Track and Field Enjoy Stellar First Day at C-USA Indoor Championships

Track and Field Enjoy Stellar First Day at C-USA Indoor Championships

2/20/2021 9:38:00 PM | Track & Field/Cross Country

Birmingham, Ala. – Cassidy Teuscher set a new school record in the 5000m run and Corvell Todd captured the Conference USA championship in the high jump to lead Southern Miss at the opening day of the C-USA Indoor Championships being held at the Birmingham CrossPlex.

"We had a fantastic first day with a new school record in the 5000m by freshman Cassidy Teuscher. Corvell Todd won the high jump and the women's DMR got second to finish off the day. Patricia Johnson and Ashlee Osaji went 2-3 in the long to net some much need points," said head coach Jon Stuart. "We advanced most of our kids to the finals and tomorrow will be an exciting day."

Competing in the indoor 5000m for the first time, Teuscher broke the old Southern Miss record by more than two seconds with a time of 16:42.19.

"Cassidy Teuscher is a special competitor," assistant coach Aaron Kindt said of the performance by Teuscher. "She's at her best when the lights are the brightest. It was a very special run by the freshman in her first ever 5000m."

Kate Mattox and Sarah Parnell clinched the Golden Eagle's first two appearances in tomorrow's final with both finishing in the top eight during today's prelims. Mattox was able to advance despite losing one of her shoes at the start of the competition.

"Kate lost her shoe right at the start line, but she didn't panic or get down on herself," Kindt added. "She found a way to get to the final tomorrow. She always runs with tremendous heart and determination."

Jasmine Griffin and Marquasha Myers were the next pair to advance to the finals with their performances in the 60m hurdles.

Lance Williams added points on the men's side with a seventh place finish in the long jump, while Trey Johnson, DJ Butler and Landon Chalden all advanced in the 400m.

Elijah Miller qualified for both the 60m dash final and the 200m meter final with a pair of great performances on Friday.

The trio of Trinity Benson, Octavia Cato and Vivette Green all qualified in the women's 60m dash. Benson and Green would both later run their way into the 200m final as well.
Savannah McMillon advanced for the women's team, while Dylan Evans both moved on for the men with their performance in the 800m.

Behind the performance of Johnson and Osaji mentioned by Coach Stuart, Southern Miss took home 15 points in the women's long jump, while the women's DMR team closed the day with eight more points and a silver medal performance.

The women are tied for second after the opening day of competition, while the men are in seventh place.

Southern Miss will look to continue their strong performances tomorrow at the final day of the Conference USA Indoor Championships.