HICKORY, N.C. | Young Harris College freshman Ryland Hunley showcased his all-around athleticism in the men's decathlon at the Southside Power and Fitness Invitational, hosted at Irwin Track on the Moretz Sports Athletic Campus. Competing as the lone Mountain Lion, Hunley battled through ten grueling events to finish seventh overall with a total of 4,814 points. 

QUOTE FROM DIRECTOR OF TRACK & FIELD MATT LOGAN:
"I think we learned a lot. This was a dress rehearsal for the conference meet and Ry got a taste of how grueling the decathlon is. Ryland's a big meet guy and I expect him to go back to work this week and improve on some of his newer event disciplines. He's going to rise to the occasion when it matters."

HUNLEY'S EVENT-BY-EVENT RESULTS: 

100 Meters 
• Time: 11.59 
• Points: 734 
• Place: 7th 

Long Jump 
• Mark: 6.30m 
• Points: 652 
• Place: 3rd 

Shot Put 
• Mark: 8.84m 
• Points: 416 
• Place: 9th 

High Jump 
• Mark: 1.70m 
• Points: 544 
• Place: 8th 

400 Meters 
• Time: 57.13 
• Points: 516 
• Place: 8th 

110m Hurdles 
• Time: 18.93 
• Points: 439 
• Place: 11th 

Discus Throw 
• Mark: 18.29m 
• Points: 240 
• Place: 12th 

Pole Vault 
• Mark: 3.53m 
• Points: 490 
• Place: 5th 

Javelin Throw 
• Mark: 33.99m 
• Points: 356 
• Place: 12th 

1500 Meters 
• Time: 5:24.40 
• Points: 427 
• Place: 9th 

Total Score: 4,814 points 
Final Placement: 7th overall 

Hunley's strongest event came in the 100-meter dash, where he racked up 734 points, followed by standout efforts in the long jump and pole vault, where he placed 3rd and 5th, respectively. 

UP NEXT:

Hunley will rejoin the full Young Harris squad for the 2025 Conference Carolinas Outdoor Track & Field Championships, taking place April 24-26, where he'll look to continue his breakout freshman season.