GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The men's 4x400 relay team qualified for the finals after finishing ninth out of 43 teams in the preliminaries Friday at the Florida Relays at James G. Pressley Stadium.
 
The team of Tahrike Jones, Gerald Coleman, James Benson II and Donovan Storr set a high mark 3:10.21 in the 4x400 prelims qualifying for the finals Saturday at 6:15 p.m.
 
"This group has been coming along very nicely," said SLU track head coach Corey Mistretta. "The guys really enjoy running together, which helps them to push one another to be better. The faster they run the faster they want to run and it is fun when all four guys are on the same page. Making the finals here was a big step for us and the guys are excited about trying to run even faster tomorrow evening."
 
The mark ranks Southeastern second in the Southland behind Abilene Christian (3:09.97). With Friday's performance, the Lions are ranked 11th in the country in the 4x400.
 
SLU will be joined in Saturday's final by Kentucky, Iowa, St. Augustine, Purdue, Mount Olive, Florida, Maryland and Clemson.
 
SLU's Thomas Nedow set a personal best in the men's discus. The Brockville, Canada native, finished with a mark of 170 feet, one inch (51.85m) moving him up to seventh in the Southland Conference.
 
"It was great to see Tommy finally put things together today," said Mistretta. "This was a big PB (personal best) for him and I expect him to use this to reenergize his training."
 
The meet wraps up Saturday beginning at 9:45 a.m. Fans can watch the event on SEC Network+. Live stats are also available at the SLU track schedule page at LionSports.Net.
 
PODIUM CLUB/S CLUB
Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the track and field program are encouraged to join the Podium Club. Lion alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letter winners. All membership fees and donations to Podium Club are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern track and field program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or visiting www.LionUp.com.
 
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