LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – McNeese Track & Field athletes Marcus Francis and Jaden Powell qualified for the outdoor NCAA Track & Field East First Round in Lexington, Kentucky.

“It took years and years to prepare for this moment but now to see it all come together is a special moment in my life,” Francis said.

“It being my senior year, especially with how this season started it didn’t really start how I wanted it to but just being able to get in that top 25 because I am top 25 in the region, it just means the world,” Powell said.

Powell competes in the 400-meter hurdles and qualified last season as well, he said it was a learning experience.

“At regionals, it was kind of surreal seeing the people I watched on TV and it was surreal racing against them but now I’m prepared and I know I belong,” Powell said.

Francis competes in the shot put and is making his debut in the NCAA Track & Field meet he said getting to represent McNeese on a national stage is a true honor.

“I was born and raised here. Not many people come out of Lake Charles and make it to the biggest stage in their career not many people make it this far in their career. So for me, being a local at the local college means a lot to me and everyone who’s been here,” Francis said.

Another major accomplishment for Francis was being named the Southland Conference Men’s Outdoor Field Performer of the Year.

“It means a lot to a small kid from Lake Charles. It’s a very special moment. I’ve been down so being Southland Conference Performer of the Year means a lot to me,” Francis said.

Marcus Francis placed 27th in the men’s shot put out of 48 entries after throwing 58-10 1/2, missing out on qualifying to the next round by less than three feet.

Powell ran a 52.92 in the 400m and failed to qualify to the next round.

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