COLUMBIA, S.C. -- The Benedict College men's indoor track and field team was back in action this weekend at the Carolina Challenge held at the University of South Carolina indoor facility. The Tigers made a statement in their second meet of the season with several breakthrough performances, including a school record.
 
Freshman Donald Kibet gave us a glimpse of the future for Benedict track and field by setting a new school record with a time of 14:50.69 in the men's 5K to finish in first place.
 
Caleb Vance had a groundbreaking performance in the men's weight throw. He threw 15.05 meters (49 feet, 4 ½ inches) in the weight throw against top tier competition to finish fourth behind three Division I competitors. Vance also finished 15^th in the shot put with a mark of 12.48 meters (40 feet, 11 ½ inches).
 
Returning All-American Shemar Miller finishing third in the elite division of the triple jump with a jump of 15.18 meters (49 feet, 9 ¾ inches), and sixth in the elite division of the long jump with a jump of 6.95 meters (22 feet, 9 ¾ inches).
 
Kelvin Tillman advanced to the finals of the 60-meter dash with a time of 6.96 and was the only non-Division I finalist. He finished seventh in the finals with a time of 6.99. Tillman also had a strong showing in the 200-meter dash with a time of 22.87 and finished 25^th out of a crowded field of more than 100.

Sergio White came through with a time of 51.98 in the men's 400-meter run, followed closely by Markel Bryant with a time of 52.24.
 
Rounding out this weekend's competition, Javel Best set a new personal record in the 400-meter invitational with a time of 49.54, and was the top non-Division I finisher in 11^th place. Matthew Paul was one spot behind in 12^th with a time of 50.15.
 
Nelson Kipkemboi ran a stunning 15:40.07 in the men's 5K.
 
"This team is everything Coach (Frank) Hyland said it was," said coach Danny Brooks in his Benedict coaching debut. "What an outstanding start to 2023. Each events group had both personal best and season best performances, to include a new school record. I look forward to the next meet."
 
The Tigers will be back in action on Feb. 3-4 in the South Carolina Invitational at the USC indoor facility.