Joplin, Mo. – The Missouri Southern track & field program competed inside the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center for the final time this indoor season and they didn’t disappoint. Since we won’t see them again until April 29, which is outdoor season, the Lions wanted to put on a show for all in attendance for the two day MSSU Lion Open last weekend.

Taking the show in the day one of the Open was arguably the best runner in division II, freshman Vincent Kiprop. Kiprop won the 5k race in a time of 14:21.70, while his teammate and senior Eric Schott placed second in a time of 14:26.44. Kiprop’s and Schott’s time both rank nationally as Kiprop’s ranks first by two seconds and Schott’s ranks third. Junior Nathan Henry finished in fourth with a time of 15:29.97. 

Freshman Keson Payton qualified for the finals of the 60m dash with a time of 6.97.

On the women’s side, senior Kaylee Morgan won the long jump with a provisional distance of 18-07.00. Brittani Reagan placed in third with a distance of 18-03.00. Sierra Barrett was 14th in the event. Morgan also qualified for the finals of the 60m hurdles with a time of 9.09

Freshman Victoria Foley was third in the weight throw with a distance of 52-02.00, while sophomore Katie Skelton placed seventh. 

Freshman Sarah Usher and Junior Sierra Gray placed third and fourth in the 5k with times of 18:44.72 and 18:51.72, respectively.

Day two offered some stellar performances by the Lions.

Senior Melanie Bower nearly broke the pole vault record set by her teammate as the team picked up an event win in the final day. Bower nearly broke the record of teammate Emily Presley that Presley set last week at Pittsburg State. Bower placed third with a height of 12-11.50, just a quarter of an inch below Presley’s mark. That mark ranks Bower seventh in Division II and third-best in the MIAA. Presley finished fourth with a height of 12-07.50 in the event. Both are provisional marks.

Emily Harris won the 800m in a time of 2:17.25, while Sara Lin placed sixth with a time of 2:23.46. Harris was second in the 3k in a time of 10:24.49, while Cynthia Torres placed second in the mile in a time of 5:07.66.

After qualifying for the finals in the 60m hurdles, Morgan placed second with a time of 9.05. Reagan placed second in the triple jump with a provisional distance of 38-05.50.

Senior Tyler Hovey picked up a provisional mark as he placed second in the shot put with a distance of 53-03.50. Junior Morgan Hold picked up a provisional with a third place finish in the pole vault, clearing 16-00.75.

Senior standout Jayce Thomas placed third in the triple jump as he had a provisional mark of 48-04.00, while Kennan Harrison was fifth in a distance of 46-08.24.

Southern will be back in action today, as the Lions will compete in the Pitt State Invitational on today and Saturday.