Bulldogs Post Top Finishes at Birmingham Southern

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - A new season is underway for Mississippi State's indoor track and field team, as the Bulldogs demonstrated success at the Panther Indoor Icebreaker hosted by Birmingham Southern.

Freshman Megan Walker started her collegiate journey Saturday and posted a top pole- vault height for the Lady Bulldogs. Walker (12-01.50) finished second, followed by fellow newcomer Sydney Rodkey (11-01.75), who finished sixth.

Also posting top finishes for the Maroon and White women were Katie Huston, finishing second in the mile (5:03.31), Ocian Archer, taking third in the 400m dash (56.45) and Kanishia Carey, who was just behind Archer in fourth (57.13).

Freshman Brandon McBride also began his career with the Bulldogs by wasting no time showing off his talent on the track. With a time of 48.13, McBride crossed the line first in the 400m dash, followed by freshman Scottie Hearns (49.40) in sixth and Steve Shoto (49.49) in ninth.

Other Bulldogs to see action in Birmingham included Nathan Arnett (8.09), who finished first in the 60m hurdles, as well as Tyrone Walker (4:31.84), crossing the line first in the men's one mile.

The team will travel back to Birmingham on Jan. 10 to compete at the UAB Invitational.

Women's Results

400 Meter Dash: Kala Funderburk, Memphis, 55.63
MSU: 3. Ocian Archer, 56.45; 4. Kanishia Carey, 57.13, 6. Brittany Covington 57.70

1 Mile Run: Sara Barron, Vanderbilt, 4:59.51
MSU: 2. Katie Huston, 5:03.31; 5. Emma Neigel, 5:21.71

60 Meter Hurdles (Preliminaries): Taryn Hartfield, Ole Miss, 8.69
MSU: 8. Brittany Covington, 8.87

60 Meter Hurdles (Finals): Taryn Hartfield, Ole Miss, 8.66
MSU: 6. Brittany Covington, 8.92

Pole Vault: Merrit Van Meter, Tulane, 13-01.50
MSU: 2. Megan Walker, 12-01.50; 6. Sydney Rodkey, 11-01.75

Men's Results

60 Meter Dash (Preliminaries): Justin Sims, Southern Mississippi, 6.78
MSU: 20. Nathan Arnett, 7.12

400 Meter Dash: Brandon McBride, Mississippi State, 48.13
MSU: 1. Brandon McBride, 48.13; 6. Scottie Hearns, 49.40; 9. Steve Shoto, 49.49

1 Mile Run: Tyrone Walker, Mississippi State, 4:31.84
MSU: Tyrone Walker, 4:31.84

60 Meter Hurdles (Preliminaries): Nathan Arnett, Mississippi State, 8.06
MSU: Nathan Arnett, 8.06

60 Meter Hurdles (Finals): Nathan Arnett, Mississippi State, 8.09
MSU: Nathan Arnett, 8.09

Pole Vault: Sam Kendricks, Ole Miss, 17-06.50
MSU: 4. John Bourgeouis, 15-07; 8. James Jarvis, 14-07.25; 12. Sam Cox, 14-01.25