By: Norman O'Neal 

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Voorhees University capped off a historic showing at the 2026 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field Championships with one of the strongest performances in program history, finishing fifth overall in the men's team standings out of 113 competing institutions while producing eight All-Americans and a national champion. 

Leading the way for the Tigers was sophomore sensation Jayden Burris, who delivered a record-breaking performance in the triple jump to claim the NAIA National Championship. Burris posted a winning leap of 16.32 meters, setting a new NAIA Championship record and breaking a mark that had stood for 45 years. 

The championship performance showcased the determination and resilience of the Voorhees program. After fouling on his first two preliminary attempts, Burris entered his final jump of the opening round needing a clean mark to avoid elimination. Rising to the occasion, he delivered a clutch 16.22-meter leap to qualify for the finals before opening the championship round with the historic record-breaking jump that secured the title in dominant fashion. 

Burris entered the competition as the nation's top-ranked triple jumper and solidified his status among the NAIA's elite with one of the greatest performances in championship history. He also earned provisional qualification for the 2026 USATF Outdoor Championships in the triple jump alongside fellow Tigers Michael Tatnall and Jaylen Burris. 

Voorhees' excellence in the jumps continued throughout the meet as Jaylen Burris captured national runner-up honors in the long jump with a leap of 7.68 meters before adding a third-place finish in the triple jump with a mark of 15.39 meters. Tatnall, the reigning 2024 NAIA Outdoor Triple Jump National Champion, added another All-American performance by placing fourth in the triple jump at 15.16 meters. 

The Tigers also produced standout performances on the track and in the field beyond the jumps events. Deandre Jones earned fourth place in the high jump, while Zaireon Skinner secured a third-place finish in the 200-meter dash. Skinner also teamed with Keyawn Spencer, Stephan Mitchell, and Ayden Chambers to place fourth in the 4x100-meter relay. 

Several Tigers also qualified for upcoming national competitions. Jones qualified for the 2026 USATF U20 Outdoor Championships in the high jump, while Skinner earned qualification in both the 100-meter and 200-meter events. 

The championship meet marked the second time this season that Voorhees athletes claimed three of the top four spots in a national championship triple jump competition after accomplishing the same feat during the NAIA Indoor Track & Field Championships earlier this year. 

The success of the Tigers program was further recognized as Head Coach Jeffery B. Hughes was named the Southern Region Outdoor Coach of the Year. Hughes was also recognized by the USTFCCCA as the No. 1 men's NAIA track and field Black head coach in the nation. 

"I am extremely proud of these student. They have persevered and made their families and the entire Voorhees University family proud!", said Coach Jeffery Hughes.

"We are extremely proud of our men's outdoor track and field team as they not only excel on the conference level, but the national level as well. Congratulations to Coach Hughes and his entire team as they continue promoting Voorhees University towards 'The Next Level of Excellence,'" said Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Charlene Johnson. 

"This remarkable achievement reflects the determination and championship spirit that define Voorhees University. Finishing fifth nationally among more than 100 institutions while producing a national champion and multiple All-Americans is an extraordinary accomplishment. We congratulate Coach Jeffery Hughes and our outstanding student-athletes for representing Voorhees University with excellence on the national stage and continuing to move our institution to 'The Next Level of Excellence,'" said the 10th President and CEO, Voorhees University, Dr. Ronnie Hopkins. 

The Tigers' remarkable performance on the national stage highlighted the continued rise of Voorhees University Athletics as one of the premier track & field programs in the NAIA and reflected a season defined by excellence, perseverance, and championship-level achievement. 

About Voorhees University:  Founded in 1897 by Elizabeth Evelyn Wright, Voorhees University is a private, coeducational institution affiliated with the Episcopal Church and the United Negro College Fund. Driven by a mission to cultivate well-rounded graduates who integrate intellect and faith, the university emphasizes lifelong learning, healthy living, societal betterment, and a strong belief in God. Voorhees University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees. More details are available at the Voorhees website (www.voorhees.edu). Questions about the accreditation of Voorhees University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org)