Norfolk State long jumpers Corey Vinston and Marlon Woods  both earned top-eight finishes to capture All-America honors on Friday evening at the 2009 NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships hosted by Texas A&M.

This marks NSU’s first indoor All-Americans since 2001, when high jumper Adrian Shears finished seventh. The Spartans have never had two individual Division I All-Americans in one NCAA championship meet before this year.

Woods finished in seventh place and Vinston eighth. Woods got better as the event progressed. His last jump was his best, as he leapt 7.74 meters (25 feet, 4.75 inches). Vinston’s fourth attempt was his best, as he jumped 7.64 meters (25-0.75).

“I’m extremely proud of these two athletes,” NSU head coach Kenneth Giles said. “They went toe-to-toe with better-known athletes from the ACC, SEC and Big 12, and they proved they belonged. To come through on this big stage speaks volumes about the work they have put in.”

Nicholas Gordon of Nebraska was the indoor national champion in the long jump, setting a new facility record (26-4.25.)

The Spartans begin outdoor season next weekend when they travel to the Wake Forest Open.