SAN ANGELO, Texas – A freshman not only made his outdoor conference debut, but he also made the finals to cap off a successful first day at the 2024 Lone Star Conference track and field championships Thursday for Eastern New Mexico University.

Kooper Ellis came into the week as the twelfth best hammer thrower in the LSC, but made a charge for the finals after a personal record throw. The first-year Greyhound tossed 44.62m (146-5) on his third attempt of the day and secured an opportunity to compete in the final-nine. He did not better his mark, but definitely made an impact within the throwing community at the LSC championships.

"Being a freshman and coming to conference was a really big deal," said Ellis on the opportunity to compete in this week's meet. "Being able to make it to finals was a huge accomplishment that I never thought could be done."

He was joined by sophomore Noe Ybaben Burciaga who took thirteenth with a throw of 41.70m (136-10).

A hot day in southwest Texas made it difficult to compete in the decathlon. Hemon Joseph is representing ENMU this weekend in the multis event. He finished with strong results in the 100m (10.97s), long jump (6.86), and shot put (11.45m).

The day finished with the 200m as Timothy Frederick qualified for Saturday's final. The Trinidad and Tobago native breezed through the first heat in 21.34s. His time was the second best out of the 24 competitors in the field.

Rosean Young (21.86s) and Jude Murray (23.55s) also ran in the event. Young nearly hit a personal best mark as he took thirteenth on the evening.

The men's program will compete in five events tomorrow. Joseph will finish the decathlon and the Hounds will see representation in the 100m, 400m, long jump, and pole vault. The long jump and pole vault moved to Friday as there is expected rain Saturday.