Auburn Freshman Shatters School Record at SEC Indoor Championship
Bryan-College Station, Texas – Auburn’s track and field team had an impressive showing on the first day of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Indoor Track & Field Championships at Fasken Indoor Track & Field, with freshman **Brenda Jepchirchir** stealing the spotlight. The standout distance runner broke her own school and freshman record in the 5000-meter race, finishing second overall and securing a silver medal for the Tigers.
Jepchirchir, who hails from Iten, Kenya, delivered a stellar performance, crossing the finish line in 15:33.37 a significant improvement on her previous best of 15:35.37, which she set in December during her debut in an Auburn uniform. Her time also marked the fastest finish by an Auburn freshman in the event at the SEC Indoor Championships since Joyce Kimeli claimed second place in 2019 as a rookie.
Jepchirchir and LSU freshman Edna Chepkemoi ran closely together for much of the race, holding the second and third positions through the early laps. However, with just over a kilometer remaining (3800 meters), Jepchirchir surged ahead, creating a six-second gap over her rival and comfortably claiming the silver medal.
Men’s 200m Success: Two Tigers Qualify for Finals
On the men’s side, Auburn seniors Makanakaishe Charamba and Dario Matau made headlines by advancing to the men’s 200m finals after delivering two of the five fastest preliminary times of the event.
Charamba, who recently set a new Auburn school record in the 200m, continued his impressive run by clocking 20.32 seconds in the prelims—the second-fastest time in Auburn history and the third-fastest of the round. Matau, meanwhile, posted a personal-best time of 20.60 seconds, securing the fifth-fastest time overall** and his place in the final.
This marks the first time since 2012 that two Auburn men’s sprinters have advanced to the SEC 200m final in the same year. The duo will return to the track on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. CT to compete for a conference title.
Other Auburn Performances on Day 1
In the women’s long jump, sophomore Shonedra Richardson—competing in her first SEC Indoor Championships finished 22nd overall with a jump of 5.77 meters (18 feet, 11.25 inches). It was her second-best mark of the season.
In the men’s 5000m, Auburn’s Nickson Chebii was unable to complete the race, recording a DNF (Did Not Finish).
What’s Next for Auburn?
The second day of competition will begin on Friday at 11 a.m. CT with the men’s weight throw, while track events start at 4 p.m. CT. Auburn will have 21 athletes competing across 11 events throughout the day. Fans can watch the action live on SEC Network+.
Day 1 Results – Auburn Performances
Men’s 200m Prelims:
Makanakaishe Charamba – 20.32 (Finals Qualifier, 3rd overall)
-Dario Matau – 20.60 (Finals Qualifier, 5th overall)
-Ian Myers – Disqualified
Women’s 5000m:
Brenda Jepchirchir – 15:33.37 (School & Freshman Record, Silver Medalist)
Women’s Long Jump:
Shonedra Richardson – 5.77m (18-11.25) (22nd place)
Men’s 5000m:
-Nickson Chebii– DNF
With record-breaking performances and multiple athletes advancing to finals, Auburn is off to a strong start at the SEC Indoor Championships. The Tigers look to build on their momentum heading into Day 2 of competition on Friday.
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