tamia Waters took first with an exciting time of 8.24. The action continued in the 55m dash, where Xarya Udoumana set a personal record with a time of 7.40, and Laila Rudolph sprinted to first place with a fantastic time of 7.14.
In the men's 55m, Devaun Butler set his personal best at 6.73, Jonathan Harris finished second at 6.42, and Evan Tomlinson took first place with a swift time of 6.37.
In the women's 800m, Odilia Jepchumba finished strong with a second-place time of 2:20.22, while Laila Williams came in third at 2:29.65. Faith Nyathi led the way with an impressive first-place finish of 2:16.00. In the women's 200m, Courtney Green sprinted to second with a time of 24.91, while Laila Rudolph followed closely in third at 25.79, and Chidinma Agu blazed to first place with a time of 24.56.
Back in the men's 200m, Evan Tomlinson shined again with another first-place finish at 21.93. In the 3000m race, Allan Kiplagat put forth an admirable effort to finish second at 8:29.99, and Solomon Sayo came in third with a time of 8:35.11.
The Blue Raiders ended the day on a high note with the 4x400 relay. The women's team, comprising Chidinma, Green, Chikara, and Waters, claimed victory with a time of 4:10.02. The men's team, featuring Jonathan Harris, Evan Tomlinson, James Thomas Jr., and Elijah Northcross, finished strong with a time of 3:22.61.
Players Mentioned
