Columbia International University Athletics

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The CIU Ram's Men's Track and Field team was back on the track Saturday after over a half a year hiatus. CIU took part in the Rams Winter Challenge, an early-season event hosted by CIU themselves. There were a variety of teams participating in the event including, Anderson University, Southeastern University, Tennessee Wesleyan University, Milligan University, Bryan College, and Erksine College.

The Rams men's team, which has become known for their pole vaulting prowess, was impressive once again. Sophomore Blake Rimmer and freshman Branson Rimmer finished first and fourth in the men's pole vault. The elder Rimmer was at a mark of 4.30m (14'1.25") while Branson cleared 4.00m (13'1.50). Both athletes qualified for the NCCAA Indoor Championship with their performances.

CIU would see more success in the field coming from Dizayuh Hinton and Carson Wooten. Hinton came in second in the weight throw, just missing the qualification for NAIA nationals. Hinton threw 15.40m, breaking the school record in the event and qualifying for NCAA's. Wooten had a solid CIU debut as the freshman qualified for the finals in the long, finishing with a mark of 6.29m (20'7.75"), helping him to a top ten finish in the event.

On the track, CIU was represented well by Clayton Hammonds. He won his 400m heat, finishing fourth overall in the event with a time of 51.53.

Coach Jud Brooker spoke on his team's performance, saying, "The team completely blew my expectations out the window! We had so many guys qualify for NCCAA, along with Blake and Dizayuh, who narrowly missed NAIA. I am so proud of how our group has fought through a tough semester to come together not only as a team but as a family."

For full meet results, click here.