Story by: Carlee Loyd

The University of Montevallo’s track and field team is only a few meets into the season and have already set 5 new record and set one NCAA Division II qualifyling time.

The 5 new school records and the NCAA Division II qualifying time was set at one meet alone.

On January 31, the track team competed at the Birmingham Metro Crossplex and broke school records in Men’s and Women’s weight throwing, fastes mile time, fastest 600 meter and high jump.

The NCAA Division II qualifying time came from a first place run in the 5000.

Madelyn Bright set the high jump record as a freshman and has re-set it as a sophomore. “It feels really good actually. Thanks to my coach. I said it last year when I was a freshman and this year I have a lot more confidence and going in and feel just a lot better going in then I did last year I guess, just confidence wise.”

The men’s team is on fire as they have became ranked 20th overall in the country, along with being nationally ranked 1st in men’s triple jump and 6th in men’s long jump.

Head Coach Tommy Barksdale said he hopes to keep the intensity going says the biggest thing is that they have come together as a team to help achieve these goals.

“It’s unsurmountable. I mean, we’re ready to rock and roll. We’re just getting better each week and that’s all we’re preaching. We want to set new goals, new bars, new heights every single time and I think that they’re doing a good job with doing that.”

For more info about the track team and details on the school records, go to the UM athletics website and either men’s or women’s track and field.