Track and field in midst of historic season

Junior Romaine Beckford claimed the NCAA men’s high jump title during the NCAA Indoor Championship in March. USF ATHLETICS PHOTO

Just over two months into their season, USF track and field has had a successful and record-breaking year.

The Bulls have made a splash among DI competitions this season, including racking up a national title during the NCAA Indoor Championship held from March 10 to 11. Junior Romaine Beckford took home the men’s high jump title, finishing with a 2.24 meter jump.

Beckford previously won the AAC High Jump Championship, earning himself a third seed headed into the NCAA championship.

During the American Athletic Conference Indoor Track & Field Championships, the Bulls claimed three victories and six program records. The team finished with its highest position since 2013, when they were a member of the Big East Conference.

Junior Shevioe Reid ran a 20.50 second 200-meter dash during the USF Bulls Invitational on March 17, which ranks fastest in the NCAA this season. Beckford continued his outstanding junior season with a 2.26 meter jump, setting a program record en route to a men’s individual title.

Men’s 4×400 relay set a men’s program record as well, composed of sprinters junior Daunte O’ Banion, Reid, senior Monte Parker and senior Elijiah Wright. The four sprinters took home the gold during the USF Invitational with a time of 3:09.94.

Senior pole vaulter Kobe Babin and junior Stone Baker tied for a first place finish at the invitational, which was good enough for them to be dually nominated for AAC Athlete of the Week in track and field alongside Reid.

Gearing toward the AAC Outdoor Championships in May, the Bulls have a tough schedule ahead. USF will face Florida during two upcoming meets, the Pepsi Florida Relays on March 31 and April 1 and the Tom Jones Memorial from April 14-15.

Florida has historically boasted a dominant track program, including a men’s and women’s outdoor national championship in 2022.

USF will also compete in the upcoming NCAA Outdoor Championships from June 7-10. The Bulls have never had an individual title holder in the outdoor championship in program history.