Marshall University Athletics
Marshall University
Marshall Classic
Herd Men's Track and Field Program to Return Saturday at Marshall Classic
1/11/2023 5:23:00 PM | Track and Field
Live Results | Roster | MU T&F Record Book | Press Conference
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — After 19 years, Jeff Small will be coaching a men's track and field team.Â
Saturday will mark the official return of the program during the Marshall Classic at the track named after the man who has been in charge of the Herd program since 1995. The Marshall Classic will be held this Saturday from the Jeff Small Track at the Chris Cline Athletic Complex.
Small has seen the likes of Randy Moss, B.J. Epps, and Casey Batey set records still standing. The two-time Southern Conference Indoor Coach of the Year is thrilled to get started.Â
"We're really excited for the return of Men's Track and Field," Coach Small said. "We want to thank President (Brad Smith) and (Director of Athletics) Mr. Christian Spears for bringing the program back. We have heard from friends from around the country who are excited that Marshall is bringing back its program, so it is exciting, we are very happy."
The Thundering Herd women will also be in competition Saturday after winning the Marshall Opener last December. The Herd features eight current indoor school record holders (Mikah Alleyne-300, 400, 4x400; Astoria Beckett- DMR; Abby Herring- Mile; Macie Majoy- PV; Kylee Mastin- DMR; Erica Murphy- 4x400, DMR; Marlee Porter- DMR; Sydney Smith- 3K, DMR)Â Â Â Â
"It is going to be really fun," Head Cross Country Coach Caleb Bowen said. "Me, working with the distance kids, both men and women, we're now light years ahead of where we were even just a few years ago. We have real leaders on the women's side and now we have guys who have never been in this role before during track season who have developed into great leaders as well. This is the distance runners first opportunity to compete this season, and they are all very excited."
The men's side will also include seven players who lettered for the Marshall University Football team last fall. Head football coach Charles Huff acknowledges the way the return benefits the Athletic Department as a whole. Â
"It's our community, we're all in this together," Coach Huff said. "We've got athletes that can help build our track team. Any time we can help improve what we have here on campus, I think it will allow our track coaches to go out and recruit and it helps us be able to recruit multi-sport athletes."
The Marshall Classic schedule of events can be found HERE:Â
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