Oxford, Miss. – Harding outdoor track's 4x400-meter relay team ran the first NCAA provisional time of the season Saturday at the Ole Miss Invitational.

The team of Kory Howard, Landon Belcher, Jacek Dybowski, and Milton Stewart finished eighth of 18 teams in 3:14.21, the eighth-fastest time in Division II this season.

By running a provisional time, Harding's relay team is eligible for the NCAA national meet.

The Bisons produced several other strong performances. Belcher placed 12th of 59 competitors in the 400 meters, finishing in a personal-best 48.75, the fastest time by a Bison in the 400 meters this season.

Ryan Johnson was 10th of 57 runners in the 800 meters in 1:54.24, Harding's fastest 800-meter time this season.

Justin Durham also ran in the 800 meters and turned in a personal-best 1:56.38 to finish 19th.

Philip Biwott ran the fastest 5,000-meter time this season by a Bison at 15:02.37 in placing eighth. Lajos Farkas was 14th of the 41 competitors in 15:19.50.

Harding had one athlete in the field events. Josh Winslager was 20th in the pole vault, clearing a height of 13 feet, 11.25 inches.