Results (W)
Results (M)
Tampa, Fla., May 12, 2023 – The University of South Florida track and field team closed a successful first day at the American Athletic Conference Outdoor Championships on Friday. Romaine Beckford podiumed in the men's Javelin, while seven qualified for final heats on Sunday.
Beckford started the day with a 59.38 meter (194-4) throw in the men's javelin competition, passing his previous mark of 189-3 he tossed in the last season. The mark, which earned him third place in the event, also set a new personal best for the senior and moved him to second place in the program's all-time list.
Shaniya Benjamin qualified for the women's 200m dash finals after running a time of 23.58 seconds. Meanwhile, Je'Nyia Burton ran a personal best time of 23.62, moving her to seventh on the all-time list. In the men's event, Shevioe Reid qualified for the finals with a new personal best time of 20.71, good for second in the program's all-time list. Jaleel Croal advanced to the finals as well with a personal best time of 20.95, moving him to fourth on the all-time list.
In the women's 400 hurdles, the Bulls will advance three women to the finals on Sunday. Madeline Abega placed second in heat one with a personal best time of 59.46, moving her to sixth on the all-time list. Sanique Walker (57.36) won heat two in 57.36 and Chakiya Plummer was third in 59.95. For the men, Michael Bourne III was the fastest qualifier, he advances to the finals with USF's sixth fastest time in history of 51.17 seconds, a new personal best.
Due to tonight's inclement weather/lightning, the games committee will be moving the women's 10,000m to 8am and the men's 10,000m to 8:45am to Saturday morning.
Up Next
The Bulls continue competition at the AAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships tomorrow. The meet is streamed on ESPN+.
About USF Track and Field
The USF track and field team has earned 54 All-America selections and at least one All-American in 10 of the last 12 years, including a record eight athletes claiming 11 honors in 2021. Tampa native Shaniya Benjamin set a program record earning three All-American honors during the 2021 outdoor season, while triple jumper Matthew O'Neal, a 2016 graduate, became USF's first six-time NCAA All-American. Bulls have posted two NCAA runner-up finishes since 2013 - O'Neal (triple jump, 2016) and Courtney Anderson (high jump, 2013). Head coach Erik Jenkins took over the program in 2020 and in the 2021 outdoor season the Bulls posted seven program records and 40 top 10 all-time program marks. USF hosted the 2018 NCAA Track and Field East Preliminary and the 2021 AAC Outdoor Championship at the USF Track and Field Stadium located on the east end of campus.
– #GoBulls –
