The United States Track and Field and Cross-Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) released its first ratings index rankings of the 2021 outdoor track and field season and ranked Piedmont College’s men’s track and field team at No. 10.

This is the Lions highest ranking all time, with a couple of Lions earning individual accomplishments as well.

Senior Alvin Jacobs (AJ) is ranked No. 1 nationally in the 800-meter run, while junior Darius Smith is ranked No. 5. These were the only two individuals to be top-five in their events.

“AJ has proven to be a true star for our program as the only male in program history to qualify for an NCAA Championship,” said Director of Piedmont Cross-Country and Track & Field, Jamie Jimison. “He has a very keen grasp on his abilities and limitations, and as a result, gets the most out of every single performance.”

This year’s team also has athletes ranked in the top-25 nationally in seven different events and in the top-50 in 12 events. One of those individuals is Sophomore Julian Hazen. He placed at number 10 in the 200-meter dash and number 13 in the 400-meter dash.

Junior Anthony Jordan also put on a show last weekend as he is the top performing field athlete for Piedmont with his No. 6 ranking in the long jump. Jordan credits all his success, and the team’s success to his coaches saying,

“The coaching has been amazing, and they have worked with each athlete for that athlete’s specific workout needs. Also, we’ve been focused and determined to make history as athletes, so those things hand in hand is a recipe for success.”

Jordan was not alone in his ranking in the long jump, as Senior Cameron Graham also placed top 25 with his jump coming in at No. 18. Senior Triple Jumper Anthony Goodloe’s mark of 13.69 meters was good enough to place him at spot No. 18 as well.

The star-studded combination of Jordan, Graham, and Goodloe was joined by Sophomore Chris Donsereaux in the 4×100 meter relay team, this combination ran a 41.85 at the BSC Hilltop Classic which earned them No. 2 nationally. Senior Alvin Jacobs has recognizes that the team as a whole has not even reached their ceiling yet and it is only looking up until the end of the season.

“As the season progresses and as we all collectively get faster while staying healthy as a team, we have the possibility to be ranked higher nationally than we are currently,” said Jacobs. “I have no doubt that as conference approaches, at the end of that weekend, we will come home as Conference champs.”

To keep up date on all information regarding Piedmont College’s track team visit PiedmontLions.com.