Samford has coined the term “Dog Dynasty” to mark their athletic success, and the track and field team is striving to live up to that billing this season.
The team’s first showing was on December 2nd at the BSC Icebreaker. The team dominated the competition, with seven team members placing in the top three of their events. In addition, Ty Kimberlin, Titus Moore, and Jed Sisco won their men’s long jump, 60-meter hurdle, and pole vault events.
The Bulldogs then competed in the UAB Blazer Invitational on Jan. 13, where the team had first-place finishes in four different events. Jed Sisco once again took the men’s long jump, Ian Jones won the men’s triple jump, Brittany Bishop claimed the women’s pole vault, and the Bulldogs won the men’s 4×200 relay.
The team’s success continued at the Samford Multi on Jan. 19, where Ty Kimberlin won the men‘s heptathlon.
Finally, at the Samford Invitational on Jan. 20, Edwin Rainey won the men’s triple jump, and Brittany Bishop took second in the women’s pole vault.
Head Coach Rodd Tiffin shared that he likes the way the team has competed so far this season and that the team’s success can be attributed to preseason preparation.
“Our preseason practices are based on general strength and conditioning.” Tiffin said. “We then move into special endurance workouts that lead us into our season and more speed-specific type workouts and maintenance to be ready to compete weekly.”
Much like Coach Tiffin, pole vaulter Lindsey Havens is encouraged by the season’s start. For her, this team is much more than a passion.
“Working back into that seasoned mindset of trusting our training, everyone is meeting goals and setting new PRs.” Havens said. “This team is really like a family, and competition has been so fun because of how supportive everyone is.”
Another aspect of Samford’s success has been the fierce competition they have faced. According to sprinter/hurdler Ayden Drake, this competition promotes a higher style of play.
“The better competition we have, the more likely we are to push ourselves even harder than we thought we could.” Drake said. “(Our goal is) always to continue to improve, be faster, jump higher, throw further, reach whatever that next level is.”
With the way Samford Track and Field has performed so far, great things could be on the horizon.
“We to be the best team we can be.” Coach Tiffin said. “We don’t compare ourselves to teams in the past because different circumstances go with each team.”
Each team has its legacy, and it remains to be seen what this team’s legacy will be.
Sports Editor
