NEW ORLEANS - The United Stated Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced their week five Men's NAIA Outdoor Track and Field Rating Index on Wednesday afternoon, and after a strong showing at the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) championships, the Talladega College men's team rocketed up the index.

'Dega leap-frogged 17 teams and cracked the top-15 of the index for the first time this season. The Tornadoes have a cumulative total of 117.07 rating points, six points clear of 16th-place Milligan College (Tenn.) and six points behind Dordt College (Iowa) in 14th. 

Emmanuel Niang leads the way, as he is responsible for 31.24 points, though Nastario Williams' versatility has him responsible for 30.49 points. Jonathan Meadows (17.34) and Christian Louis (5.03) also scored individual points, and the two relay teams accounted for a total of 32.96 points.Williams, Louis, Niang, Meadows, and the 4x100-meter relay team all added points to their totals in various events at the SSAC championships.

The Tornadoes have the weekend off, and will head for the Life University Last Chance Qualifier on May 5-6 in Marietta, Georgia.