Bahamian Terrence Jones assisted Texas Tech University to the men’s team honours, as he completed the 60m and 200m double at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships in Boston, on Saturday.
Jones, who won the 60m title last year, successfully retained his crown when he topped the event in 6.54s, ahead of University of Iowa’s junior Kalen Walker (6.59s) and Texas Tech teammate Don’dre Swint (6.60s). Jamaican Travis Williams representing University of Southern California, was fifth in 6.64s.
The 21-year-old Jones, who has ambitions to emulate Jamaica’s multiple World and Olympic champion, and the world’s fastest man Usain Bolt, then stomped his class in the 200m. He won in a new Facilities record of 20.23s, just shy of his 20.21 personal best, as he lowered the old record of 20.34s set by Wanya McCoy of University of Florida, on Friday.
Cheickna Traore of Penn State University, clocked a new personal best 20.30s for second, with University of Florida’s Robert Gregory (20.37s) in third. McCoy, who was also in the event, ended seventh in 25.60s.
Meanwhile, Jamaica’s Rivaldo Marshall representing University of Iowa, won the men’s 800m in 1:46.96. The former Calabar standout finished ahead of Villanova’s Sean Dolan (1:47.61) and Finley McLear (1:47.68) of Iowa State.
Former Kingston College stalwart Tarees Rhoden of Clemson University, was fifth in 1:47.79.
After the 17 events scores, Jones’ Texas Tech finished tops with 50.5 points, ahead of Arkansas (41 points) and University of Florida (39 points). Northern Arizona (31 points) and North Carolina (26 points) completed the top five.