LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 15, 2025) – The excitement was palpable as the South Carolina Track & Field team embarked on the SEC Outdoor Championship on Thursday afternoon, kicking off a highly anticipated competition in the heart of Lexington, Kentucky. With only eight events on the agenda, the day’s performances hinted at the thrilling contests to come.
Exceptional Sprinting: Ford and James Shine
The women’s 200-meter sprint was a showcase of talent, featuring the remarkable duo of JaMeesia Ford and Cynteria James. Competing in heat five, Ford sprinted to victory with a **season-best time of 22.33** seconds (0.7), securing her position at the top of the East Regional leaderboard. This impressive performance not only solidified her first-place standing in the preliminary round but also generated excitement for the finals. James followed closely, clocking in at **22.82 seconds** (0.7)—a new personal record that catapulted her into the seventh spot in the program’s history for the outdoor 200m sprint. Both athletes are set to compete again in the finals on Saturday at **8:25 p.m.**, building anticipation among fans and teammates alike.
Men’s Events: A Competitive Spirit
For the men’s team, the journey on day one included five challenging events featuring three preliminary rounds. In a close finish, Anthony Greenhow narrowly missed the finals, yet he still turned heads with a **wind-legal personal best of 20.58 seconds** (0.5), securing a spot among the Top 25 in the East Region. Meanwhile, Ellis Neighbors, competing in his first SEC Championship, delivered a commendable performance in the javelin, finishing **10th overall** with a throw of **63.61m (208-8)**—just shy of advancing to the finals.
Looking Ahead: A Full Day of Action
The Gamecocks are set to return to the track tomorrow, ready to tackle a full slate of events, including eight preliminary races. Fans can expect a thrilling kick-off with the women’s long jump at **3:30 p.m.**, leading into the women’s 100-meter hurdles at **5 p.m.** The day will culminate in an exciting double feature with the women’s steeplechase at **8 p.m.**, followed by the men’s steeplechase at **8:20 p.m.**. The energy in the air is electric as the team prepares to make their mark.
Current Standings: The Race is On
Men’s Team Standings
- 1. Ole Miss – 31
- 2. Alabama – 26
- 3. Mississippi State – 13
- —
- — South Carolina – 0
Men’s Individual Results
- 200 Meters (Prelims) – 15. Anthony Greenhow – 20.58 (0.5)*
- 800 Meters (Prelims) – 13. Aidan Hatton – 1:49.72
- 10,000 Meters – 12. Rogerio Amaral – 31:10.08
- 400-Meter Hurdles (Prelims) – 13. Josue Richardson Salazar – 52.26
- Javelin – 10. Ellis Neighbors – 63.61m/208-8
Women’s Team Standings
- 1. Georgia – 30
- 2. Arkansas – 16
- 3. Missouri – 11
- —
- — South Carolina – 0
Women’s Individual Results
- 200 Meters (Prelims) – 1. JaMeesia Ford – 22.33Q (0.7)
7. Cynteria James – 22.82q (0.7)*
15. Jayla Jamison – 22.99 (2.2) - 800 Meters (Prelims) – 18. Sylvia Chelangat – 2:12.11
- 10,000 Meters – — Anya Arroyo – DNF
* – denotes outdoor PR
As the championship continues, all eyes are on the Gamecocks as they aim to climb the leaderboard and make a lasting impression. The thrill of competition ignites the spirit of teamwork, resilience, and achievement. Stay tuned for more thrilling updates from the SEC Outdoor Championship!
