Ford Records World Lead at Corky Classic

LUBBOCK, Texas (Jan. 17, 2025) – South Carolina Track & Field standout JaMeesia Ford paced the Gamecocks in the opening day of the Corky Classic in Lubbock, Texas.

South Carolina won a pair of events on the first day, led by a new world-leading time in the women’s 400 meter sprint by Ford. The Fayetteville, N.C. native clocked 51.20 to win the event, posting the second best time in Gamecock indoor history. In addition, Ford’s time ranks first in the NCAA this season. Ford’s teammate, Zaya Akins, also posted a new personal best in the 400m, running 52.15 to place third overall in the event. Akins’ new personal best time also ranks third in the NCAA and is currently third in the world standings.

The Gamecock women competed in just two field events with Omaria Gordon recording a new personal best in the women’s long jump for the third consecutive meet. The freshman jumper posted a mark of 6.19m (20-3.75) for the seventh best indoor long jump in program history, finishing fifth overall.

South Carolina’s men’s team captured one win as well, as Channing Ferguson secured the title in the men’s long jump. The All-American athlete jumped 7.47m (24-6.25) for the win, recording the seventh best jump in program history and ranking 16th in the NCAA.

All three Gamecocks who ran the men’s 400m set new personal best times, led by Josiah Wrice who clocked 46.38 for the sixth best indoor time in program history. In addition, Wrice’s 400m debut currently ranks him fifth on the NCAA leaderboard.

The Gamecocks will return to action tomorrow in the final day of the 2025 Corky Classic. The first event for South Carolina will be at noon (EST) with the women’s 200 meter sprint.

Men’s Individual Results
60 Meters (Prelims)
19. Antwan Hughes Jr. – 6.77q
21. Anthony Greenhow – 6.80q

60 Meters (Semis)
18. Antwan Hughes Jr. – 6.76
21. Anthony Greenhow – 6.83

400 Meters
4. Josiah Wrice – 46.38*
10. Devan Crumpton – 47.04*
19. Jasauna Dennis – 47.44*

60-Meter Hurdles (Prelims)
10. David Warmington – 7.92q

60-Meter Hurdles (Semis)
15. David Warmington – 7.95

Long Jump
1. Channing Ferguson – 7.47m/24-6.25

Women’s Individual Results
60 Meters (Prelims)
9. Cynteria James – 7.40Q
13. McKenzie Travis – 7.42q*
17. Jayla Jamison – 7.46Q

60 Meters (Semis)
9. Cynteria James – 7.31*
11. Jayla Jamison – 7.35
17. McKenzie Travis – 7.44

400 Meters
1. JaMeesia Ford – 51.20*
3. Zaya Akins – 52.15*

60-Meter Hurdles (Prelims)
18. Kennedy Flynn – 8.66q

60-Meter Hurdles (Semis)
17. Kennedy Flynn – 8.66

Long Jump
5. Omaria Gordon – 6.19m/20-3.75*

Pole Vault
12. Lena Richardson – 3.76m/12-4
— Emma Stone – NH

* – denotes indoor PR