NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Freshman Flying Tiger Michael Thompson flashed a quick grin, but he couldn't hold in his excitement for long.

Thompson dashed around the track during his heat of the 400-meter to earn a new personal record of 48.73 at the Vanderbilt Invitational on Saturday.

"It feels good because I'm not used to running indoor," Thompson said. "It's more work to be done. I had to redeem myself from last week because I almost fell on the bank track in Birmingham. I've just been practicing hard all week and listening to my coach and just trusting the process. It has all been mental."

Thompson placed 11th at the Vulcan Invitational on Jan. 12 with a time of 50.84. The new personal record led to a 15th place finish overall for the freshman. The performance by Thompson was one of many solid outings by the Tennessee State men's track and field team.

Sophomore R'Lazon Brumfield displayed a top showing performance in the triple jump by leaping to a third place finish (15.13m). Damon Hodge Jr. placed 12th in the 400m with a time of 48.46. Jamario Scott rounded out the top-20 with a time of 49.10.

Thomas Mosley had his way in the 800m to finish 21st overall (1:56.73).

"We all need just to continue to trust the process and keep running hard and the results will pay off now and in the future," Thompson said.

The Flying Tigers will return to action on Feb. 2 at the Middle Tennessee State Invitational.

400 meter (54 Competitors)
12. Damon Hodge Jr. —48.46
15. Michael Thompson — 48.73
20. Jamario Scott — 49.10
28. Ashley Bailey — 49.60
29. Christopher Givens — 49.83
48. Desmond Tanner — 51.69

800 meter (32 Competitors)
21. Thomas Mosley — 1:56.73

1 Mile (43 Competitors)
38. John Frieson — 4:42.79

Shot put (15 Competitors)
14. Michael Willingham Jr. — 14.33m

Triple jump (13 Competitors)
3. R'Lazon Brumfield — 15.13m

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