APSU Track & Field Posts 12 Podium Performances at Bulldog Open, Music City Challenge

Austin Peay State University Track and Field Delivers 12 Top-Three Finishes Across Birmingham, Nashville Competitions

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Austin Peay State University (APSU) track & field team posted 12 top three finishes during a split week between Samford's Bulldog Open in Birmingham, Alabama, and Vanderbilt's Indoor Music City Challenge in Nashville, Tennessee, on Saturday.

Why it matters

This strong performance by the APSU track and field team highlights the program's continued success and competitiveness at the conference and regional level, building momentum ahead of the upcoming Atlantic Sun Conference Indoor Championships.

The details

In Birmingham, Amani Sharif claimed APSU's first event victory with a 6.02-meter long jump, while teammate Madelyn Kocik earned a third-place finish. Kocik then won the triple jump, with Ja'Kyah Montgomery and Denim Goddard finishing second and third, respectively. Sharif also placed second in the high jump, and Emma Tucker earned a runner-up finish in the shot put before placing fourth in the weight throw. On the track, Mallory Hodge set a personal best in the 60-meter dash, and Alijanae Cole and Seven Pettus finished second and third in the 200-meter. Mia McGee placed second in the 400-meter dash.

  • The APSU track and field team competed on Saturday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Amani Sharif

An APSU track and field athlete who won the long jump and placed second in the high jump.

Madelyn Kocik

An APSU track and field athlete who placed third in the long jump and won the triple jump.

Ja'Kyah Montgomery

An APSU track and field athlete who placed second in the triple jump.

Denim Goddard

An APSU track and field athlete who placed third in the triple jump.

Emma Tucker

An APSU track and field athlete who placed second in the shot put and fourth in the weight throw.

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What they’re saying

“12 top three finishes during a split week between Samford's Bulldog Open and Vanderbilt's Indoor Music City Challenge, Saturday.”

— News Staff (clarksvilleonline.com)

What’s next

The Governors prepare for the 2026 Atlantic Sun Conference Indoor Championships, February 27th-28th at the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center in Louisville, Kentucky.

The takeaway

The APSU track and field team's strong performance across multiple events and locations demonstrates the program's depth and competitiveness, positioning them well for the upcoming conference championships as they continue to build on their success.