News Summary
Harding University’s men’s track and field team demonstrated remarkable skill at the Ole Miss Classic, achieving NCAA provisional qualifying times and breaking records. The 4×100-meter relay squad set a new school record with a time of 40.24 seconds. Individual performances also excelled, with standout marks in pole vault, triple jump, discus, javelin, and steeplechase. Furthermore, five athletes received recognition on the Academic All-District Team, showcasing their commitment to both academics and athletics, indicating a bright future for the program.
OXFORD, Mississippi – Harding University’s men’s track and field team showcased exceptional talent at the Ole Miss Classic held on March 22, 2025, achieving notable NCAA provisional qualifying times and setting new records.
The highlight of the event was the 4×100-meter relay team, which set a new school record by finishing second with an impressive NCAA provisional time of 40.24 seconds. The relay team consisted of Hayes Cox, Donald Nwamere, Caledon Ruwende, and Olaolu Olatunde. This achievement is an important milestone for the university’s track program and places the athletes in contention for national recognition.
In individual events, Everett Mumme excelled in the pole vault, clearing a height of 5.06 meters (16′ 7.25″) to secure fifth place and earn an NCAA provisional mark. Relatedly, Daniel Osoba reached an NCAA provisional mark in the triple jump with an impressive leap of 14.70 meters (48′ 2.75″), achieving fourth place. Osoba also competed in the long jump, finishing in 19th place with a distance of 6.45 meters (21′ 2″).
Lukas Stiper led the discus event, winning with an NCAA provisional throw of 53.14 meters (174′ 4″), while teammate Spencer Helms followed closely behind, placing second with an NCAA provisional mark of 50.52 meters (165′ 9″). Helms also competed in the shot put, where he finished sixth with a throw of 15.07 meters (49′ 5.5″).
In another standout performance, Casen Hammitt won the javelin competition with an NCAA provisional throw of 64.69 meters (212′ 3″). Additionally, Noah Haileab emerged victorious in the 3000-meter steeplechase with a finishing time of 9:17.15, contributing to the team’s overall success at the event.
Following their strong performances in the track and field seasons, five members of Harding’s men’s track and field team were honored on June 27, 2025, by being named to the Academic All-District Team as selected by the Collegiate Sports Communicators (CSC). This recognition underscores the athletes’ commitment both to their sport and their academic pursuits.
Among the honorees, Spencer Helms, a fifth-year senior majoring in exercise science, achieved a 3.65 GPA and will advance to the Academic All-America ballot. Helms also demonstrated athletic prowess by winning the shot put title at the GAC Championships and earning First Team All-America honors in the discus, throwing a remarkable 57.16 meters (187-6) at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
Other notable mentions include Nathaniel Perry, a junior with a 3.86 GPA who ranked 36th in the NCAA Division II Central Region for the outdoor 10,000 meters, and Elijah Barnes, a sophomore boasting a perfect 4.00 GPA ranked 26th regionally in outdoor pole vault with a clearance of 4.61 meters (15-1.5). Isaac Hodges earned recognition with a 3.74 GPA and was ranked 25th regionally in indoor pole vault at 4.63 meters (15-2.25), while Chad Strickland, holding a 3.59 GPA, ranked 33rd in outdoor pole vault with 4.46 meters (14-7.5).
The Academic All-America program acknowledges student-athletes who excel in both academics and athletics, marking an important aspect of the Harding men’s track and field program’s dedication to fostering student success. The impressive achievements at both the Ole Miss Classic and in academic honors indicate a promising future for the student-athletes involved.
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Additional Resources
- Harding Men’s Track Places Five on CSC Academic All-District Team
- Wikipedia: NCAA Provisional Qualification
- Harding Men’s Track and Field Ranked No. 10 in Latest National Poll
- Google Search: Harding University track and field
- Harding Men’s Track and Field Excel in Oxford at Ole Miss Classic
- Google Scholar: track and field academic success
- Harding Men Lead GAC After Day 1
- Encyclopedia Britannica: track and field
- Harding Men’s Track and Field Team Excels at Music City Challenge
- Google News: Harding University track and field team
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