WINSTON-SALEM - Even though it was the start of the indoor track and field season, it was two gentlemen mostly known for their cross country efforts that stood out for North Carolina A&T on Saturday.

The Aggies competed in the JDL College Kickoff Classic at the JDL Fast Track facility on Saturday as the men's and women's indoor season got underway.

Sophomores Christian Harrison and Saeed Jones both broke school records during the meet. Harrison placed second in the 1,000 meters by running it in 2:28.46. Jones set a new school mark in the men's 1 mile run. He ran the mile in 4:23.77 for fifth place. Harrison and Jones were a part of the A&T men's cross country team that finished fourth at the MEAC meet. It was the Aggies highest finish in 17 years.

"I'm a very happy coach today," said Duane Ross, the Aggies first-year director of track and field programs. "We had an absolutely great day with a couple of school records. Christian Harrison and Saeed Jones are two young men we got started in September, we kept them going and they've made a smooth transition to the track. They're a little ahead of everyone on the team."

Ross wanted to get the indoor season started in December rather than January in order to help his team gain confidence, while at the same time allowing his athletes to gauge where they are as the Year 2013 approaches.

Other top performances on the women's side included a second-place finish in the shot put by Sydni Cobb and a second-place by Roshel Bygrave in the 300 meters. Cobbs throw of 45-feet, 5-inches put her approximately 2 1/2-feet behind first-place winner Tremanisha Taylor of N.C. State. Bygrave ran the 300 meters in 40.01. Also on the women's side, Dotrine Jacobs finished the 60 meter hurdles in 8.74 seconds for second place.

Keenan Smith had an excellent day for the men. He finished second in the long jump with a leap of 22-feet, 11-inches. In the 300 meters, he finished fourth 35.63. His twin brother Kendrick finished third in the triple jump (46-feet, 6 ¼ inches) and fourth in the long jump (22-feet, 5-inches). Senior sprinter Darryl Williams placed second in the 60 meters with a time of 6.86.

The Aggies return to action next year when they travel to Birmingham, Ala., to compete in the UAB Blazer Indoor Invitational.