Davis travels to Philadelphia for the 120th Penn Relays

Davis travels to Philadelphia for the 120th Penn Relays

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman men's track and field sophomore TJ Davis (Ooltewah, Tenn) and Tanner Stepp (Jefferson City, Tenn) will participate in this weekend's Penn Relays held at The University of Pennsylvania's Franklin Field in Philadelphia, PA. 

The prestigious, world-renowned track meet is the oldest and largest track and field competition in the United States and has been hosted annually since April 21st, 1895.

Davis has expressed what an honor it is to have the chance to participant in such a large-scale competition. "I'm just blessed to be in the position I'm in right now," Davis said in regard to his being chosen as a participant.

Last weekend at the South Atlantic Conference Track and Field Championships, the sophomore placed in first-place in the men's long jump with a 7.18m leap into the sand pit. Davis also won first in the men's triple jump with a 14.55m mark, beating an already nationally qualified athlete.

Knowing the atmosphere will be unlike any other meet he has competed in, Davis chose to stick to the same routine he's found success with all year in preparation for the high level competition. "I'm just going to go in and give it my all," Davis said.

The excitement has been building up in both athletes, and the coaching staff for weeks, and the time has come. "I'm very excited, I'm getting chills just thinking about it," Davis admitted.

At the Penn Relays this weekend TJ Davis will compete in the men's long jump amongst both Division I and Division II athletes from across the nation. Top athletes from elementary school-aged kids and Olympians from around the world will be competing as well.

Carson-Newman and Lenoir-Rhyne University are the lone schools with athletes invited to the meet representing the South Atlantic Conference.

The action begins Friday afternoon at 3:30pm at Franklin Stadium, and the meet continues through April 25th. Check cneagles.com for updated information, and recaps following competition each day and remember to follow us on Twitter, @CNAthletics

 -CN-