Mississippi State Track and Field Rewrites Record Book on Split Weekend

Bulldogs set multiple personal and program bests at Tiger Paw Invitational and Music City Challenge

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Mississippi State track and field team had a record-breaking first day of competition at the split weekend events, with several Bulldogs setting personal and program bests across multiple events at the Tiger Paw Invitational hosted by Clemson and the Music City Challenge hosted by Vanderbilt.

Why it matters

Mississippi State's strong performances on the first day of the split weekend events demonstrate the depth and talent of their track and field program, as they continue to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the sport.

The details

Highlights from the day include Roury McCloyen and Juha Narhi earning spots on the program's all-time top 5 list in the men's weight throw, Marie Rougetet and Tafada Wright recording personal bests in the women's weight throw, and Naomi Jepleting setting a new program record in the women's 5000m. On the men's side, Keayari Lee ran the third-fastest 400m time in program history, and Nicholas Fakorede posted a season-best time in the 60m.

  • The events took place on February 13, 2026.
  • Action will resume in Clemson on February 14 in the men's pole vault, and in Nashville in the men's shot put.

The players

Roury McCloyen

A Mississippi State track and field athlete who earned a spot on the program's all-time top 5 list in the men's weight throw.

Juha Narhi

A Mississippi State track and field athlete who earned a spot on the program's all-time top 5 list in the men's weight throw.

Marie Rougetet

A Mississippi State track and field athlete who recorded a personal best in the women's weight throw.

Tafada Wright

A Mississippi State track and field athlete who recorded a personal best in the women's weight throw, earning the third-farthest mark in program history.

Naomi Jepleting

A Mississippi State track and field athlete who set a new program record in the women's 5000m.

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What’s next

Action will resume on February 14 in Clemson in the men's pole vault and in Nashville in the men's shot put.

The takeaway

Mississippi State's track and field team demonstrated their depth and talent on the first day of the split weekend events, rewriting the record books with multiple personal and program bests. This performance solidifies the Bulldogs as a force to be reckoned with in the sport of track and field.