Wilberforce, Ohio:
Marauders Honor Legacy of Joshua Culbreath with Dominant Senior Day Performance at Second Annual Joshua Culbreath Invitational
Central State Track and Field celebrated Senior Day in championship fashion Friday, honoring its graduating student-athletes while delivering a commanding performance at the Second Annual Joshua Culbreath Invitational. In a meet that paid tribute to one of the most decorated figures in Central State and American track and field history, the Marauders swept both team titles, with the men scoring 194 points and the women totaling an impressive 283 points in front of the home crowd at McPherson Stadium.
Named in honor of legendary coach, Olympian, and trailblazer Joshua Culbreath, the meet carried special significance. A 1956 Olympic bronze medalist, world record holder, and former Central State head coach, Culbreath built a legacy that extended far beyond medals, guiding the Marauders to 10 NAIA championships and helping shape generations of student-athletes. Friday's performances reflected the excellence, pride, and competitive standard he embodied.
The Central State men turned in a balanced and dominant effort across sprints, middle distance, hurdles, relays, jumps, and throws. Qimarreon Marks continued his stellar season with a victory in the 400 meters (48.65), while senior QiAden Marks delivered a Senior Day moment to remember by winning the 800 meters in 1:55.85. The distance crew added to the momentum as senior Andrew Drumwright captured the 1500-meter title, while Alex Payne won the 5,000 meters and placed second in the 1500. Jae-Lijah Cochran led a strong sprint group with a runner-up finish in the 200 meters, while the Marauders' 4x100 relay team claimed gold in 42.84. In the hurdles, Anthony Thompson Jr. doubled with a win in the 400 hurdles and a runner-up finish in the 110 hurdles. Field event points proved equally critical, highlighted by senior Jevon Warren's runner-up finish in the high jump and strong scoring efforts from Bishop Hafford, Nathaniel McHardy, and Myles Russell.
The Marauder women were equally impressive, putting together one of their most complete performances of the outdoor season. Senior Jurnie Hemsley headlined Senior Day with a victory in the 400 meters before helping power the winning 4x400 relay. JayDeen Batchelor won the 200 meters, while Favour Oladapo and Tania Miles finished 1-2 in the 100 meters to spark a dominant day in the sprints. Central State swept the hurdles as Alexandria Carrington won the 100 hurdles and Zani Gilles captured the 400 hurdles. In the relays, the Marauders claimed victories in both the 4x100 and 4x400, showcasing their depth and speed.
The field events were a major factor in the women's team title as well. Senior Paige Turner won the high jump, while Aleah Otabor delivered a standout Senior Day performance with a victory in the shot put and additional scoring in both discus and javelin. Ashyia Maddickes added wins in the long jump and triple jump to continue the Marauders' dominance across every phase of the competition.
Senior Day added emotional weight to an already special meet, as Central State recognized those student-athletes whose leadership, dedication, and commitment have helped shape the program. The Marauders seniors included Andrew Drumwright, Aaron Drumwright, Qi'Marreon Marks, Qi'Aden Marks, Aleah Otabor, Paige Turner, Jurne Hemsley, Alex Payne, Ciara Valentine and Jasmine Williams. From veterans who have carried the Marauder standard for years to seniors delivering victories in their final home appearance, the celebration fittingly aligned with a meet honoring a man whose legacy defined excellence at Central State.
In every event, the Second Annual Joshua Culbreath Invitational served as both a celebration of the past and a statement about the future. By sweeping the team titles on Senior Day, the Marauders honored Culbreath's legacy the best way possible—through championship performances worthy of the name on the meet.
