Sprinter Jamaal James highlighted the Nicholls track team’s performance by capturing first place in the 400-meter dash, with a time of 47.70 at the Big Cat Classic, hosted by the University of Memphis this past weekend. Colonel coach Matt Pantusa said he thinks James could have posted a better time in Memphis if he had faced tougher competition.

“He didn’t have that good of competition, so I know he could have done better, “Pantusa said. “For the most part, the competition was pretty much behind him.

“He is a good sprinter that will run faster when the competition is there,” Pantusa said. “That’s how most sprinters operate.”

James, who holds the school record in the 400-meter dash, is currently ranked in the top three of the Southland Conference standings in the event.

James also competed in the 200-meter dash and placed fifth with a time of 22.07. That was James’ personal best finish in the 200-meter.

Donnie Ourso placed first in the shot put after throwing 50 feet. 8 inches. Ourso’s throw was six feet better than the second place finisher.

“It was very slippery, so Donnie’s throw was good considering the conditions,” Pantusa said.

Pantusa said he likes the way Ourso has progressed after having neck surgery near the end of the indoor season.

“He has improved since the surgery,” Pantusa said. “He is starting to get back in the grove, and like Jamaal, he will compete harder against tougher competition. I think he should contend at conference.”

Andras Farkas was another of the Colonels first place finishers, taking top honors in the triple jump.

Farkas leaped 46 ft. to take his first individual competition of the season.

Middle distance runners, Farren Clark and Mikael Larsson, fared well in their respected races.

Clark placed third in the 800-meter run with a time of 1:54.55, and Larsson crossed the finish line fifth in the 1500-meter run at 4:02.74.

Troy Alvarado placed sixth in the 400-meter intermediate hurdles with a time of 58.24. Pantusa said Alvarado would have placed higher, but the competition in the next lane threw off Alvarado’s concentration.

“The player next to him knocked down five hurdles,” Pantusa said. “So it kind of threw him off a little.”

The Lady Colonels were led by Shayann Crabtree, who placed second in the long jump.

Crabtree’s jump of 18 ft. 7 in. was her personal best, but fell short of the Nicholls mark.

“She was jumping well on Saturday,” Pantusa said. “She is becoming a lot more consistent on the long jump.”

Kristy Mire had a second place finish in the javelin, after she set the Nicholls record last week in Lafayette.

“With the bad weather, we ran out of light,” Pantusa said. “So the women got only three throws, and she was improving on every throw.

The 4X400-meter relay team had a third place finish, clocking in at 4:12.95.

Pantusa said the weather had an effect on why the relay team finished four seconds slower than last week’s time.

“After a brief rain delay, it was dark and kind of cold, so they didn’t perform as well as they usually do,” Pantusa said.

Overall, Pantusa said he was happy with his team’s trip to Memphis.

“It was a great experience,” Pantusa said. “We saw schools we usually don’t see, and the players got to meet new people. I think the team enjoyed themselves.”

The Colonels next meet will be this weekend, as the team will travel to New Orleans to compete at Tulane University.