BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Hinds Track & Field program opened the indoor season with a strong showing at the Samford Open, as multiple athletes recorded performances that qualified them for the 2026 NJCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships.

Leading the way for the men was Jayval Wright, who is currently ranked No. 2 nationally in the 60-meter dash after posting a blazing time of 6.64. Wright's performance places him among the top sprinters in the NJCAA. Joining him in the event was Curtis Coleman, who ranks No. 3 nationally with a time of 6.67, giving Hinds two of the top three 60-meter sprinters in the country.

In the hurdles, Matthew Sullivan earned his national qualification in the 60-meter hurdles, ranking No. 3 in the NJCAA with a time of 7.91.

On the women's side, Queen Usunobun headlined the meet for Hinds with a nation-leading performance in the 400-meter dash. Usunobun currently holds the No. 1 NJCAA ranking in the event after clocking an impressive 54.43, establishing herself as one of the top athletes in the country.

Angel Cumberbatch also qualified in the 400 meters, ranking No. 3 nationally with a time of 56.35, while Akaree Roberts added another national mark with a No. 6 ranking after posting a 57.38. The three qualifiers give Hinds a strong presence in the women's 400-meter dash heading into the national meet.

In the women's 60-meter dash, Jaycie Wallace secured her spot at the NJCAA Indoor Championships with a time of 7.74, ranking No. 21 nationally.

The women's 4x400-meter relay team also earned national qualification and is currently ranked No. 4 in the NJCAA with a time of 3:55.19. The relay squad consists of Angel Cumberbatch, Akaree Roberts, Lania McDonald, and Kylie Norbit.

Hinds Track & Field will return to action on Friday, January 23, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at the LSU Bayou Bengal Invitational.

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