Three Eagles claim provisional marks in final weekend

BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. - Three Carson-Newman track and field athletes greatly improved their stock for making the outdoor national championships in the final meets of the regular season.

Luke Greer took home the top spot on the podium at the NCC Dr. Keeler Track and Field Meet in Naperville, Ill. in the 10,000 meters. He provisionally qualified for nationals with his time of 29:49.31. 

Meanwhile, at Montreat's Last Chance Twiight Meet, Jahvad McDermott and Kris Potts-Howard looked to lock down spots at nationals.  McDermott won gold and turned in a provisional mark of 15.17 meters in the triple jump.  He has the 13th best triple in the nation this yeaar.  

On the other hand, Potts-Howard took home gold in the long jump with a leap of 7.48 meters.  That figure puts in 19th nationally.  

"All three  performed their season best in the last meet of the season," Carson-Newman head track coach David Needs said. "With experience you have an appreciation for the importance of the moment and opportunity.  Each of them took care of the question of whether they belonged at Nationals by bringing their very best."

In addition to the provisional marks, two other men brought home gold.  Caleb Agee continued his stranglehold on the 400 hurdles with a 54.05 in the event.  Christian Stumpf brought home top honors in the javelin with a throw of 52.63 meters.  Ross Ensley also earned a spot on the podium in the event, finishing with bronze after a 45.04 meter throw.  

On the women's side, Samantha Gudger took home the top spot in the long jump and provisionally qualified for nationals with a 5.80 meter leap.  However, Gudger's best jump is 44th in the country and on the outside looking in for a spot at nationals.  

Madion Bunch also earned gold in the javlelin with a lob of 31.18 meters.