The 2025 men’s track and field team concluded the season by placing 6th overall at the Southland Conference (SLC). While the team had hoped to win the conference overall, they succeeded in taking home personal records, placing in different divisions and breaking records for Northwestern State University.
Several members of the team scored points throughout the season, which helped with their placements in different conferences. Tavis Wilson, a senior general studies major, completed his third year with the team and competed in meets such as the National Collegiate Athletic Association East, SLC, Louisiana State University Alumni Gold and the Leon Johnson NSU Invitational.
Wilson believes that the biggest improvement the team is making going into the next season is bringing more spirit and working individually so they can bring more wins to NSU. “All around, [we’re] just getting ready to win. Like, no more games this time—everybody’s hungry and wants it,” Wilson said. “It is a team effort, but at the same time, everybody’s got to do their job … it really is just me out there with the finish line.”
Not only is the drive to win important to Wilson, but he also strives to make sure others are aware of the mental side of the sport.
“This sport plays a big part on the mental. Your mindset and how you think can fix a whole lot, but at the same time, there’s levels to it. This year, I’ve been struggling with block start, and I know I’ve got it, but if one thing is off, it feels like everything is off. It’s about staying patient with it, staying patient with yourself and understanding the mental aspect of the sport,” Wilson said.
Beyond improvements for future competitions, several of the Demons broke records. Desmond Duncan, a senior general studies major, is in his fourth year on the team and enjoyed breaking the school record in the 4×400 relay. “I would say [my favorite memory] was at LSU last year when we broke the school record for the 4×400 … Walking into the school now, I can see my name in the record book,’’ Duncan said.
Going into his final season, Duncan hopes to continue to make a difference for the university and build for the future. “I want to have a good resume … leave the school knowing that I made an impact and hopefully break more school records,” Duncan said.
Kason Jones, a senior general studies major, also broke records for the past season and aims to continue doing so for the next season. “I want to get the school record again; I currently have two of them here and want one in my opening event, which is the 400 meters. I also want to win conference and possibly place in nationals,” Jones said.
As the 2025 season ends, the Demons are entering the next season with determination, new goals and the motivation to continue bringing home victories for NSU.
