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MONTEVALLO, Ala. – Records fell for the University of West Alabama track and field teams opened the 2024 Gulf South Conference Championships on Thursday from the Montevallo Track & Field Stadium on the campus of the University of Montevallo. 

While a light schedule for the track teams, four Tigers qualified for the 200-meter final that is scheduled for Saturday. Additionally, UWA had a new men's school record and set a new GSC meet record. 

On the women's side, three Tigers qualified for the 200 final, led by graduate sprinter Yakubu Balikis. She set a new GSC meet record with a 23.63-second performance to win the preliminary. Balikis breaks the previous mark set by Ijah Drake from Alabama Huntsville (2023) and Adrian Martin from Lee (2017). 

Also qualifying for the Saturday final is Nesha Bourrage and Gabriel Stephens. Bourrage crossed the finish line in fifth with a 24.89-second sprint, while Stephens posted a 25.09 for sixth. 

For the men's side, Lawrence Walker Jr. qualified with a 21.24-second sprint to advance to Saturday's final. With the mark, the sophomore set a new school record in the event, surpassing CJ Savage's 21.47 in 2017. 

The 200-meter final will take place at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Saturday. 

Friday's schedule will see UWA athletes compete in the long jump, 100 meters, 110 hurdles, and 5,000 meters. Click on the heat sheets above to view the full schedule.