VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia – James Perkins showed that hard work pays off on Monday, February 20 at the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships. The senior from Chincoteague, Virginia took first in the weight throw with a 17.55 meter toss, besting the next thrower by half of a meter.
 
It's the second time Perkins has taken to the podium at a MEAC Championship meet, taking third in the javelin during the outdoor championships last spring.
 
"It was a good competition," Perkins said. "The other guys came to compete, but I knew I had the gold from the start of the finals."
 
After taking third in the javelin during the 2022 outdoor season, Perkins knew he would be able to make a new mark and bring UMES glory on the field this indoor season. Happy with the win, the senior knows he still has more in the tank, and he'll have another chance to show out in the shot put on the final day of competition.  
 
"I've had to make a lot of sacrifices to ensure I'd be in the best form throughout this entire season," Perkins said. "I did want a better mark, but I'm really happy with the win."
 
The Hawks wrap up at the MEAC Championships with more hopes of podiums, Janoi Brown was the top qualifier for the 400m with Ashane Beckford also qualifying. Indya Hansley has had the fourth best mark in the shot in the MEAC, giving her an opportunity to grab a position as well.
 
Follow the action on Twitter via @ESHawksTFXC.