ATLANTA, Ga. — The Columbus State University Men's and Women's Track & Field teams opened competition Friday at the Emory Spring Break Classic, hosted at the Emory University Track, with a series of standout performances, personal records, and a school-record effort to highlight day one action.
The Cougars made an immediate impact in the field events, as Jaylan Ransom delivered a historic performance in the men's hammer throw. Ransom set a new Columbus State school record with a mark of 52.71 meters (172'11"), breaking the previous program standard and highlighting a strong start for the Cougar throwers.
In the men's triple jump, Columbus State saw multiple top performances led by
Jamir Bradley, who recorded a personal-best leap of 14.45 meters (47'5") to place third overall. Teammate Aaryn Sanders also turned in a personal-record mark of 13.95 meters (45'9"), adding depth to the Cougars' field event success.
On the women's side, Candace Harris posted a season-best clearance of 1.40 meters (4'7") in the high jump, continuing her steady progression early in the outdoor season.
The Cougars also delivered strong showings on the track, particularly in the 400-meter hurdles.
Zaccharius Brown led the men's effort with a season-best time of 54.02, finishing fourth overall and posting one of the fastest season-opening times of his career.
Zion Atkinson followed with a personal-best 56.15, while Aaryn Sanders added another PR with a time of 58.45.
For the women,
Liza Varnum turned in a strong performance in the 400-meter hurdles, clocking a season-best 1:05.96 to place sixth overall, marking the fastest season opener of her career and closing in on her personal record.
In sprint action, Zahara Walker recorded a season-best time of 25.72 in the 200 meters, contributing to a solid day for the Cougar sprinters.
Columbus State also saw success in relay competition, as both the men's and women's 4x400-meter relay teams recorded top-eight finishes, with the women's squad posting a season-best time in the event.
The Cougars return to the track Saturday, March 21, for the final day of the Emory Spring Break Classic, aiming to build on their strong Day One performances.
