BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — There was no fourth straight Southland Conference Indoor Track and Field team championship for Northwestern State’s women Thursday, but still plenty of highlights along with a second-place finish in the men’s standings and third for the Lady Demons.
“We wanted to win, obviously,” head coach Mike Heimerman said. “We missed out on a few spots but that happens. The sprinters did an amazing job and led this team. We will go back to work after a small break and start the outdoor season.”
Kalen Beavers had a sensational meet, winning both the 200-meter dash and 60-meter dash for 20 points earned for the Demons. Those 20 points also earned him the SLC Men’s Most Valuable Player.
In the men’s 60, he was a part of a Demon medal sweep, as he ran a 6.71 to claim gold. Joining him on the podium were Eddy Vu (6.72) with the silver and Keontae Gaines (6.75) took bronze.
Beavers ran a 21.05 to win the 200. Right behind him was his teammate once again, as Gaines earned the silver with a time of 21.15.
Rushana Dwyer was twice a record-setter as she won the women’s 400 meters and was part of the winning 4×400 relay team, on the final day of competition at the Birmingham Crossplex. Dwyer posted a Southland Conference, meet and school record with a 52.88 to win by a hair over Southeastern Louisiana’s Onyah Onyinye Favour, who ran a 52.89.
Dwyer broke the conference and school record of 52.90 set by Maygan Shaw last season. The relay squad broke the meet record with a time of 3:40.74.
“I give all the glory to God for putting me in this position,” Dwyer said. “NSU and the Southland have had so many talented 400m runners, so to be able to add my name to that history means a lot. I’ve trusted the process, stayed faithful and I’m grateful it showed. I also want to thank my coach Adam for believing in me and pushing me to be my best every day.”
The women claimed third in the team standings with 99.5 points, behind UT-Rio Grande Valley (121.75) and Stephen F. Austin (106.75).
The men’s team finished second with 123 points, only behind 157 for SFA.
“It feels great to win the gold medals,” Beavers said. “I am grateful God even gave me the opportunity to be able to run today and compete how I did. I also am grateful Coach Adam (Pennington) saw the potential in my brother and me and took the chance on us in the transfer portal.
“It feels great knowing he is getting return on his investment. Now it is time to take this momentum into outdoor season and stay hungry.”
Dynia Lewis had a sensational run to win in the women’s 60-meter hurdles with a time of 8.42.
“I’m overly excited,” Lewis said. “I wanted to win so bad because I got second at indoor conference last year and was coming back from an injury in outdoor conference last season and didn’t even place top three in the finals.
“When I crossed the line, I didn’t even check the results, I knew I won. I didn’t even know what time I ran until I got on the podium. I’m blessed God chose me to win.”
Will Achee was second in the men’s 400, running a 46.67, edged as East Texas A&M’s Myles Redding ran a 46.66.
Desmond Duncan joined Achee on the podium with an indoor personal best of 47.21 for third.
Achee and Duncan also earned silver medals as a member of the 4×400 relay team that ran a 3:11.16.
In the triple jump, freshman Marquis Butler was second at 50-6. Donroy Brown’s 57-9.75 mark in the shot earned the silver with an indoor personal best.
