In a thrilling display of talent and determination, the Saint Elizabeth University Eagles made their mark at the inaugural Outdoor Track & Field United East Conference Championships hosted at Penn State Behrend in Erie, PA. With each event, the Eagles showcased their prowess, setting records and securing podium finishes, solidifying their status as formidable competitors in the conference.
Day 1: The Start of Something Special
Saturday saw the Eagles take flight, led by the outstanding performances of Jordan Lomax, Tyler Andersen-Mayes, and Janae Hall. Lomax, a sophomore standout in the Men's Long Jump, etched his name in school history by soaring to a distance of 6.32 meters (20 feet 8.75 inches), securing the silver medal and becoming the record holder in this event for Saint Elizabeth. This marked the first time the Eagles placed in a Conference Championship field event, a historic achievement for the program.
Freshman sensation Tyler Andersen-Mayes made waves in the Men's 3k Steeplechase, demonstrating his speed and determination. Andersen-Mayes shattered expectations with a remarkable time of 14:49.74, an impressive improvement from his previous mark of 15:11.55. With this performance, he showcased his potential and set a new standard for future Eagles to aspire to.
Meanwhile, Janae Hall, a freshman force to be reckoned with, blazed her way to success in the Women's 100 and Women's 4x100 events. Hall sprinted to a new personal best of 13.6 seconds in the 100-meter dash, leaving spectators in awe of her raw talent and determination.
Isabelle Mellin, a senior standout, delivered a series of outstanding performances across multiple events. Mellin PR'd in the Women's 400 with a time of 1:13.59 (previously 1:14:84), in the 800 with a time of 2:52.17 (previously 3:02.37), and in the 1500 with a time of 5:53.63, smashing her previous time of 6:15.49 by over 21 seconds. Mellin's exceptional achievements culminated in her setting a new school record in the 1500, solidifying her status as a record holder in that category.
Day 2: Sealing Victory
Sunday brought more triumphs for the Eagles as they continued to shine on the track. Sophomore standout Will Rodriguez showcased his consistency and drive, PR'ing in both the Men's 400 and 800-meter races. Rodriguez's relentless pursuit of excellence was evident as he clocked a blistering time of 58.58 seconds in the 400-meter dash, a significant improvement from his previous performances throughout the season. Freshman Michael Cullen proved himself to be a versatile asset to the team consistently throughout the season.
"Those two [Rodriguez and Cullen] truly got better each and everyday and it was evident in the work ethic they exhibited in practice. It was not surprise that they obtained new PR's every single meet we had. They are just that determined to get better" Assistant Coach Langston Adams stated. In the 400-meter dash, Cullen blazed through the finish line with a time of 1:01.26, showcasing his determination and contributing to the team's success.
Ava Railton, a freshman standout, left a lasting impression in the Women's 400 with a time of 1:13.89, showcasing her determination and competitive spirit. The moment was nothing short of electrifying as Railton surged ahead in her heat, with the entire team rallying behind her. As she entered the final stretch, Railton displayed sheer grit and determination, hawking down her opponent with every stride. In a breathtaking finish, she crossed the line with a commanding lead, winning her first heat of the season by an astonishing 6-second margin. The roar of the crowd echoed through the stadium as Railton's teammates rushed to join her in celebration, a moment that epitomized the camaraderie and spirit of the Saint Elizabeth University Track & Field Team.
"Ava Railton's performance at the United East Conference Championships was nothing short of inspiring. Her dedication to the sport and relentless work ethic have been evident from day one. Seeing her seize victory in such a commanding fashion not only energized the team but also exemplified the camaraderie and support that defines our program. Ava has been putting in the work day in and day out, and her success is a testament to her resilience and determination," said Assistant Coach Dante Thomas.
In the field events, senior Brad Mahoney delivered a standout performance in the High Jump, setting a new school record with a height of 1.74 meters and securing 8th place overall. His dedication and passion for the sport were evident as he soared to new heights, leaving a lasting legacy on the program. Mahoney's achievement marks a historic moment for Saint Elizabeth University as he becomes the first athlete to secure a podium finish in the High Jump in school history, further solidifying his status as a trailblazer in Eagles athletics.
D'Angelo Blackmond delivered a stellar performance in the Men's Shot Put, PR'ing with throws of 10.29m and 10.38m, highlighting his strength and skill on the field.
The highlight of the day came with the record-breaking performances of both the Men's and Women's 4x100 relay teams. The women's relay team consisting of Janae Hall, Gianna Rizzolo, Joelle Sherman, and Aryanna Baytops set a new school record in the Women's 4x100, while the men's relay team consisting of Jordan Lomax, Michael Cullen, Jayden Hunter, and Sayfullah Carter posted a school record time of 46.68, solidifying their status as champions on the track.
"The resilience and determination displayed by our team at the United East Conference Championships were truly exceptional. To witness so many athletes achieve personal bests on the biggest stage speaks volumes about their commitment to excellence. We have a young group with immense potential, and I have no doubt that they will continue to push themselves to new heights in the seasons to come. This performance is just the beginning of what this team is capable of achieving," said Head Coach Evan Collier.
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles on the United East Conference Championships, the Eagles stand poised for even greater achievements in the future. With a foundation of talent, determination, and teamwork, the Saint Elizabeth University Track & Field Team is ready to soar to new heights and continue their legacy of excellence in the seasons to come. As the Eagles get ready for their last meet of the season, it is evident that the newly established Track and Field program will continue to thrive for seasons to come. The Eagles will face off at Ramapo University on Friday, May 10th at 5pm.
