Falcons, Golden Bulls Capture CIAA Outdoor Championship Titles

Saint Augustine’s University: CIAA Men’s Outdoor Track and Field Champions

Courtesy of the CIAA

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Saint Augustine’s University breezed to its 19th straight men’s title and Johnson C. Smith flourished down the stretch for its fourth women’s crown in six years in the CIAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships at the Irwin Belk Complex on Saturday, April 23, 2016.

Saint Augustine’s, ranked No. 1 nationally in Division II, cruised to victory in the men’s division with 203 points. Virginia Union was second with 139.83 points and Virginia State finished third with 107.33 points.

Johnson C. Smith edged Saint Augustine’s 165-156 in the women’s division. Winston-Salem State placed third with 138.50 points.

Saint Augustine’s University was sparked by Immanuel Hutchison and Jumonne Exeter. Hutchinson was named Men’s Track Most Valuable Performer and Exeter earned Men’s Field MVP honors. Johnson C. Smith was led by Fellan Ferguson, who was chosen Women’s Track MVP. Chelsey Fuller of Virginia State was the CIAA Women’s Field MVP. The awards were presented by members of the U.S. Marines.

Led by Hutchinson and Exeter, the Falcons won with their usual formula – depth in the sprints, jumps and long distance events. The Falcons started the day in second place with 41 points, but scored 162 points to surge past Virginia Union, who led after the first day with 61.83 points.

“The men did well,” Legendary Head Coach George Williams of Saint Augustine’s said. “I am really happy with 203 points. I hope we can compete at this same level in the NCAA Championships next month.”

Hutchinson was victorious in the 800 and 1,500 runs, placed second in Friday’s 5,000 run and was part of the 4×400 relay squad which finished second. Exeter captured the triple jump, placed second in Friday’s long jump and was fifth in the high jump.

Both Hutchinson and Exeter were among several Falcons who provided highlights Saturday. Burkheart Ellis, Jr. won the 100 and 200 dashes and Shawn Rowe crossed the finish line first in the 400 hurdles. Ellis was also a member of the winning 4×100 relay squad which included Brent Arceneaux, Kendall Kee and Daniel Jamieson. La’Kai Whatley was the winner in the javelin throw.

Unlike the men’s division, the women’s championship wasn’t decided until late in the meet. Winston-Salem State entered the day with the lead, but Saint Augustine’s, the top-ranked women’s Division II team, took control until the final two events.

JCSU_Track_Champions

Johnson C. Smith: Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Champions

Johnson C. Smith, ranked third nationally in Division II, trailed 148-145 to Saint Augustine’s but pulled ahead in the 3,000 run when Ferguson, who won Friday’s 1,500 run, finished third and Domenique Julius-Williams placed fifth. Leading 155-148, the Golden Bulls sealed the championship with a victory in the 4×400 relay race by the group of Crystal Campbell, Kendra Clarke, Julius-Williams and Tovea Jenkins. Clarke also won the 400 dash for the Golden Bulls and LaTondra Morrow won the high jump.

“I knew from indoors [CIAA Championships] that it would be very competitive,” Head Coach Lennox Graham of Johnson C. Smith said. “St. Aug’s fought bravely. Winston-Salem State fought bravely. I am happy that we were able to win at home in front of our supporters.”

The Saint Augustine’s men and Johnson C. Smith women were among many stellar athletes who stood out this weekend. The men’s winners on Saturday included Solomon Potter of Lincoln (Pa.) (Discus Throw), Justin Williams of Virginia State (110 Hurdles), Joshua Cunningham of Johnson C. Smith (400 Dash) and the Johnson C. Smith 4×400 relay team of Waynee Hyman, Patrick Campbell, Cunningham and Kyle Robinson.

The women’s winners on Saturday were Amenze Uhunmwangho of Saint Augustine’s (Triple Jump), Tia-Adana Belle of Saint Augustine’s (100 Hurdles, 400 Hurdles), Fuller of Virginia State (Discus Throw), Ornella Livingston of Saint Augustine’s (100 Dash, 200 Dash) and Fawzia Kheir of Winston-Salem State (3,000 Run). The Saint Augustine’s quartet of Shamia Lassiter, Leah Barker, Shakinah Brooks and Livingston won the 4×100 relay.