.png&width=32&height=32&type=webp)
The University of Mississippi Athletics
Taiwo Opens Outdoor Season Strong at First Day of Ole Miss Classic
3/25/2022 | Track and Field
NCAA Weight Throw Champion Shey Taiwo Opens Outdoor with Hammer Win
OXFORD, Miss. – Ole Miss track & field NCAA Champion senior Shey Taiwo opened her outdoor season in strong fashion to inaugurate home competition for the Rebels in a hammer-heavy first day of the 2022 Ole Miss Classic on Friday.
Taiwo, who is coming off a historic national title season indoors in the weight throw, won the invitational section of the women's hammer at a season-opening toss of 69.24m/227-02 – which currently stands as the No. 2 throw in the NCAA and No. 3 throw in the United States this season. Taiwo took the lead on that throw in the fourth round over former teammate and fellow NCAA Champion, Janeah Stewart, who finished second at her third-round 68.71m/225-05 to open her outdoor season as well.
Taiwo is also the reigning NCAA runner-up in the hammer after a spectacular performance out in Oregon last summer, where she became the No. 9 performer in NCAA history at a 16-foot career-best of 71.27m/233-10. Earlier this week, Taiwo returned to The Bowerman Award Watch List, which is collegiate track & field's version of the Heisman Trophy given out annually to the most outstanding men's and women's performers in the nation.
Also competing in the women's invitational section were reigning NCAA weight throw runner-up Jasmine Mitchell (sixth, 63.28m/207-07) and Jalani Davis (62.70m/205-08).
In the open section of the women's hammer, senior Deborah Bulai had a career day, finishing third at a PR of 59.08m/193-10 that improves upon her place in No. 7 in Ole Miss history.
In the men's hammer, Joseph Lanham had an excellent day, notching a two-foot PR on his fifth attempt at 57.63m/189-01, which improves upon his spot as 10th-best in Ole Miss history. Others placing in the men's hammer were Joseph Benedetto (seventh, 56.66m/185-10) and Costen Campion (24th, 48.19m/158-01).
Competition will run all day Saturday at the Ole Miss Track & Field Complex for the conclusion of the Ole Miss Classic, with action beginning at 9 a.m. CT in the men's javelin.
REBELS IN DAY ONE COMPETITION
Women's Hammer (Invitational)
1. Shey Taiwo – 69.24m/227-02 – No. 2 NCAA, No. 3 U.S.
6. Jasmine Mitchell – 63.28m/207-07
7. Jalani Davis – 62.70m/205-08
Women's Hammer
3. Deborah Bulai – 59.08m/193-10 – PR, No. 7 Ole Miss History
Men's Hammer
6. Joseph Lanham – 57.63m/189-01 – PR, No. 10 Ole Miss History
7. Joseph Benedetto – 56.66m/185-10
24. Costen Campion – 48.19m/158-01
FOUL Montel Johnson
For more information on Ole Miss Track & Field and Cross Country, follow the Rebels on Twitter (@OleMissTrack), Facebook and Instagram.
Taiwo, who is coming off a historic national title season indoors in the weight throw, won the invitational section of the women's hammer at a season-opening toss of 69.24m/227-02 – which currently stands as the No. 2 throw in the NCAA and No. 3 throw in the United States this season. Taiwo took the lead on that throw in the fourth round over former teammate and fellow NCAA Champion, Janeah Stewart, who finished second at her third-round 68.71m/225-05 to open her outdoor season as well.
Taiwo is also the reigning NCAA runner-up in the hammer after a spectacular performance out in Oregon last summer, where she became the No. 9 performer in NCAA history at a 16-foot career-best of 71.27m/233-10. Earlier this week, Taiwo returned to The Bowerman Award Watch List, which is collegiate track & field's version of the Heisman Trophy given out annually to the most outstanding men's and women's performers in the nation.
Also competing in the women's invitational section were reigning NCAA weight throw runner-up Jasmine Mitchell (sixth, 63.28m/207-07) and Jalani Davis (62.70m/205-08).
In the open section of the women's hammer, senior Deborah Bulai had a career day, finishing third at a PR of 59.08m/193-10 that improves upon her place in No. 7 in Ole Miss history.
In the men's hammer, Joseph Lanham had an excellent day, notching a two-foot PR on his fifth attempt at 57.63m/189-01, which improves upon his spot as 10th-best in Ole Miss history. Others placing in the men's hammer were Joseph Benedetto (seventh, 56.66m/185-10) and Costen Campion (24th, 48.19m/158-01).
Competition will run all day Saturday at the Ole Miss Track & Field Complex for the conclusion of the Ole Miss Classic, with action beginning at 9 a.m. CT in the men's javelin.
REBELS IN DAY ONE COMPETITION
Women's Hammer (Invitational)
1. Shey Taiwo – 69.24m/227-02 – No. 2 NCAA, No. 3 U.S.
6. Jasmine Mitchell – 63.28m/207-07
7. Jalani Davis – 62.70m/205-08
Women's Hammer
3. Deborah Bulai – 59.08m/193-10 – PR, No. 7 Ole Miss History
Men's Hammer
6. Joseph Lanham – 57.63m/189-01 – PR, No. 10 Ole Miss History
7. Joseph Benedetto – 56.66m/185-10
24. Costen Campion – 48.19m/158-01
FOUL Montel Johnson
For more information on Ole Miss Track & Field and Cross Country, follow the Rebels on Twitter (@OleMissTrack), Facebook and Instagram.
Players Mentioned
Throws
/ Track and Field
Throws
/ Track and Field
Throws
/ Track and Field
Throws
/ Track and Field
Throws
/ Track and Field
Throws
/ Track and Field
Throws
/ Track and Field
Throws
/ Track and FieldThe Season: New Heights (2025)
Friday, August 01
From Walk-On to National Champ: Arvesta Troupe (T&F)
Monday, June 23
HIGHLIGHTS: Arvesta Troupe Makes History as NCAA High Jump Champ
Friday, June 13
PRESSER: Arvesta Troupe Talks Historic NCAA High Jump Win
Friday, June 13