NATCHITOCHES, La. | Grambling State University’s track and field team delivered an electric performance at the Leon Johnson Invitational, recording multiple personal bests, season bests and new HBCU Top 100 marks for the 2025 season.
Josiah Joseph soared to a personal best of 7.02 meters in the long jump, earning him the No. 35 spot on the 2025 HBCU performance list. Shamya Joiner also made her presence felt in the same event with a strong mark of 5.95 meters, finishing 40th overall.
Kayla Ford clocked a season-best 56.63 seconds in her event, earning the No. 42 spot on the 2025 HBCU list. Meanwhile, Kimora McLemore launched her way into the Top 10 HBCU rankings with a 35.20-meter throw in the discus.
Angel Sanders showed major growth this season, leaping 5.61 meters to earn a No. 22 HBCU ranking. In the triple jump, Marissa Tell landed at 11.98 meters, marking a Top 10 HBCU finish and continuing her dominant form.
In the hurdles, Dakari Betts won the 110-meter hurdles, clocking a strong 14.53 seconds to solidify his position among the HBCU elite.
Sprinter CJ Guidry continued his breakout season, running a season-best 21.49 seconds in the 200 meters to earn the No. 69 HBCU ranking, with Savantez Phillips close behind at 21.66.
In the 400 meters, Quincy Chery ran a strong 48.17 seconds, earning the No. 45 spot, while Elijah Simmons posted 48.49.
Aubrey Hunter had a huge day, hitting a personal record of 47.89 meters in the javelin, launching himself to No. 15 on the HBCU list. Jalen Peel also threw discus, recording 44.30 meters.
High jumper Marcus Kennedy cleared 2.02 meters, continuing to show consistency in the field.
The highlight came in the men’s 4×400-meter relay, where the team of Elijah Simmons, CJ Guidry, Jordon Greenwood and Quincy Chery delivered a season-best 3:13.54, ranking them No. 17 among HBCUs and No. 93 in NCAA Division I.
GSU Track and Field Athlete in action