Track and Field Shines at Crimson & Cream Qualifier
NORMAN, Okla. – The Texas A&M University–Texarkana track and field program delivered an impressive showing Friday, February 20, at the Crimson & Cream Qualifier, highlighted by multiple event titles, personal records, and national qualifying marks.
Field Events
The Eagles were dominant in the field events, beginning with Ariyah Ford, who captured 1st place in the women's shot put (B Section) with a personal-best mark of 13.52 meters, meeting the NAIA B Standard in the event. Ford also added an 11th-place finish in the weight throw (14.67m). In the same event, Kyra Togni placed 17th (13.05m), while Ava Ferreira finished 21st (11.68m).
On the men's side, Darlington Onsarigo claimed the event title in the men's triple jump, winning with a mark of 14.57 meters, which also met the NAIA B Standard. Teammates Wynell Winkfield (5th, 13.87m) and Dexter Lockett (6th, 13.85m) gave TAMUT three top-six finishes in the event. Lockett also competed in the long jump, placing 14th with a leap of 6.56 meters.
In the women's high jump, Janiya Ross cleared 1.57 meters to earn a 4th-place finish.
Maurice Williams contributed in both throwing events on the men's side, finishing 9th in the weight throw (13.25m) and 8th in the shot put (13.49m).
Track Events
The Eagles carried their momentum onto the track with standout sprint and hurdle performances.
In the men's 60 meters, Giovani Jean-Pierre qualified for the finals with a 6.91 in prelims before earning a 3rd-place finish in the finals with a time of 6.85. Desroy Jordan also advanced to the finals, finishing 9th overall after clocking 6.99.
In the hurdles, Damaria Bell delivered a strong showing in the women's 60m hurdles, qualifying for the finals before finishing 2nd overall with a time of 9.00. On the men's side, Jayden Erickewe placed 2nd in the 60m hurdles finals, recording a personal-best time of 8.28 after qualifying with an 8.32 in prelims.
Texas A&M–Texarkana will now turn its attention to the NAIA Indoor Track and Field Championships, set for March 5, as the Eagles prepare to compete on the national stage.