By GREG MOORE

Special to the Democrat

OXFORD — Former Trinity Episcopal Day School track star Demond Fleming, now a freshman long jumper and triple jumper at the University of Mississippi, has qualified to compete in the Southeastern Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships starting today at John McDonnell Field in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Although Fleming, known as “Dee” to friends, is only a freshman, he said he is still excited to compete in the meet.

“Even though the SEC meet is pretty tough and the athletes will be elite, you never know what can happen,” Fleming said. “I’m going to put my best foot forward and get the experience. I can hang with the best; that’s why I’m here.” Fleming said he had to prove his worth to his coaches in order to compete at the conference championship meet.

Fleming has more than proved his worth, ranking in the top 20 for the conference.

“As a freshman I came in knowing that I had to work to solidify my spot on the team,” Fleming said.

Fleming arrived in Oxford in the fall following an illustrious high school career at Trinity Episcopal.

In his senior year as a Saint, the 6-foot-1 Fleming won state title in long jump, triple jump, 4×1 relay and the 4×2 relay.

Fleming credits his former Saints track coach Graham Roberts for helping him reach the heights he’s achieved.

“(He was) a coach who didn’t really know a lot about track, but he was willing to go out of his way to help me, because he knew I had the potential. He was a big help,’’ Fleming said.

Despite his athletic achievements in his first collegiate season, Fleming said he experienced a learning curve at the beginning.

“I lacked a lot of technique,” Fleming said. “I came in not really knowing much about what I was actually doing. It was just basically raw talent.”

Upon arrival to Ole Miss to start his freshman year Fleming’s jump coach, eight-time All American Andre Scott was ready to use his experience to elevate Fleming’s performance to a new level. 

“He has taught me how to do things the correct way and my marks have improved 3-4 feet with ease,” Fleming said.

Fleming’s inaugural campaign has gone well overall, but he is still striving for more, Fleming said.

“I accomplished my goal, which was to make it to SEC’s for outdoor season,” Fleming said. “I’ve also built good relationships with my coaches and teammates.”

Fleming said he credits his mother, Tawanna Carter, for being supportive and by his side along the way.

“My mother is a big inspiration in my life,” Fleming said. “My mother has always made a way for me and my siblings. She made us believe and showed us how to hustle and grind for what we want and to put God first.”

Fleming is majoring in exercise science with a minor in psychology.