Texas A&M - Kingsville Athletics

Ryan Smith

Men's Track and Field 5/25/2023 10:51:00 PM Ryan Smith, Athletic Communications Coordinator

Nieto secures silver on Day One of 2023 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships

The Columbian cleared 5.35m (17-6.50) en route to the podium

PUEBLO, Colo.- On Thursday, sophomore Thomas Nieto vaulted his way to a second-place finish while representing Texas A&M-Kingsville on Day One of the 2023 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships at the Neta and Eddie DeRose ThunderBowl on the campus of CSU Pueblo.

Nieto entered the competition at 5.25m (17-2.75), clearing the bar on his first attempt to rocket up the leader board and guarantee a podium finish. From there, he surpassed 5.35m (17-6.50) on his first try to cement his silver medal. Vlad Malykin of Harding represented the only competitor to top Nieto, as Malykin cleared 5.45m (17-10.50) on his third attempt to take the top spot.

Also in action, sophomore Ja'Qualon Scott competed in the running prelims, using a time of 50.41 in the 400m hurdles to place second in his heat and achieve automatic qualification to Saturday's finals.

The championships continue Friday, with junior Veronica Garcia set to compete in the women's discus and 3 p.m. and classmate Paxton Hair in the men's at 6 p.m. Additionally, the evening will see Scott take on the 110m hurdles at 7:50 p.m., ahead of the men's and women's 4x400m relay at 8:50 p.m.

To keep up-to-date with Javelina track and field, follow the program on Facebook at /JavelinaSports, Twitter @JavelinaTFXC, and on Instagram @JavelinaTFXC

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