MANKATO, Minn. – James Gilbert and Shemar Miller took over the National lead in Division II long jump and triple jump respectively, after posting top marks at the Ted Nelson Classic Saturday at Myers Field House.
 
Gilbert has a stranglehold over this year's long jump performances as he owns each of the top three marks in Division II this indoor season so far. Saturday, he jumped 7.78m (25' 6.25") for first place ahead of teammate Slade Heald (7.49m, 24' 7.00").
 
Miller's triple jump at 15.93m leads Division II, ahead of Shyrone Kemp (MSU Moorhead) and Miller's own previous mark of 15.68m from December 2 at the SDSU Holiday Multi.
 
As a team, the Mavericks (179) came in ahead of St. Thomas (124), Minnesota Duluth (97), Sioux Falls (81.5), North Iowa Area CC (63), Iowa Central CC (30), Carleton (27), Hawkeye CC (21) and Martin Luther (15).
 
"I am very happy with how our teams are progressing this indoor season," said head coach Mike Turgeon. "James Gilbert and Shemar Miller taking over the national lead in long jump and triple jump were highlights. It is very enjoyable to watch them compete at such a high level."
 
MSU took home the first four podium positions in men's pole vault. Freshman Collin Windorski won the event with a height of 4.92m (16' 1.75"), followed by junior Alex Berg (4.72m, 15' 5.75").
 
Carter Aguilera won men's weight throw (19.48m, 63' 11") and Aiden Buendorf topped high jump at 2.06m (6' 9.00").
 
Gilbert and Miller teamed with Onyekachi Ukaobasi and Slade Heald to win the 4x400 meter relay in 3:27.03.
 
A contingent of Maverick sprinters competed south, at the Iowa State Invitational in Ames, Iowa on Saturday. Abel Christiansen finished second in the 60m hurdle finals (8.01). Jabez Reeves crossed the finish line third in the 60m dash (6.74). He also won the 200m with a time of 21.29.
 
Qai Hussey took second in the 400m with a time of 48.20. The Mavericks beat out six other teams in the 4x400 meter relay with Reeves, Hussey, Thomas Rosengren and Junior Pontes Da Veiga.

"Indoors it's nice to get on the road every once in a while, especially to a great facility like Iowa State," said Associate Head Men's & Women's Track and Field Coach Chris Parno. "With nationals being on a 300m track, the group got some valuable experience on the big track. Jabez Reeves set a new indoor personal best 200m at 21.29, which qualified him for the national championships. Looking forward to being back on our home track next week."