MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – Hardin-Simmons' Cowboy outdoor track and field freshman Davare Payne finished No. 14 in the nation at the Division III NCAA Championships on the East Coast Thursday afternoon.
 
Payne took No. 14 with a long jump of 22-11 ¾ ft. The top mark was made at 26-1 ft. coming from Joshua Rivers of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
 
Payne finished the first of three events he qualified for at the national championships on a tough day to jump in the gusty winds off the coast, coming away with a good mark. His top mark in the long jump this season was at Trinity when Payne landed 23-11 ½ ft.
 
The Cowboys continue at the NCAA Championships in Myrtle Beach, S.C. with Garret Rothans and Gunner Helm competing in the high jump Friday at 3 p.m. Payne will run in the 110m hurdles prelims Friday at 3:30 p.m. and jump in the triple jump on Saturday at 12 noon.  
 
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