La’Derrick Ward completed his first United States track and field appearance Friday at the Pan-American Festival.
La’Derrick Ward, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville / Submitted photo
Ward, who finished last season holding the longest mark in NCAA Divison I long jump, made it to the finals of the competition. He finished in eighth with a jump of 7.54 meters.
“I am very satisfied with La’Derrick’s performance at the Pan-American Festival,” Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Jumps Coach Iliyan Chamov said. “Making the finals at his first international event is a big statement.”
Ward will return to the States and gear up for the indoor track season, which begins Dec. 7 with the Red vs. Black Intra squad meet in Elsah, Ill.
| Position | Participant | Country | Mark |
| 1 | REGISTE, DAVID | DMA | 8.08m |
| 2 | MC FARLANE, JORGE | PER | 8.01m |
| 3 | DIAZ, YUNIOR | CUB | 7.83m |
| 4 | BOWEN, JHAMAL | PAN | 7.79m |
| 5 | LASA, EMILIANO | URU | 7.77m |
| 6 | HIGGS, RAYMOND | BAH | 7.76m |
| 7 | CORTEZ, ALVARO | CHI | 7.57m |
| 8 | WARD, LADERRICK | USA | 7.54m |
| 9 | MC FARLANE, JAVIER | PER | 7.28m |
| 10 | BREELL, QUINCY | ARU | 7.19m |
