Men's Indoor Track & Field 1/15/2025 11:07:00 AM

Indoor Track and Field teams exemplify heart, determination at William Sutherland III Invitational

The Medgar Evers College men's and women's indoor track and field teams put forth stellar performances while competing at their first meet of calendar year 2025, as the Cougars competed this past weekend at the William Sutherland III Invitational at the James Moore Fieldhouse in New Haven, CT. The Cougars set personal records, qualified for CUNYAC championship events, shattered long-standing school records, and climbed both conference and national rankings.

Quote from Coach Reid:

"The William Sutherland Invitational proved to be a defining moment for the MEC track and field teams," Reid said. "Delivering spectacular performances, multiple student-athletes set personal records, qualified for championships, shattered long-standing school records, and climbed both conference and national rankings. Our athletes are laser-focused on rewriting the history books. Their hard work is paying off, and these performances are setting the tone for success at Regionals and beyond. The NCAA Championships are firmly in our sights as this week's performances exemplify not only the dedication and skill of the athletes but inspire confidence as the season progresses. We just have to remain focused and hungry as they strive for greater success on the track and in the field. With records falling and championship qualifications piling up, MEC track and field has proven to be a force to be reckoned with this season. The future looks bright as the team sets its sights on competing at the highest level."

Top Performances from the Cougars:

Reco Griffith delivered an electrifying performance that cements his dominance on the track. In the men's 55m dash, he clocked an exceptional time of 6.62 seconds, far surpassing the CUNYAC qualifying standard for the 60m and securing the 4th fastest time in MEC school history. Griffith didn't stop there — he shattered a seven-year-old MEC school record in the 200m, finishing 3rd with a time of 23.04 (converted to 22.64), and now holds the top conference ranking in both events. His versatility shone through as part of the 4x400m relay team that triumphed in 1st place with a CUNYAC-leading time of 3:39.91 (converted to 3:36.46), the 4th fastest in school history. He is setting records, raising standards, and proving he's a force to be reckoned with.

Omari Hinds is rewriting history and redefining expectations. His 3rd-place finish in the men's long jump was nothing short of spectacular, as his leap of 6.73m shattered a 13-year-old MEC school record. This performance not only qualifies him for the CUNYAC Championships but also earns him a spot in the AARTFC NCAA Regional Championships, where he ranks 45th in the NCAA. Hinds' talent doesn't stop there—he posted a personal best in the 200m with a time of 24.02 (converted to 23.60), earning a 5th-place conference ranking. He was also a key contributor to the 4x400m relay team's 1st-place finish with a CUNYAC-leading time of 3:39.91 (converted to 3:36.46). He is more than a rookie —he's a rising star.

Michael Ortega stepped into the spotlight with his best performance yet. In the men's weight throw, he set a new personal record with an impressive toss of 8.63m, marking significant progress in his event. Ortega also showed consistency in the shot put, achieving a mark of 10.08m and finishing strong at 17th. His growth and determination make him a standout in the field.

Toshel Goffe is breaking barriers and making headlines. She captured 1st place in the women's 55m with a record-shattering performance of 7.28 seconds, toppling a 15-year-old MEC school record. Her converted time of 7.85 not only ranks her 1st in the conference but also qualifies her for the CUNYAC Championships and the AARTFC NCAA Regional Championships. Currently ranked 29th in the NCAA, Goffe is proving she's among the nation's best. Her speed, determination, and record-breaking performances make her a standout on any track.

Thenica Thompson is a rookie with remarkable talent and an unstoppable drive. Her 7th-place finish in the women's 55m with a time of 7.63 places her as the 4th fastest sprinter in MEC school history. With a converted time of 8.22, she's already secured her spot at the CUNYAC Championships. Thompson's performance in the 300m was equally impressive, finishing 6th with a time of 44.26 (converted to 43.64), making her the 2nd fastest in MEC school history at this distance. She also played a critical role in the women's 4x400m relay team's 2nd-place finish with a time of 4:31.11 (converted to 4:27.55). She is proving she's not just a promising athlete — she's a game-changer.

Nia Butler continues to raise the bar in the field events. Her 11th-place finish in the women's weight throw came with a CUNYAC-qualifying toss of 11.27m, showcasing her power and precision. Butler also delivered a strong performance in the shot put, placing 12th with a throw of 8.76m. Her consistent achievements demonstrate her growth and potential to shine at the highest levels.

Additional Cougar accomplishments/feats

Zion Young ran a converted time of 37.94 in the 200m, the 3rd fastest time in MEC history.

Rupert Luard-Charles ranked 3rd in the conference in the 400m with a converted time of 53.52 and placed 12th in the 200m with a converted time of 23.62.

Jahiem Johnson placed 5th in the 200m with a time of 23.21 (converted to 22.81) and ran a CUNYAC qualifying time of 7.24 in the 60m.

Nicholas Winn achieved personal bests in the 400m and 200m while also qualifying for the CUNYAC in the 60m.

Kayshaun Higgs and Michael Ortega showed strength in the field events, with Ortega setting a personal best in the weight throw at 8.63m.

The men's 4x400m relay team of Griffith, Johnson, Hinds, and Luard-Charles captured 1st place with a converted time of 3:36.46, the 4th fastest in MEC history.

Shaniya Chung placed 13th in the 55m dash with a time of 7.97 seconds, a converted time of 8.56 qualifying her for the CUNYAC in the 60m.

Nana Samake finished 8th in the mile with a CUNYAC qualifying time of 6:18.20 (converted to 6:14.50) and 2nd in the 3000m with a converted time of 12:47.22, ranking 4th and 2nd in the conference, respectively.

Kenia Irish-Bramble ran a CUNYAC qualifying time of 1:05.26 (converted to 1:04.41) in the 400m, ranking 1st in the conference, and finished 2nd in the 800m with a converted time of 2:44.79.

Rinnah Brown recorded personal bests in the 60m (converted 8.73) and 300m (converted 46.75) while qualifying for the CUNYAC in the 60m hurdles with a converted time of 10.52. Nia Butler placed 11th in the weight throw with a mark of 11.27m and 12th in the shot put with a throw of 8.76m.

Jada Lambert jumped to 5th place in the triple jump with a mark of 9.39m, the 5th best in MEC history. She also set personal bests in the 400m and 60m hurdles.

Keyonna Evans and Kinnik Timothy both set personal bests in the 400m, with Evans also recording a PR in the 200m.
The women's 4x400m relay team of Brown, Thompson, Chung, and Irish-Bramble placed 2nd with a converted time of 4:27.55.

Next up for the Cougars:

The Cougars will return to the track and field this Saturday, as the teams will participate in the Coast Guard Academy Winter Invitational. The meet will take place at the Gregory Field House in New London, CT.

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