TSU Opens 2025 Indoor Season at Vanderbilt Indoor Opener
- zyaoimediahi
- Dec 9, 2025
- 2 min read
NASHVILLE — Tennessee State University (TSU) track and field opened the 2025 indoor season at the Vanderbilt Indoor Opener, competing against several SEC and regional programs. The Tigers posted multiple personal bests and several top‑8 finishes, signaling a strong start to the year.
Key track performances
Devin Jones (sophomore) got the day started in the men’s 600m. Known for his closing speed, Jones controlled the race early and accelerated in the final lap to set a personal record, emerging as one of TSU’s top performers.
Senior Robert Hooper set a personal best in the men’s mile. With measured pacing and a strong finish, Hooper delivered one of the best races of his TSU career.
On the women’s side, Sydney McGee led the middle‑distance group in the 600m, finishing inside the top 20. Teammates Haley Blades, Quinn Hudson and Maleia Ali also turned in solid early‑season efforts.
Senior hurdler Kara Stewart posted a time of 9.16 in the 60m hurdles.
Field and throws
Olivia Allison, Haley Blades and Madison Houston‑Boykin produced competitive marks in the field events. Allison highlighted the group with an eighth‑place finish in the triple jump, registering a season best of 11.62 m.
Houston‑Boykin cleared 1.52 m in the high jump for a top‑13 finish.
In the throws, senior Ayana Pugh finished sixth in the shot put, while Carolyn McRee earned a career best of 15.41 m in the weight throw, finishing eighth overall.
Relays and sprints
The TSU 4x400 A‑team — Quest Agee, Joshua McClendon, Nigel Simon Jr. and Devin Jones — ran 3:18.05 to place sixth.
The B‑team — Robert Hooper, Brian Townsend, Aaron Davis and Kylen Thorps — won their heat in outdueling two opponents down the stretch.
Junior Caleb Joshway ran 6.83 in the sprint prelims, narrowly missing a spot in the finals.
Outlook With multiple personal bests and strong depth across track and field, TSU concluded the Vanderbilt Indoor Opener encouraged and ready to build. The Tigers return to competition Saturday, January 3, when they host the Edward S. Temple Invitational at the Gentry Center in Nashville — an opportunity to sharpen ahead of Ohio Valley Conference competition later this winter, according to TSU athletics.
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