SALISBURY, N.C. - Matthew Blackmon's strong season came to an end last weekend, as he concluded the regular season by qualifying for the Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships. He ran a 13.99 in the 110 meter hurdles at the Lenoir-Rhyne Last Chance Meet just weeks prior to help him claim a spot in the championships.

"I am very proud of Matthew" said head coach Justin Davis. "He worked very hard this season and was able to compete in the premier event for a collegiate athlete and we can't wait to see how next season unfolds."

This year's championship took place at Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas. Blackmon competed in the second heat of the event with hopes of returning home with some hardware. His final time was less than half a second off from the time that helped him qualify, as he crossed the finish line at 14.16. This time helped him claim a ninth-place finish in the event and earn a USTFCCCA 2nd-Team All-American honor, given to those who finish in positions 9-12. 

"It's been a long time coming" said Blackmon. "Coach and I put in the work day in and day out and stuck to the plan that we made in August and it finally paid off. I'm thankful and I'm grateful but still not satisfied. The real work starts now, [but] it was all god."

The 2023-2024 Livingstone Track and Field season is now over as they prepare for the 2024-2025 season.