Two University of South Florida men’s track and field relay teams, along with sprinter Jaleel Croal, qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Championship on May 29 during the third day of the NCAA East First Rounds at the University of Kentucky Outdoor Track and Field Facility in Lexington.
The 4×100 meter relay team, consisting of Shomari Pettigrew, Jaleel Croal, Alexavier Monfries, and Nathan Metelus, won their heat with a time of 38.45 seconds to finish third overall and secure a spot at nationals. The squad advanced to the NCAA Outdoor Championships for the fourth consecutive season. In addition, Markel Jones, Monfries, Metelus, and Devontie Archer finished tenth in the 4×400 meter relay with a time of 3:02.71 to also qualify for nationals. USF will look to defend its title after winning last year’s event with a school-record time of 3:00.42.
Jaleel Croal earned his place at nationals in the 200 meters for the third straight season by finishing tenth with a time of 20.41 seconds. Kelsey Singleton placed twenty-first in the 400 meters (45.79), while Darian Mills (16th place) and Joshua Crum (19th place) competed in the 400 meter hurdles.
Three more Bulls athletes are scheduled to compete Saturday for spots at nationals: Lilah Versluis in high jump at 2:00 p.m., Versluis and Zayin Roe in triple jump at 6:00 p.m., and Doris Quainoo in the 100 meter hurdles at 6:15 p.m.
Erik Jenkins is currently serving his seventh season as head coach for USF track and field. Last year’s men’s relay squad—Devontie Archer, Alexavier Monfries, Corey Ottey and Gabriel Moronta—claimed a national title with a program-record performance that contributed to a top-15 team finish. Nine Bulls athletes earned All-America honors this past season.
University of South Florida Athletics has produced Olympians representing multiple countries, captured national championships across various sports disciplines including track and field relays like those qualifying this week, participates as part of the American Athletic Conference within an updated athletics district featuring modern venues for baseball, softball, soccer and basketball; it also promotes community involvement as well as values such as inclusion and equity, according to the official website.
