JOURNAL SPORTS

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—Going into the Southland Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships, Evangel Christian product Roy Morris led the conference in his specialty, the long jump.

He played the favorite’s role perfectly as the Northwestern State sophomore took gold on the first day of the SLC Indoors on Wednesday at the Birmingham Crossplex.

In his young career with the Demons, Morris had done just about everything. Last outdoor season, he earned outdoor second-team All-America honors and he captured a bronze medal in last year’s indoor meet. One accomplishment missing was a SLC Championship gold medal, indoors or outdoors.

That wait is over. He led the entire way, punctuating it with a 24-9.75 on his final jump. Stephen F. Austin’s Bryson Williams came close with a 24-7.75, barely behind Morris’ leading jump at the time of 24-8.75.

“First of all, I want to thank my family and coaching staff for always believing in me and giving me that push I needed,” Morris said. “It feels amazing to walk away with the gold. After last season, I went back to the drawing board and physically and mentally prepared myself for this day.”

The Lady Demons are trying to become the only the third program since 1987 to win four SLC Indoor team championships. They and the Demons project for runner-up finishes if pre-meet rankings and preliminary finishes play out accurately.

The teams are back in action today on the second and final day which starts with the men’s heptathlon 60-meter hurdles at 9:40 a.m.

Continue your article here…