Men's Outdoor Track & Field 3/24/2025 1:54:00 PM

Cougars outdoor track and field squads begin 2025 campaigns with strong showing at J. Elmer Swanson Spring Classic

The Medgar Evers College outdoor track and field teams began their 2025 campaigns this past Saturday, competing at Wesleyan University's J. Elmer Swanson Spring Classic. The event took place on the Andersen Track in Middletown, CT. The squads put together strong performances at the meet as the student-athletes began the transition from indoor season to outdoor season in outstanding fashion.

Quote from Coach Reid

"The Wesleyan Swanson Invitational marked a strong start to our outdoor season," Head Coach Hugh Reid said. "Our teams delivered six CUNYAC-qualifying performances, set ten personal records (PRs), and broke two school records, showcasing our potential. Transitioning from indoor to outdoor track requires adjustments, and we recognize there is still work to be done as we fine-tune our performances. Despite these challenges, our athletes made history, with Jalen Atkinson setting a new MEC school record in the 3000m and Nia Butler breaking the MEC hammer throw record. Several returning student-athletes picked up right where they left off, delivering standout performances across multiple events. While this meet was a strong opening statement, we know there's still more to achieve. As we continue adapting to the demands of the outdoor season, we'll remain focused on improvement and building on this momentum."

Top Performances from the Cougars

Jaheim Johnson delivered a stellar performance at the Wesleyan Swanson Invitational, securing CUNYAC-qualifying marks in two events. He placed 6th in the 400m with a time of 51.27, the 4th fastest time in MEC history and currently the top-ranked time in the CUNYAC. Johnson also impressed in the javelin, throwing 39.06m to secure another CUNYAC qualification.

Omari Hinds put on a dominant display in the jumps at the Wesleyan Swanson Invitational, qualifying for CUNYACs in multiple events. He placed 2nd in the High Jump with a personal-best 1.80m, 4th in the Long Jump with 6.47m, and 10th in the Triple Jump with 11.96m—all CUNYAC-qualifying marks. He also clocked a personal-best 56.11 in the 400m. His versatility and consistency continue to set him apart as a force in the field events.

Reco Griffith made an impact at the Wesleyan Swanson Invitational, securing a CUNYAC-qualifying time of 52.01 in the 400m, finishing 9th overall. His performance highlights his potential as a rising star for MEC.

Kenia Irish-Bramble etched her name into Medgar Evers College history at the Wesleyan Swanson Invitational, recording the 3rd-fastest times in MEC history in both the 1500m (5:51.06, PR) and 3000m (13:08.88, PR). Her determination and record-breaking performances continue to push MEC's program forward.

Nia Butler delivered a historic performance in the field events, setting a new MEC school record and qualifying for CUNYACs in two events. She recorded a CUNYAC-qualifying mark of 9.33m in the Shot Put, set a new MEC school record in the Hammer Throw (30.32m), and achieved a personal-best of 15.20m in the Javelin. Butler's strength and consistency make her a standout competitor.

Thenica Thompson showed promise at the Wesleyan Swanson Invitational, finishing 12th in the 400m with a time of 1:04.06. Her performance signals a strong foundation for future success on the track.

Additional Cougars Results/Feats

Nana Samake

1500m – 5:57.62, 5th all-time in MEC history.
3000m – 12:49.06, 2nd all-time in MEC history

Maritza Argueta

800m – 3:13.59, PR
1500m – 6:48.14, PR
3000m – 15:31.05, PR, 4th all-time in MEC history

Saviah Williams

1500m – 6:32.01, PR

Jada Clayton

Shot Put – 9.15m, PR
Hammer Throw – 25.96m, PR, 4th all-time in MEC history

Chrisnel Nicolas

1500m – 5:23.94, PR
400m Hurdles – 1:06.55, PR
Discus – 30.98m, PR
Pole Vault – 3.05m, 2nd all-time in MEC history (CUNYAC-Qualifying)
Triple Jump – 9th place – 12.00m (CUNYAC-Qualifying)

Jose Janvier

1500m – 5:48.27, PR
400m Hurdles – 1:12.23, PR
3000m – 12:49.25, 2nd all-time in MEC history

Joshua Felix

1500m – 5:23.88, PR
Javelin – 37.65m, PR

Jalen Atkinson

1500m – 5:22.47, PR
3000m – 12:03.98, New MEC school record

Dontay Washington

Discus – 27.68m, PR

Next Up for the Cougars

The Cougars will return to action on Saturday, as the teams will travel to Easton, PA to compete in Lafayette's Leopard Invite. Start-time for the meet is scheduled for 11:00am.

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