Columbia, SC - The Allen University men's and women's track and field teams are set to launch their highly anticipated 2026 indoor season on Saturday morning at the Gamecock Opener, hosted at the University of South Carolina's Carolina Indoor Track & Field Complex. The meet, which begins at 10:00 a.m., marks the official debut of a Yellow Jacket roster that blends veteran experience with elite newcomers, fueling hopes of a breakout year within the SIAC.
We caught up with Coach Brandon Lowery 24 hours before the spikes hit the track, and he displayed a tempered confidence and quiet conviction.
"We've been putting in the work when nobody's watching," said Lowery ahead of Saturday's opener. "Our athletes have embraced the grind, and now we'll see the results start to show. This season isn't about talk — it's about execution."
Men's Program Poised for Breakout Performances
On the men's side, the Yellow Jackets return several standouts while also welcoming a handful of high-upside athletes who could reshape the program's profile on the conference and national level.
- Jhyrique Mangum, the defending SIAC indoor shot put champion, returns for his senior season with eyes set on back-to-back titles and a place in Allen history as one of its greatest throwers.
- Christopher Joseph, a dynamic transfer from Coffeyville Community College, brings depth in both the sprints and jumps and is expected to contribute immediately.
- Tavaris Bell, best known as a member of Allen's men's basketball program, makes his track debut this season. The former South Carolina SCHSL High Jump Champion adds firepower as a rare dual-sport athlete at the collegiate level.
- Kyle Levester, a Georgia-based high jump specialist, joins the program with goals of elevating Allen to national recognition in field events.
- Devin Singletary, a former standout at Spring Hill College, has flipped allegiances and now competes in the blue and gold, aiming to prove himself among the SIAC's fastest.
- Jamarri Norman, nicknamed "Mr. Superman," enters the season with high expectations as a multi-event athlete who brings explosive ability across several disciplines.
- Jaheim Speller, a freshman from Georgia, is another name to watch. A skilled jumper and hurdler, Speller will look to make an early statement in his first collegiate season.
- Santana Wright, the reigning South Carolina 5A discus state champion, made headlines by committing to Allen over larger programs. "If you a dawg, you a dawg," Wright said on signing day — a sentiment that echoes across the roster.
Women's Team Anchored by Rising Stars and Proven Transfers
Allen's women's team also comes into 2026 with a renewed sense of focus and a roster ready to challenge the SIAC elite.
- Jamea Lindley, a transfer from LeMoyne-Owen College, has already broken school records in cross country and is expected to be a cornerstone in both the indoor and outdoor campaigns.
- Kiara Moss, a transfer from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, has publicly set her sights on becoming Allen's greatest female thrower of all time. With SEC experience under her belt, she has the tools to back up the claim.
- Keturah Walker, a sprint specialist, quietly put together a consistent 2025 campaign in which she ranked among the top 10 in nearly every event she competed in. This season, she'll look to take the leap from contender to conference champion.
Culture Shift Underway: Track, Talent, and Team Identity
While Allen University may not yet carry the national name recognition of some larger programs, Coach Lowery and his staff are building something with staying power — a culture centered on work ethic, identity, and opportunity.
The preseason team photo released this week captured that message visually — athletes seated at classroom desks, medals in hand, uniforms on — an image that doubled as a statement:
Class is in session.
This group isn't just running for medals — they're writing a new chapter in Allen University athletics.
Up Next: Gamecock Opener Begins Today at 10AM
The Yellow Jackets will open competition today against a deep field at one of the region's premier indoor venues.
Gamecock Opener
Carolina Indoor Track & Field Complex
Saturday, January 10, 2026 — 10:00 AM Start
As the gun sounds, one thing is clear — Allen Track & Field has arrived, and they're ready to make this season one to remember.
