CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Central State track and field programs delivered a powerful weekend performance at the University of Charleston Golden Eagle Invitational, highlighted by a second-place finish from the women's team (103 points) and a third-place finish from the men (84 points) against a competitive 12-team field.
The women's squad finished just behind Charleston (178 points), while the men placed third overall behind Charleston and Frostburg State.
Women's Team: Speed, Relays, and Depth Power Runner-Up Finish
The Marauder women showcased elite speed and depth across multiple events, led by standout performances on the track and in the relays.
Freshman sensation JayDeen Batchelor led the sprint group with a third-place finish in the 100 meters (12.10), while teammates Favour Oladapo (4th) and Tania Miles (8th) added valuable points to a strong team showing.
In the 200 meters, Jurnie Hemsley earned a podium finish (3rd – 25.48), with Miles, Oladapo, and Deja Curry-Brown all contributing scoring performances to continue the Marauders' sprint dominance.
Hemsley then delivered one of the top performances of the meet, capturing first place in the 400 meters (57.60). She was joined by teammates Ciara Valentine (5th) and Deja Curry-Brown (6th) as Central State controlled the event.
Relay Dominance Defines the Day
The Marauders were exceptional in the relays, sweeping both events:
- 4x100 Relay (1st – 47.44): Gibson, Miles, Curry-Brown, Batchelor
- 4x400 Relay (1st – 4:02.77): Hemsley, Valentine, Curry-Brown, Batchelor
Both relay victories added 20 critical points and showcased Central State's speed, chemistry, and depth.
Field Events Add Balance
In the field, Ashyia Maddickes led the way with a third-place finish in the long jump (5.42m), while teammates Anyah Stevenson (4th) and Trinity Pollard (5th) contributed additional scoring performances.
Men's Team: Sprints and Relays Lead Third-Place Finish
The Central State men's team followed with a strong showing of their own, finishing third overall and demonstrating dominance in sprint and relay events.
Sophomore Qimarreon Marks headlined the effort with a first-place finish in the 400 meters (48.54), followed closely by teammate Austin Fenn (2nd – 48.76) as the Marauders controlled the event.
Relay Sweep Highlights Team Depth
Central State dominated the 4x400 relay, capturing both first and second place:
- "A" Team (1st – 3:16.85): Bryant, Cochran, Fenn, Marks
- "B" Team (2nd – 3:22.37): Thompson Jr., Marks, Muhammad, Payne
The performance added 18 points and reinforced the Marauders' depth across sprint events.
Event Winners Continue Momentum
Freshman Anthony Thompson Jr. claimed victory in the 400-meter hurdles (53.92), while QiAden Marks added another gold medal in the 800 meters (1:55.95).
In the field, Jevon Warren secured a second-place finish in the high jump, and Alex Payne added distance points with a third-place finish in the 10,000 meters.
Strong Weekend for Marauder Track & Field
Across both programs, Central State combined for:
- 3 total team podium finishes (Women 2nd, Men 3rd)
- Multiple individual event champions
- Dominant relay performances on both sides
The Marauders continue to show depth, speed, and championship potential as they build momentum through the outdoor season.
