University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Nichols and Valentino Earn Wins on Day One of Music City Challenge
2/13/2026 8:27:00 PM | Track & Field/Cross Country
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Tyler Nichols and Valentino Rudolph each earned a win on day one of the Music City Challenge Friday afternoon in Nashville. Nichols finished with a long jump mark of 7.90 meters while Rudolph finished with a 200 meter time of 20.99 seconds to earn their wins at the Vanderbilt Multipurpose Facility.
In additional top-eight performances, Sidney Allen placed fifth in the long jump on the women's side with a mark of 6.02 meters. For the men, De'Aundre Ward finished second behind Nichols at 7.84 meters. Conner Mozee recorded a third-place finish in the weight throw with a mark of 18.79 meters. Maximus Littleton cleared 2.03 meters to place fourth in the high jump, followed by Tyler Hughes in sixth at 1.98 meters. Saxon Brown added an eighth-place finish in the 800 meters, crossing the line in 1:19.10.
The Golden Eagles will kick off the final day of the meet on Saturday morning, beginning with the men's shot put.
Top 8 Finishes
Women
Long Jump | 5th – Sidney Allen (6.02m)
Men
200 meter | 1st – Valentino Rudolph (20.99)
800 meter | 8th – Saxon Brown (1:19.10)
Weight Throw | 3rd – Conner Mozee (18.79m)
High Jump | 4th – Maximus Littleton (2.03m), 6th – Tyler Hughes (1.98m)
Long Jump | 1st – Tyler Nichols (7.90m), 2nd – De'Aundre Ward (7.84m)
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