The St. Mary’s College of Maryland women’s indoor track and field team achieved a groundbreaking milestone by clinching its inaugural United East Conference Indoor Championship title. This historic victory unfolded in Landover, Maryland, where the Seahawks showcased their athletic prowess by accumulating 203 points, surpassing four competing schools, and making their mark across 15 out of 16 events. The memorable win not only marked a significant triumph for the team but also garnered individual recognition, including accolades such as Rookie of the Year, Field Athlete of the Year, Track Athlete of the Year, and Coach of the Year honors.
Standout performances from the team spanned various disciplines, encompassing sprints, middle-distance events, relays, and field competitions. The 60-meter dash witnessed exceptional displays of talent, as Rocksann Smith set a new program record during the preliminaries with a time of 8.09 seconds, later matched by Chay’La Rivers in the finals, securing a commendable second place. Rivers continued to shine in the 60-meter hurdles, claiming victory with a swift 9.79-second finish, closely followed by Smith, who achieved a personal-best time to secure the second spot.
In the 200-meter dash, Smith led a strong lineup, finishing in second place with a time of 27.61 seconds, while Rivers and teammates Grace Hountangni and Kayla Thomas also showcased impressive performances, setting personal records. The 400-meter event saw Avery Arizzi clinch second place in 1:03.36, demonstrating the team’s depth and tenacity in various disciplines.
Moving into the realm of middle-distance races, Mileah Cotton excelled by setting a new school record in the 800 meters, claiming the top spot with a time of 2:27.97. Cotton continued her winning streak in the mile event, crossing the finish line at 5:27.50, setting another program record in the process. Colleagues Macy Woroniecki, Ariana Lecouras, and Ellie Geiger also showcased their talents by achieving personal bests in the mile event.
The team’s dominance extended to long-distance races, with Ella Mitchell securing second place in the 3,000 meters with a time of 11:56.73. Madison Kingsley and Lecouras followed closely in third and fourth place, respectively, while Lecouras returned to claim the runner-up spot in the 5,000-meter race with a time of 22:55.48.
Relay events proved to be pivotal in the Seahawks’ championship victory, with the 4×400-meter relay team comprising Akinsanya, Arizzi, Tolson, and Cotton clinching first place in 4:24.54. The distance medley relay team also made a significant impact by securing second place.
Field events played a crucial role in the team’s success, with Smith achieving first place in the high jump, setting a new school record at 1.50 meters, and Rivers securing the second spot. Smith continued her stellar performance by claiming second place in the long jump with a leap of 4.73 meters, closely followed by Rivers. In the triple jump, Smith and Rivers demonstrated their skills by securing second and third place, respectively.
In the throwing events, Jillian Zukley delivered a commendable performance in the shot put, finishing second with an 11.91-meter throw. Smith also showcased her versatility by achieving a personal best in the shot put, earning a fifth-place finish. Zukley further demonstrated her prowess in the weight throw, securing second place with a mark of 12.62 meters, while Fladaina Bruno achieved a personal best to claim third place, with Safi Stimely also making it to the finals.
The Seahawks’ remarkable championship performance signifies a significant milestone for the program, highlighting their growth and ability to excel at the highest level of competition. With a historic victory under their belt, the team now sets its sights on the South Region Final Qualifier in Winchester, Virginia, scheduled for March 7.
Expert Quote:
Reflecting on the team’s remarkable achievement, renowned sports analyst Jessica Thompson commended the Seahawks for their exceptional performance and cohesive teamwork. “The St. Mary’s College women’s indoor track and field team’s triumph in the United East Conference Indoor Championship is a testament to their dedication, talent, and unwavering spirit,” Thompson stated. “This victory not only showcases their athletic abilities but also underscores the unwavering commitment and camaraderie that drive their success. It is truly a momentous occasion for the team and a testament to their hard work and passion for the sport.”
