MaraudersMen's Track Show Strength and Speed at Cedarville Open
CEDARVILLE, Ohio — Central State men's track & field delivered a powerful statement performance this weekend at the Cedarville Yellow Jacket Collegiate Outdoor Open, showcasing depth, speed, and championship-level competitiveness against a field of 30+ programs.
Leading the charge for the Marauders was sophomore standout Qimarreon Marks, who dominated the 400 meters with a first-place finish and a time of 48.92. Marks' performance not only secured gold but set the tone for a strong showing by Central State's sprint group. Close behind him, teammate Austin Fenn finished second in 48.95, giving the Marauders a commanding 1-2 finish in one of the meet's most competitive events.
Central State continued to make noise in the 200 meters, where Jae-Lijah Cochran sprinted to a third-place finish in 21.70, while Kaname Bryant added valuable points with a fifth-place finish (21.95). The Marauders' presence in the top five highlighted their elite sprint depth and ability to compete with top regional talent.
Cochran also made his mark in the 100 meters, placing ninth overall in a loaded field of nearly 100 competitors with a time of 11.07, demonstrating consistency across sprint events.
In the middle-distance events, senior QiAden Marks delivered a strong performance in the 800 meters, finishing sixth with a time of 1:57.05, while teammates Ivory Payne and Reyhan Muhammad added depth for the Marauders in a highly competitive race.
Overall, Central State's performance was defined by its balance — explosive sprinting, strong mid-distance efforts, and multiple scoring finishes across events. The Marauders proved they can compete at a high level against both Division I and Division II programs, using the meet as a springboard for the remainder of the outdoor season.
With momentum building and key athletes hitting peak form, Central State men's track & field continues to position itself as a force to watch as championship season approaches.
Batchelor Leads Marauders Women to Strong Showing at Cedarville Open
CEDARVILLE, Ohio — Central State women's track & field turned in an impressive performance at the Cedarville Yellow Jacket Collegiate Outdoor Open, highlighted by dominant sprint victories and strong depth across multiple events.
Freshman standout Jay'Deen Batchelor once again stole the spotlight, sprinting to a first-place finish in the 100 meters with a time of 12.16. In a field loaded with Division I and top Division II competition, Batchelor's performance not only secured gold but reinforced her position as one of the top sprinters in the region.
Central State's sprint group continued to shine in the 200 meters, where Ciara Valentine led the Marauders with a strong 10th-place finish (25.66), followed closely by Batchelor (25.73) and Jurnie Hemsley (25.85), showcasing the team's depth and competitiveness in a deep field.
In the 400 meters, the Marauders delivered one of the meet's most impressive performances. Senior Jurnie Hemsley captured first place with a time of 57.59, leading a strong showing that included Valentine placing fourth (58.86). The duo's performances highlighted Central State's strength in the one-lap event and their ability to compete at the top of the podium.
Additional contributions came throughout the sprint events, with Favour Oladapo (12.73) and Tania Miles (12.80) adding depth in the 100 meters, while multiple Marauders recorded competitive times in the 200 meters, continuing to build momentum for the outdoor season.
In the middle-distance events, Kaitlyn Jones represented Central State in the 800 meters, continuing to gain valuable experience in a competitive field.
Overall, the Marauders showcased a balanced attack,elite top-end speed led by Batchelor, championship-level performances from Hemsley, and depth across sprint events that positions Central State as a rising force this outdoor season.
With multiple event victories and strong finishes against high-level competition, the Central State women are building momentum at the right time as they continue to push toward conference and regional success.
