Sophomore Kalyn Floyd set a regional qualifying mark on her way to winning the 400-meter dash Saturday at the Arizona State Sun Angel Classic in Tempe, Ariz.
Floyd finished in 53.03 seconds, earning her first Conference USA Co-Athlete of the Week honor. The time also ranks first in the conference this season.
‘It was real good; I was impressed,’ sophomore Chris Carter said of Floyd’s performance. ‘I was kind of shocked. I didn’t know she could run that fast.’
Floyd teamed up with senior Seun Adigun and freshmen Grecia Bolton and Whitney Harris to set another qualifying mark in the women’s 400-meter relay. The quartet finished in 45.06 seconds to claim fourth place. ‘
The Cougars had a successful weekend overall, taking home seven regional qualifying marks and winning two events. Things got even better Monday, as the Cougars earned a sweep of the C-USA Male and Female Athlete of the Week awards.
Senior captain Ivan Diggs completed the award double-dip, earning the honor for the third time in his career, for his 2.15-meter (7 feet, 0.65 inches) clearance in the high jump. The jump was Diggs’ third win of the outdoor season.’
Diggs seems to be doing well as he continues to shine after missing last season because to a leg injury.
‘I’m happy about (this season), and I’m glad I’ve had the opportunity to come back,’ Diggs said. ‘My foot feels better, so I think that’s why I’m jumping well.’
Diggs’ clearance set an NCAA regional qualifying mark and moved him into fifth place in the nation. He is the only high jumper in C-USA to clear 2 meters this season, but this was Diggs third jump of more than 2 meters this season.’
‘I’m trying to be No. 1 in the nation,’ Diggs said with a chuckle.
Carter added to his NCAA regional qualifying marks with a 16.05-meter (52 feet, 7.89 inches) clearance in the men’s triple jump. Carter’s 16.34-meter leap (53 feet, 7.31 inches) during the Texas Relays pushed him up to second in the nation.’
‘It felt really good, just knowing I can be consistent in 16 meters,’ Carter said.’
Carter’s teammates, junior Lamar Delaney and senior Jeremy Kelley, also fared well in the event, tying for sixth with 15.07-meter (49 feet, 5.31 inches) clearances.
In the women’s 100-meter hurdles, Adigun’s 13.39-second, third-place finish set a personal best.
Sophomore Christie Jones finished seventh in the women’s 100-meter premiere section run in 11.95 seconds. Bolton finished in 12.10 seconds to take ninth.’
Freshman Tai’shea Reese finished fifth in the women’s long jump after a 5.81-meter leap (19 feet, 0.74 inches).
The Cougars will head back to the track Saturday to compete in the LSU Alumni Gold Invitational in Baton Rouge, La.’
Carter is only one of several Cougars who are seeking improvement.
‘I’m gonna try to get a regional qualifying mark and try to jump at least 7 meters,’ Carter said.
