NCAA Track and Field: Akela Jones wins heptathlon, DeAnna Price takes hammer

EUGENE, Ore. – Akela Jones of Kansas State won the collegiate title in just the second heptathlon of her career and DeAnna Price of Southern Illinois set a meet record in winning the hammer Thursday as the women took over competition at the revamped NCAA track and field championships.

Jones, from Barbados, held a big lead after the first day and stayed there throughout Thursday’s final three events in the seven-event competition, finishing with 6,371 points. Defending champion Kendell Williams of Georgia was second at 6,223. Williams’ teammate Quintunya Chapman was third at 6,147.

Jones said her coach Cliff Rovelto had her prepared for her dominant two-day performance.

“He’s an awesome coach. He’s a legend,” Jones said. “With him and with my ability, my talent, it’s just like a dynamic duo. So we’re just moving forward. We have bigger goals ahead.”

The 2-3 finish for Georgia boosts the Bulldogs’ chances for the team title.

Jones is the first athlete from Barbados to win an NCAA title since Obedele Thompson took the 100 and 200 meters in 1997.

Under the new format, except for the decathlon, only women competed at the NCAAs on Thursday. The men will finish on Friday. The women’s final day of competition is Saturday.