COLUMBIA, S.C. - Four members of the VMI track and field team moved into top-six spots on the SoCon performance list as the team competed at the Gamecock Invitational Saturday in Columbia, S.C.

Donovan Walton was the top Keydet finisher on the day, as he placed second in the javelin throw with a best effort of 49.56 M/162'7" to move into sixth place in the SoCon. Desmond Weinberg-Jones was 10th in the 400 hurdles in 55.33, 4th-best so far this year in the conference, and Lee Warren was 11th in the 110 hurdles in 14.71 seconds, also fourth in the league thus far.

In addition, Jahanzib Shahbaz turned in a 3:56.68 effort in the 1,500-meters, good for fourth place in the event and fifth in the SoCon this year. Josh Willard finished just behind in eighth, crossing the line in 4:01.11.

Other events that were good to the Keydets included the women's 1,500-meters, where Bethany King turned in a 4:41.51 effort that was seventh overall. Christina Hill was 16th in 4:57.28.

Kerisha Goode enjoyed a quality day as well, finishing 13th in the 100 (12.50) and 23rd in the 200 (25.22). Ariana Ruffin was also in action and finished in the top-28 in two events, 24th in the 400 (57.94) and 28th in the 200 (25.47).

Finally, James Granderson was 19th in the 110 hurdles in 15.47 seconds, Andrew Arlint was fifth in the pole vault (4.10 M/13'5 1/4") and Sarah Leckman was eighth in the shot put (12.77 M/41'10 3/4").

"We had a quality return to action today," said VMI head coach Darrin Webb. "Up and down the results sheet, we posted good efforts in all different event groups. It was good to see us show that depth today and we look forward to further breakthroughs as we go forward in the outdoor season."

VMI track and field will return to action April 14, when the Bison Outdoor Classic begins in Lewisburg, Pa.