Florida found success in South Carolina for the second week in a row. Competing in the Gamecock Opener, it closed the meet with Cameron Miller and the women’s 4x400-relay team posting NCAA-leading times.
Overall, the Gators compiled eight times that ranked in the top-10 nationally to wrap up the two-day meet at the Carolina Indoor Track and Field Complex in Columbia, South Carolina.
Friday ended well for Florida, although it was overshadowed by Saturday’s performances. For the men, Jalen Chance finished first in the triple jump with a distance of 14.99 meters, a season-best for the freshman.
On the women’s side, Doneisha Anderson won the 400 meter with an indoor personal record time of 52.83 seconds.
The second day had more prosperous results for Florida. Miller found himself leading the NCAA with his 20.81-second finish in the 200 meters.
Fellow freshmen Joseph Fahnbulleh and Tyler Davis rounded out the 200m’s final four with national top-10 performances. Fahnbulleh finished second in 20.86 seconds -- third nationally -- while Davis’ recorded time of 21.13 seconds placed him seventh on the Division I Indoor Qualifying list.
Additionally, Clayton Brown finished first in the high jump, with a height of 2.16 meters in his third and final attempt at the discipline on Saturday. It was all the senior needed. Brown's closest competition was Bethune's Kelton Williams, who jumped 2.13 meters.
For the women, junior Taylor Mansen took hold of the No. 3-ranked Division I time in the 200 meters, logging a personal best of 23.59 seconds. Freshman Semira Killebrew finished in 23.77 seconds -- good for second in the meet and seventh nationally. Anderson finished third with a time of 23.78 seconds, the No. 8-best D1 time.
Manson and Anderson also ran the leadoff and anchor legs, respectively, in the 400 meter relay, as the team clocked a nation-leading 3:34.59. The winning team also included junior Nikki Stephens and senior Brandee’ Johnson.
The Gators will next head to Blacksburg, Virginia, where they will compete in the Doc Hale Elite Meet Jan. 24-25.
Follow Christian on Twitter @unofficialchris and contact him at cortega@alligator.org.
