GENEVA, Ohio - The men's track and field team had three entries compete on day one of the NCAA Division III outdoor championships on Thursday in Geneva, Ohio.  The Panthers saw Jeremiah Davis progress closer to an All-American award after his performance in the 200.

Davis, a junior, ended as the top finisher in his heat of the 200 meter dash, completing the race in 21.42, earning an automatic berth in the finals. On Saturday, Davis seeks his second All-American award after placing second in 2017.

Davis finished ahead of Jacob Ridenour, a member of SLIAC rival Webster, to win the heat.

Freshman Rakim Murphy also raced, entering the second heat of the 200. He was fifth in his heat, clocking a time of 21.87 seconds. The champion of his heat was Corey Carter from the SLIAC's Principia squad. Murphy ended 13th overall.

Earlier in the day, Davis and Murphy participated as members of the 4x100 meter relay team. Di'Mond Salmond and Mahari Holt were other members of the relay. The Greenville unit didn't advance to the finals, placing 14th overall in 41.59 seconds.

The Panthers will continue their experience at the national championships when Davis runs on Friday in the 100 meter dash.