Men's Track and Field 3/4/2026 9:00:00 AM MSU Athletics Communications

Morgan State Men’s Indoor Track & Field Season in Review

BALTIMORE, Md. (March 3, 2026) -- The Morgan State University men's indoor track & field program wrapped up its 2025–26 season, marked by consistent progress, grit, and standout performances throughout the winter. From the first meet on the schedule to their final appearance at the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Championship, the Bears demonstrated steady development, cohesive teamwork, and a competitive mindset that propelled the program forward all season long.

Men's Season Highlights

Season Kickoff & Early Meets

Penn Opener (Dec. 5–6, 2025)

The Bears officially launched their indoor season at the Penn Opener in Philadelphia, facing strong Division I competition early in the schedule.
This meet served as an early gauge and provided valuable experience for many Bears, including several individuals making early collegiate starts.

Penn Select (Dec. 10, 2025)

Morgan State returned to Philadelphia a week later for Penn Select, continuing to build race sharpness and adjust technique midseason.

Regular Season Highlights

VMI Invitational (Jan. 23, 2026)

The Bears turned in one of their strongest regular-season indoor showings, finishing 2nd overall among competing teams.
This meet included multiple top finishes for the men across both track and field events.
Several personal best performances hinted at athletes peaking at the right time as the season progressed.

Darius Dixon Meet (Feb. 13–14, 2026)

In what would be a final tune-up before conference competition, the Bears delivered standout individual and relay results:
- Sophomore Samuel Skinner clocked a 1:50.02 800m, ranking among the best marks by HBCU runners during the season.
- The relay squads notably performed well, including a Distance Medley Relay victory with a season-best time of 10:03.39.
- Freshmen and sophomores scored several personal records, showing future promise.

MEAC Indoor Championships (Feb. 22–23, 2026)

Team Placement

Morgan State completed its indoor season at the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Indoor Championships, finishing 6th overall with 69 points in a competitive field.

Medal & Podium Highlights

Freshman Jeryco Sheppard – A breakout indoor campaign saw him:
- Win the pole vault with a personal-best 4.66m, setting a new school record and ranking amongst the top HBCU vaulters this season.
- Score in multiple events, including a top-five heptathlon finish.
Silver & Bronze Performances
- Demond Smith earned second in the weight throw with a PB of 16.37m.
- Caleb Mincey captured bronze in the mile with a personal best 4:12.20.
- Several Bears narrowly missed podium spots with strong finals appearances in the 400m, 800m, and relay events.

All-MEAC Honors

First Team All-MEAC: Jeryco Sheppard (Pole Vault)
Second Team All-MEAC: Demond Smith (Weight Throw)
(Recognition signifies top-three conference placements per event)

Season Themes & Takeaways

Growth & Depth

The indoor season showcased significant improvement from winter opener meets through conference championships, with numerous personal and season-best performances across sprints, distance, jumps, throws, and combined events.

Standout Freshmen

Young athletes like Sheppard and others contributed meaningful points and performances, suggesting a bright future for the program.

Relay Strength

Team relay squads, particularly the Distance Medley and 4x400m relay units, posted competitive times and helped boost the team's overall point total.

Conference Competitiveness

While the Bears didn't capture the MEAC indoor title, they remained competitive in multiple events and posted results that built momentum heading into the 2026 outdoor season.

Coach Hodge on the Season

Head coach Neville Hodge praised the resilience and determination shown by the team throughout the indoor campaign.

"This season was very challenging in a lot of ways for the program as a whole, but overall we were able to put together some solid individual performances with both the men's and women's programs. We came up short in some areas due to challenges that were beyond our control, but the team represented well with true grit and competed like warriors.

As a staff, we were very proud of the way the teams rallied around each other and encouraged one another when it seemed like our backs were against the wall. We were the real Bears in the arena."
Earlier in the season, Hodge also noted that the team showed the potential to be competitive within the conference.

"Today's track meet showed that we can be a force in the MEAC Conference despite the challenges we face on a day-to-day basis. We look to take that momentum into the MEAC Indoor Championships. Go Bears."

With the indoor season now complete, the focus shifts to the outdoor campaign — a portion of the schedule where Morgan State traditionally thrives.

"Now that the indoor season is behind us, the outdoor season is where we thrive as a program," Hodge added. "We're looking forward to the break in the weather and the opportunity to showcase what we have here on campus."

Looking Ahead
As the Bears transition into outdoor competition, the indoor season sets a strong foundation — particularly for emerging talents in field events and mid-distance running. Continued development and confidence from indoor personal bests should position Morgan State well within the MEAC outdoor slate.

FOLLOW MORGAN STATE ATHLETICS IN CYBERSPACE
There are many ways to keep up with MSU athletics online and on the go:
• Visit www.morganstatebears.com, the official website of Bears athletics, for news, schedules, stats, bios, and more.
• Follow us on social media:
Facebook: /MorganStateBears
Twitter: @MorganStBears
Instagram: /MorganStateBears

ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering nearly 140 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.

Print Friendly Version