RAYMOND GRAHAM, STAR Writer
GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA:

Former Convent of Mercy (Alpha High School) athlete Claudia Calder was the best Jamaican performer at yesterday's second day of the Mid Eastern Athletic Conference Track and Field Championships at the North Carolina A&T State University, as she captured the gold medal in the women's heptathlon.

Competing for Hampton University, Calder amassed 4,904 points for the win. Her best effort was recorded in the high jump and the 800 metres where she won with a leap of 1.73 metres and a time of 2:18.27, respectively.

Calder will be aiming for more success on today's final day of competition as she will compete in the finals of the high jump and the 400 metres hurdles where she is the second-fastest qualifier, winning her heat yesterday in 1:00.69.

Former Calabar thrower Noel Facey also showed his class in the discus, registering a mark of 45.16 metres for South Carolina State University.

Following semi-final action in all events yesterday, several Jamaicans advanced to the finals of their respective events.

Defending champion in the men's 400 metres, Allodin Fothergill, of University of Maryland Eastern Shores (UMES), won his heat in 46.93 to advance. Also advancing were former G.C. Foster College athletes Carlington Morgan and Teo Bennett, who both finished second in their heats, with 47.02 and 47.15 seconds, respectively.

fastest qualifier

Fothergill will be aiming for a double today as he also won his heat in the men's 200 metres in 21.07 seconds to be the fourth-fastest qualifier.

Former Kingston College half-miler, Danzeto Cephas, along with Kayon Smith, formerly of Vere Technical, are in today's men's 800 metres final. Competing for North Carolina A&T University, Cephas won his heat in 1:52.52 while Smith, competing for Coppin States University, was just behind in 1:52.63.

Former G.C. Foster College sprinter Petrice Richards, competing for Hampton University, has also qualified for today's final in two events. She is the fastest qualifier in the women's 100 metres following her winning time of 11.51 seconds in her heat yesterday. She is also in the women's 200 metres final as she also won her heat in a time of 23.53 seconds.