COLUMBIA, SC | The Morehouse Maroon Tigers Track & Field team showcased their depth and determination at the 2025 SIAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships, held April 23–25 at Benedict College, placing second in the meet. Highlighted by multiple podium finishes, personal bests, and NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships qualifiers, the Maroon Tigers capped an outstanding weekend with strong momentum heading into the national stage.

Leading the way was sophomore Michael Simmons Jr., who turned in a sensational meet, capturing second place in the 400 meters with a personal best of 46.42 seconds and finishing fifth in the 200 meters at 20.99 seconds, both performances securing his qualification for the NCAA Championships in Colorado​. Simmons also anchored Morehouse's standout relay teams, helping the Maroon Tigers' 4x400-meter relay squad (Sidney Morris, Jermiah Alibey, Jayden Smith, and Simmons) to a second-place finish in 3:09.96, a season-best mark that also qualified them for nationals​.

Joining Simmons on the NCAA list is sophomore Jermiah Alibey, who finished second in the 400-meter hurdles with a career-best time of 51.67 seconds, earning his trip to Colorado​. Alibey's consistent hurdle work combined with his contributions in the 4x400-meter relay highlighted his breakout championship meet.

The Morehouse 4x100-meter relay team — composed of Evan Alphonse, Michael Simmons Jr., Christian Whitmore, and Cassie Scott — added to the impressive relay performances, placing fourth with a season-best time of 40.76 seconds, fast enough to qualify for the NCAA meet​.

Distance standout Brian Kemei asserted himself as one of the conference's elite distance runners, sweeping the 10,000 meters (31:51.12, first place) and the 3000-meter steeplechase (10:00.01, first place), while also finishing second in the 5000 meters (15:30.22) and second in the 1500 meters (4:01.42)​. Kemei's efforts earned him the distinction of being one of the highest individual points contributors for the Maroon Tigers at the championships.

Other notable performances included Owynn Brown finishing third in the 1,500 meters (4:03.40) and fifth in the 800 meters (1:55.92), Issiah Simms placing third in the 5,000 meters (16:28.18), and Logan McCormick securing third in the high jump with a clearance of 1.95 meters.​ 

Several Maroon Tigers also achieved personal or season-best performances, including:

• Cassie Scott, who finished sixth in the 100 meters with a personal best of 10.62 seconds​.
• David Tucker, who posted a personal best of 13.58 meters in the triple jump​.
• Camren Clayborn, placing fifth in the shot put with a throw of 13.72 meters (45'0.25"), a season best​.
• Cameron Selders, fifth in the triple jump with a mark of 13.91 meters (45'7.75")​.

All-Conference Honors

Prior to the conference championships, the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference recognized several Morehouse athletes for their exceptional performances during the regular season:

First Team All-SIAC:

• Issiah Simms – 10,000 meters
• Brian Kemei – 3,000-meter steeplechase
• 4x400m Relay Team – Sidney Morris, Owynn Brown, Jayden Smith, Michael Simmons Jr.​

Second Team All-SIAC:

• Michael Simmons Jr. – 400 meters
• Owynn Brown – 800 meters
• Brian Kemei – 5,000 meters
• Hillary Kipkoegi – 10,000 meters
• Jeremiah Alibey – 110m hurdles and 400m hurdles
• Taylor Battle – 3,000m steeplechase
• Logan McCormick – High jump
• Brogan Korta – Pole vault​

NCAA Qualifiers

The following athletes and relay teams have qualified for the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Colorado:​

• Michael Simmons Jr. – 200 meters and 400 meters
• Jeremiah Alibey – 400-meter hurdles
• 4x100-meter Relay Team – Evan Alphonse, Michael Simmons Jr., Christian Whitmore, Cassie Scott
• 4x400-meter Relay Team – Sidney Morris, Owynn Brown, Jayden Smith, Michael Simmons Jr.

Outlook

The Maroon Tigers are poised to make a significant impact at the national level, building upon their strong performances at the SIAC Championships. Before the Maroon Tigers turn their attention to the 2025 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Colorado, set to take place May 22-24, they will have one final tune-up in Cleveland, TN at Lee University on May 10. Morehouse aims to build upon its storied tradition of success on the national stage.  For up-to-date athletic information on the Maroon Tigers, follow them on social media or online at www.morehouseathletics.com.