The Georgia Southern track and field team is in the midst of the outdoor part of the season. They have competed in two meets since the start of the outdoor season and have placed well at both events. 

“There is a lot of learning, a lot of processing to try to get where we want to get,” head coach Kelly Carter said. “The progression we’ve made going from indoor to outdoor is just preparing us to go into the Sun Belt for that first time.”

One group that has shown promise in the outdoor season is the 4×100 Relay team. The team is comprised of juniors Jordan Fordham, Asha Stegall and Camryn Coleman and sophomore Chasin Gladdis.

The team won the 4×100 Relay at the Gamecock Quad Meet in Alabama a few weeks ago with a time of 47.58. But according to Fordham, the only returning member of the relay team, they can run faster.

“I really think we can run a 45-low,” Fordham said.

Individually, the members of the team have a lot of talent. At the Quad Meet, Fordham won the 100m dash, Stegall won the 200m dash, and Coleman and Gladdis finished third in the long jump and 200m dash respectively. But, this is the first time these girls have competed together in the 4×100 relay.

“It’s an entirely new relay team,” Coach Carter said. “We’ve brought these girls together, and they’ve really gelled as a team to give the best they can for Georgia Southern.”

Because this is a completely new group, there is still a lot to learn. Coach Carter wants them to keep practicing and keep working to get better.

“I expect them to learn, to progress,” Coach Carter said. “That’s all I’m asking for every girl that we have. Anybody that has the opportunity to run on our relay team knows their job is to come out and do their best for Georgia Southern.”

Fordham admits that the new coaching staff and new group of runners has been a tough transition, but she is excited about what Coach Carter is teaching her.

“We’re just trying to get a feel for his techniques and how he trains compared to last season,” Fordham said. “But I think this season is a lot more positive. He’s changed a lot of my stuff, but I think it’s better.”

As the only returner on the relay team, Fordham has taken on a leadership role and has helped the other girls adjust to their new teammates.

“We have two girls that this is the first time on the 4×100, and they get a little frustrated sometimes,” Fordham said. “You just gotta stay on them and stay positive and let them know it’s okay.”

The Eagles will return to action this weekend when they travel to Athens, Georgia to compete in the Spec Town Invites.