BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Belhaven Men's and Women's Track and Field teams opened the 2026 indoor season on Friday at the Samford Invitational, competing against a deep field in their first indoor meet of the year.

On the men's side, the Blazers opened the day in the sprint events with a strong showing in the 60 meters. Julius Phillips led the group with a time of 7.16 seconds, while freshman Kenneth Mills followed close behind at 7.23. Jaheem Cook posted a 7.65 in his collegiate indoor debut, with Neveah Matthews (7.86), Jonah Moore (8.04), and Damian Sidelien (8.14) also competing.

Phillips continued his solid opening meet in the 200 meters, running 22.93 to pace Belhaven. Mills added a 23.39, with Leeson Taylor III (23.55), Alex Reed (24.21), Seth Haynes (24.29), and Cook (25.24) rounding out the field.

In the middle distances, Drew Duckworth recorded a 2:06.35 in the 800 meters to lead the Blazers, followed by Jacob Turner at 2:13.65 and Donovan Hurst at 2:14.68. Peyton Vandevuss competed in the mile, finishing with a time of 5:42.61.

The women opened the meet in the 60 meters with Kimona Haynes posting a time of 8.08 seconds to lead Belhaven, followed by Yasmine McCann at 8.26 and freshman Brycelyn Townsend at 8.40. Haynes also competed in the 200 meters, running a 26.14, while Townsend followed with a 27.89.

In the 800 meters, Courtney Adams led the Blazers with a time of 2:56.06, while Myisha Turner finished in 2:58.85. Destiny Griffin rounded out the event with a time of 3:38.11. In the mile, Jocelyn Belonga clocked a 6:54.91 in her first indoor collegiate race, with Ruth Dixon following at 7:27.56.

Belhaven also competed in the field events, highlighted by freshman Mallory Golden, who cleared 1.51 meters in the high jump during her indoor debut.

To view the full results from the meet click here.

Belhaven returns to action on Saturday in the Samford Open, also hosted in Birmingham. The first event is set to start at 10:00 AM.

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