Jedkins to compete for Lady Horns

Malaiya Jedkins has decided where she will compete next in track and field.

The Navasota High School graduate said she will complete her final year of eligibility at the University of Texas, where she will pursue a master’s degree in health care administration.

Jedkins recently graduated from McNeese State University, where she was an all-conference performer multiple times for the women’s track and field team from 2019-22.

She said she entered the transfer portal in mid-May.

“I got a lot of calls from all over,” she said. “I wanted to be back in Texas. UT contacted me through email.”

She and school personnel communicated via email, phone conversations and FaceTime before she made her decision. “They gave me a full ride,” she said.

Jedkins will primarily compete in the triple and long jumps, she said, though the sprints coach mentioned about her doing sprints. “I could be on the 4-by-1 and individual races,” she said.

Baseball

Pitcher Tyler Eppler made his first relief appearance July 14 for the Kiwoom Heroes in the Korea Baseball Organization. The right-hander out of Navasota High did not allow a hit or run in one and onethird innings of the victory. In 17 outings, he had a 4-5 record and 4.24 earned run average.

Nicholls State University pitcher Josh Mancuso did not earn a decision in a start against Brazos Valley in the Texas Collegiate League. The Acadiana left-hander, who played for Anderson-Shiro, allowed two hits and one earned run in a season-high six and one-third innings. He tied his season best of seven strikeouts. He had a 3-2 record and 4.19 ERA in 11 appearances.

Send updates about area athletes to Barbara Boxleitner at jdanddoc@gmail.com.