Women's Indoor Track & Field 2/25/2025 9:33:00 AM

Indoor Track and Field teams gear up for CUNYAC championships with stellar performances at Pioneer Fast Trax Invitational

The Medgar Evers College men's and women's indoor track and field teams performed sensationally in their final tune-up for the upcoming CUNYAC championships, putting forth incredible efforts this past Saturday at the Pioneer Fast Trax Invitational in Utica, NY. The meet was hosted by Utica University at Barton Hall in Ithaca, NY. 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 Utica Fast Trax Invitational was a standout meet for our team, with 13 CUNYAC-qualifying performances, eight personal records, five new Medgar Evers school records, and 3 AARTFC regional qualifiers. Reco Griffith punched his ticket to regionals in the 60m and 200m, while Jahiem Johnson qualified in the 200m, showcasing their elite speed. Our team delivered record-breaking performances across multiple events—Aaliyah Bartholomew set new MEC school records in the 60m hurdles and long jump, Jahiem Johnson broke the school records in the 300m, Reco Griffith in the 200m, and our 4x400m relay team of Johnson, Griffith, Adeolu Adeyemi, and Rupert Luard-Charles shattered the MEC record with an incredible 3:26.59. Our student-athletes stepped up in critical events that will be key to our success at next week's conference championships. They embraced the high level of competition and stayed focused on both individual and team goals. That record-breaking 4x400m relay was the perfect example of our team momentum, and it has everyone fired up for the championship phase of the season. Each of these athletes demonstrated extraordinary skill, perseverance, and determination, pushing boundaries and setting new standards. Their achievements serve as a testament to their hard work and dedication, inspiring the entire MEC community to strive for greatness. We are building at the perfect time, and I am looking forward to seeing how much better the team is going to become!"

Top Performances from the Cougars:

Jahiem Johnson electrified the track at the Utica Fast Trax Invite, leaving an undeniable mark with his speed and tenacity. In the men's 60m, he stormed to a CUNYAC-qualifying time of 7.27. 300m: 2nd place – 36.28 (converted to 35.68, New MEC School Record) 200m: 7th place – 22.49 (converted to 22.10, 2nd all-time in MEC history, AARTFC NCAA Regional Qualifier) He played a crucial role in the winning 4x400m relay team that shattered the MEC school record with an astonishing time of 3:29.88 (converted to 3:26.59). Johnson's dominance on the track continues to inspire and set new standards.

Dontay Washington A force to be reckoned with in the field, Washington showcased his resilience and versatility at the Utica Fast Trax Invite with the following performances: High Jump: 6th place with a CUNYAC mark of 1.72m. Triple Jump: A powerful leap of 11.70m 60m Hurdles: Blazed through with a CUNYAC-qualifying time of 9.79 seconds. Washington's relentless drive and commitment make him a standout, proving he is a top contender in the field.

Reco Griffith delivered a breathtaking performance, solidifying his reputation as a rising star. At the Utica Fast Trax Invite, he put on a masterclass in speed with the following sensational efforts: 60m Dash: 1st place with an electrifying time of 6.90 seconds (3rd fastest in MEC history), surpassing the CUNYAC and AARTFC NCAA Regionals Championships qualifying standard. 200m Invitational: 7th place – 22.26 (converted to 21.87), setting a new Medgar Evers College school record and securing a CUNYAC-qualifying time. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in the record-breaking MEC 4x400m relay team that finished 1st with an incredible time of 3:29.88 (converted to 3:26.59). Griffith is rewriting history and proving he is an unstoppable force.

Aaliyah Bartholomew put on a sensational performance at the Utica Fast Trax Invite, raising the bar with multiple record-breaking feats: 60m Hurdles: 10th place – 9.87 (CUNYAC-qualifying, New MEC School Record). 60m Dash: 8.50 in prelims (CUNYAC-qualifying), 8th in finals – 9.01. 600m: 5th place – 2:05.30 (converted to 2:03.78). High Jump: 4th place – 1.42m (CUNYAC-qualifying). Long Jump: 5th place – 4.98m (CUNYAC-qualifying, New MEC School Record). Triple Jump: 6th place – 10.10m (CUNYAC-qualifying, 3rd all-time in MEC history). Bartholomew's versatility and relentless pursuit of excellence make her a true standout.

Thenica Thompson explosive speed and determination were on full display at the Utica Fast Trax Invite with the following outputs: 60m Dash: 8.25 in prelims (CUNYAC-qualifying), 5th place in finals – 8.19 (CUNYAC-qualifying) 400m: 8th place – 1:05.19 (converted to 1:04.34, CUNYAC-qualifying) 200m: 27.41 (converted to 26.99, CUNYAC-qualifying) Thompson's impressive performances and relentless drive cement her status as a rising star to watch.

Nia Butler continues to raise the bar in field events, proving herself as a dominant force with the following results: Weight Throw: Top-11 finish with a powerful CUNYAC-qualifying toss of 11.83m Shot Put: 24th place with a solid throw of 8.55m Her remarkable consistency and steady progression signal that she is a future champion in the making.

Additional Cougar accomplishments/feats:

Adeolu Adeyemi: (Mile): 5:17.53 (converted to 5:13.53, PR) Joshua Felix (Mile): 5:42.33 (converted to 5:38.02, PR)

Rupert Luard-Charles: 400m: 8th place – 52.41 (converted to 51.59, CUNYAC-qualifying, 3rd all-time in MEC history) 200m: 23.19 (converted to 22.79, PR, CUNYAC-qualifying)

Zion Young: 200m: 23.64 (converted to 23.23, CUNYAC-qualifying, PR)

4x400 Relay: Jahiem Johnson, Reco Griffith, Adeolu Adeyemi, Rupert Luard-Charles Time: 3:29.88 (converted to 3:26.59, New MEC School Record)

Keyeona Evans: 60m: 9.61 (PR) 300m: 56.36 (converted to 55.57, PR) 200m: 33.42 (converted to 32.91, PR)

Kenia Irish-Bramble: Mile: 6:05.98 (converted to 6:02.40, CUNYAC-qualifying, 2nd all-time in MEC history) 800m: 2:42.84 (converted to 2:40.98, CUNYAC-qualifying)

Maritza Argueta: Mile: 7:17.19 (converted to 7:12.91, PR)

Jada Clayton: (Weight Throw): 10.57m (CUNYAC-qualifying)

Next Up for the Cougars:

The Cougars will return to action this Saturday, as both teams will compete in the 2024-2025 CUNYAC Indoor Track & Field Championships, looking to repeat as conference titlists. Start-time is scheduled for 4:00pm. Keep it posted to MECAthletics.com and CUNYAthletics.com for the latest developments in the Cougars' quests for glory.

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