WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Men's and women's track and field competed at the JDL College Kickoff Classic in Winston-Salem on Saturday. Two Cavs met the mark to qualify for the NAIA National Championships while 10 qualified for the Appalachian Athletic Conference Championships. Multiple school records were also set throughout the day.

MEN
Ahmad Perryman won the 400m dash with a time of 49.01 which set a new school record and was an "A" standard qualifying time for the NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championships in March. Perryman's effort was also just 0.01 seconds off of the meet record. Perryman was joined in the 400m by teammate Azavier Kirtley, who placed 8thoverall with a time of 50.29, as well as Brad Wilder (51.84) and Caleb Thornburg (53.88).

Freshman Israel Diaz made his debut as a Cavalier a memorable one, as he leapt to a school-record jump of 2.00m (6'6.75") to place 5thoverall. That effort also set a "B" standard for indoor nationals, just 1 cm off of the automatic standard of 2.01m.

Thrower Josh Auvil had a strong opener as the sophomore placed 10thin the shot put with a best toss of 13.11m (43'0.25"). Auvil would return later in the day to set a new school record in the weight throw, taking home another 10thplace finish with a mark of 13.09m (42'11.5"). Both marks were also AAC championship qualifiers.

WOMEN
Alexus Preston got the day going for the Lady Cavs, pacing 22ndin a loaded long jump field with a top leap of 5.00m (16'5"). Preston would later go on to race to a time of 8.46 in the 60m dash.

Romane Baudin was just behind her teammate Preston in the 60m dash, finishing with a time of 8.49m. She would wrap up her day by setting a new school record in the 200m dash with a time of 28.26.

"It was nice to have some folks get out and get some competitive experience before heading into finals and Christmas break," said Director of XC/TF Jason Lewkowicz. "As in any early season track meet, there were ups and downs, but we were pleased at how everyone competed and represented themselves. To go into the break with three total national qualifiers and a bunch of AAC marks is a blessing and we're looking forward to a strong indoor season to come."

NAIA INDOOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS QUALIFIERS
Ahmad Perryman: 400m – A standard
Israel Diaz: high jump – B standard

AAC INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS QUALIFIERS
Josh Auvil: shot put, weight throw
Israel Diaz: high jump
Connor Duncan: 60m hurdles
Tom Hanke: 800m
Azavier Kirtley: 400m
Ahmad Perryman: 400m
Brad Wilder: 400m
Hank Yelton: 60m hurdles
Romane Baudin: 200m, long jump
Alexus Preston: long jump