Ted Nelson Invitational Weekend Wrap-Up

The men’s and women’s track teams competed at the Ted Nelson Invitational hosted by Texas A&M on Saturday, coming back to Nacogdoches with several Top 5 finishes across multiple events for both programs. The weekend was highlighted by three individual first place finishes with Branson Ellis (Pole Vault), Erica Ellis (Pole Vault) and Jeremiah Curry (400m) claiming the top spot in their events, respectively. 

“From a national standpoint, I feel we are making great improvements,” said Head Coach Phil Olson. “To see Nissi Kabongo clear a school record bar, to watch Branson Ellis and Erica Ellis train and compete at a high level, it’s fun to watch them creep up the national list or maintain their positions. Asani Hylton and Jeremiah Curry were really good, putting forth workmanlike efforts.”

MEN’S TOP 5 FINISHERS
1 Mile – Lewis Mills – 4:15.04 – 2nd place

Shot Put – Kevin Steward – 16.20m, 53-1 3/4 – 2nd place

4x400m Relay – 3:14.46 – 2nd place

400m – Jeremiah Curry – 47.81 – 1st place

Men’s Pole Vault – Branson Ellis – 5.47m, 17-11 1/4 – 1st place

Men’s Pole Vault – Gabe Gilfillan – 5.07m, 16-7 1/2 – 5th place


WOMEN’S TOP 5 FINISHERS
800m – Brianna Nolen – 2:15.16 – 5th place

Women’s 1 Mile – Rachel Taylor – 5:02.62 – 3rd place

Women’s 60m Hurdles – Morgan Taylor – 8.77 – 4th place 

Women’s 60m Hurdles – Mathilde Guillaume – 8.83 – 5th place

Women’s 4x400m Relay – 3:50.77 – 2nd place

Women’s High Jump – Nissi Kabongo – 1.85m, 6-3/4 – 2nd place

Women’s Pole Vault – Erica Ellis – 4.27m, 14-0 – 1st place

Women’s Shot Put – Riley Cross – 13.16, 43-2 1/4 – 5th

Women Weight – Jayla Hooper – 16.88m, 55-4 3/4 – 3rd place

From an overall team standpoint, all we have asked is that they give a championship effort every single meet, and I think we saw that,” Head Coach Phil Olson added. “The DMR’s were excellent and so was Max Murphy in the 5K to start our the meet.”


The ‘Jacks will be back in action next weekend at the Fastrak Collegiate Challengel at the University of Houston.

For results, updates and a complete schedule for all SFA Athletics, visit sfajacks.com.