On the cusp of celebrating 100 years of service, Xavier University of Louisiana has another reason to celebrate; the university’s first National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) championship in men’s track and field. The win was secured by junior Seth Alexander, who solidified his crown with his triple jump. Alexander holds Xavier’s previous record of 50 feet, which he set in an April 2023 victory at the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) Championship.

Alexander, who is undergoing a dual degree program to earn his master’s in health services administration, is a rising third-year student in Xavier’s College of Pharmacy (COP). Considering Xavier’s history of being among the top producers in the nation in graduating African Americans with doctorates in pharmacy, Alexander chose Xavier for his interest in the field. As a high school and collegiate athlete, he also wanted to learn biochemistry and how things interacted in the body.

“Coming to Xavier was the best decision that I’ve made. Pharmacy school is rigorous and takes a lot of self-discipline, time management, and perseverance. It’s a blessing, and I couldn’t do it by myself. My family, friends, and coaches are my support system, and they’re a big piece of my success,” Alexander shared.

During his time at Xavier, he participated in a clinical rotation at Louisiana Lions Camp, a non-profit summer camp for children with mental and physical challenges and disorders. The camp’s welcoming environment impacted Alexander, further sparking his passion for healthcare. For Alexander, such a welcoming atmosphere is paramount.

Born and raised in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, Alexander has felt embraced and supported by the Xavier community. His brother, Kyler Wiltz (‘18), is also a Xavier alumnus, which helped Alexander find familiarity and comfortability on the Xavier campus.

“Coming from a small town where I was a minority and to now engage with Xavier’s community, I feel many African Americans, especially young men, can use an environment like this because a lot of times, we’re not blessed with opportunities,” said Alexander. “It’s also an opportunity I can take into my own hands to branch out and bridge gaps back home. The biggest thing for me is helping others.”

He’s enjoyed his Xavier experience and is grateful that he has made an impact on Xavier’s track and field program.

“Winning the championship was always bigger than me. Being able to enjoy it with the people I’ve been training and working with the entire year was nothing short of amazing,” he expressed.

The men’s track and field team has had some outstanding achievements throughout this last season. Xavierite junior Blake Harris joined Alexander as an NAIA All-American in the triple jump event, placing third and producing his fourth top 3 finish of the season. Xavierite senior Colin Rowe also earned All-American, securing Xavier its second-fastest time in the 400-meter dash since the program’s revival in 2010. Xavierite freshman Coulaj Eans broke an 81-year-old Xavier jumping record in the men’s outdoor track and field championship.

Alexander shared how proud he is to be part of Xavier’s track and field program and how thankful he is for the opportunity to display his talents at the highest level. He expressed how his coaches were instrumental in securing the title.

“Last year, I didn’t place in the top 10, and I was eager to be better. Our new assistant coach, Andrew Kidd, has been one of the biggest blessings. I love constructive criticism because that’s how we grow and improve ourselves,” said Alexander. “He and Coach Plummer helped me balance sports and my academic work and helped bring me to the top 3 for indoor track and field and a national championship in outdoor, so I give a lot of credit to my coaches,” he said.

Alexander was also recently named 2022-2023’s Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) Etier Character Athlete of the Year. The award is given annually to one male and one female RRAC student-athlete who best represents the NAIA champions of character program: respect, responsibility, integrity, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.

Exemplary of Xavier excellence as he leaves a great legacy and path forward for future Xavierites, Alexander was also recently named a finalist for this year’s Allstate Sugar Bowl’s Greater New Orleans Sports Awards and has been nominated for two awards: Outstanding Male Amateur Athlete and The Corbett Award. Click here to vote for Alexander!