CLINTON, Miss. – The Hinds Community College Track and Field team opened the 2026 outdoor season in impressive fashion on March 21 at the Belhaven Invitational, turning in a statement performance that featured a national record, multiple relay victories and strong depth across several event groups.

The highlight of the meet came in the men's 4x100-meter relay, where Hinds posted a blazing time of 38.23 to claim first place and set the NJCAA national record. The quartet of Raheem, Jayval, Robert and Curtis delivered the fastest junior college time in history, giving the Eagles an unforgettable start to the outdoor campaign.

Hinds continued its dominance in the relay events with a first-place finish in the men's 4x400-meter relay in 3:09.13. The Eagles also showed their depth in the event as the B team placed third with a time of 3:14.44.

On the women's side, Hinds controlled the 4x400-meter relay as well, taking first place in 3:42.67 while adding a runner-up finish from its second relay squad in 3:57.72.

The Eagles were just as impressive in the 400-meter races. In the women's 400 meters, Angel Cumberbatch led the way with a second-place finish in 55.27. Morgan Bradley placed fifth in 58.61, Mikenzy Hodges-Woods took sixth in 58.80 and Shaniyah Walker finished seventh in 59.83.

The men's 400-meter group also produced a strong showing, with Nathanael Abrahams finishing second in 48.92 and Da'Jarian Leonard placing third in 49.48. Vernon Green III added a fourth-place finish in 49.64, while Christian Washington rounded out the group in fifth with a time of 50.11.

In the field events, Anthony Cooley captured first place in the men's long jump with a mark of 7.29 meters (23-11), delivering a strong season-opening performance to secure the win.

Hinds Track and Field will return to action on Thursday, April 2nd at the Belhaven Midweek Open. 

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