FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Eastern New Mexico men's track and field is one step closer to a trip to indoor nationals after strong performances from the program at the Friday Night Axe 'Em Open hosted by Northern Arizona University.

The highlight of the evening came from newcomer Hemon Joseph. The junior is now the top jumper in the Lone Star Conference after hitting a 7.26m (23-10) mark. He beat out the provisional mark by 0.13m and is one step closer to earning a bid to compete for a national championship.

"(Hemon) came off a tough 60-meter run and used that to energize himself for the long run," said head coach Joshua Harden on the minimal time between events for Joseph. "He had a great series of runs in the finals close to his personal best marks. He has high expectations for himself and put himself in a position on the national level."

One of his teammates, Jamoi Jackson came close to a provisional time, but adjustments due to altitude wiped away the potential NCAA qualifying sprint. The first-year Greyhound finished the 60m sprint in 6.83s, but the conversion took his time up to a 6.87s result. The sophomore still holds the second fastest time among LSC runners, but came 0.02s shy of earning a provisional mark.

One of the newest sprinters for ENMU held a double-PR day. Malachi Torres completed the 60m in 7.27s and the 200m in 23.44s.

ENMU saw a strong third place finish in the 4x400 as the group completed the race in 3:26.09. Frederick took care of the first leg for the Hounds blazing away with a 48.6s start. The baton went to Buchanan, Joseph, and then to junior Luis Holguin to finish the race.

2023 All-American Timothy Frederick did well in the 60m with a 6.88s time and his teammate Tre Buchanan earned a top-five result in the 400m at 49.01s. He is about half a second short of earning a provisional mark in the event.

Additional results from the night can be found here.