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‘People will say wow!’ Wellsville’s Kaylee Oswald wins third New York State track and field championship

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Senior heading to Western Michigan University on track and field scholarship, raised the bar for future generations of athletes

By JOHN ANDERSON

A strange noise echoed through the school hallways in Wellsville, a loud thud with a metallic edge to it. Members of the custodial staff never looked up as they cleaned the combination of dirt, mud and sand and salt from snow off the floors on this early December day.

The echo continued down toward the music rooms where Jeff Joslyn is giving music lessons after school. He continues on as if the sound was a metronome.

Everyone was used to it.

The sound was coming from the small, middle school gym. Two sets of bleachers on one side. Too small for a big athletic contest, but just the right size for Kaylee Oswald to throw an indoor-specific discus and a shot put.

Oswald peers out of the gym and sees two of her teammates, both underclassmen, and instructs them to get warmed up and starts going over how to throw. She sounded like a veteran coach. She is not. She’s a senior at Wellsville training to win an unprecedented third state championship in the shot put.

Maybe this was on purpose, but Oswald could have trained upstairs in the high school gym where close to 100 Section V championship banners hang and two with her name on them for winning states. Instead, she was in the gym with bare walls, no shadows of past wins, just a place you have to prove yourself.

Time to make room for another.

Over the weekend, she solidified herself as a champion. At Middletown High School, Oswald threw the shot put 40-4.50 to win a third straight New York State Championship.

She also qualified for states in discus and of all the athletes at the state meet from Section V, she was awarded the overall Section V Sportsmanship Award winner at the state championships as well.

Dean Giopulos, who has coached the boys’ track team at Wellsville for years, but started as a girls’ assistant 41 years ago, looked around and said, “I would say she’s had a very, very good day today.”

With Kaylee winning and competing in two events, Xavier Scott winning states in the hurdles and J.J. Howard taking third in the high jump and competing in the long jump, Giopulos said, “They set marks people will look at and say, ‘Wow.’ Our record board compared to other schools has always been good, but now it’s amazing.”

But that’s not all. Oswald has several Section V swimming championships including winning the 100 backstroke and her finish in the 50 free. Giopulos does not remember another athlete decorated with this many individual championships.

THE DECISION

This fall, Oswald will be attending Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo on a track and field scholarship. Western Michigan University won the Kaylee Sweepstakes after official visits to University of Connecticut, Kent State, Elon University and University at Buffalo.

“Their coach reached out, I liked the coach and I liked the program,” Kaylee said. “They have a good scientific-based program that I think would benefit me in the future.

It will be a different approach to throwing, I’ll have a coach in the weight room, it will make me a better athlete and a better thrower, so I am super optimistic about all of it,” she added.

PROUD AS A COACH

Larry Peacock, the new Wellsville Girls’ Track and Field coach, is impressed with his star athlete.  

“To win states, it had to be her best throws for the day and that’s what she did. It got her the win,” said Peacock. “She’s glue, that’s what she is to us and this program. She leads by example. Everyone follows, her presence makes her better and that’s going to be a loss,” Peacock said. “She is a consummate teacher, always helping the other kids throwing. You see it on the bus rides, you see it on the track, when she shows up, everything is good. When she shows up, she’s a calming influence. She doesn’t flinch. It’s made the younger kids get better.”

From left, Jim and Katie Oswald, Kaylee, throwing coach George Kinnicutt and Wellsville Girls’ Track and Field Coach Larry Peacock.

What others didn’t see was the rest of the state training to beat her.

Giopolus said, “I don’t know if she would ever admit this, but for the last two years she’s been hunted. Everyone aims for her, everyone wants to knock her off and she doesn’t show the pressure. She goes out there and seems to get better. All the sectional titles she has won — and she is the only multiple winner of state championships in the school — I can not imagine anyone winning three in a row again. You never say never, but the chances of someone doing that again are unimaginable.”

Peacock said the state has also recognized her as a champion.

“Look what she has earned — the 2025 state champion board, and most of all, she got the sportsmanship award. Here you are, you practice like a champion and you perform like a champion and act like a champion. Period. That’s what she does, that’s what she did,” Peacock said. “Her action of teamwork, practice, and results … she builds on it. I’ve seen a lot of athletes, and I don’t think we’ll see an athlete coming out of Wellsville like this in a long time. She’s won sectionals in swimming, track, state titles … if there’s something she wants to do, she will do it. She has the work ethic. She will definitely flourish in college.”

STAYING MOTIVATED

What keeps Kaylee motivated? It was simple. Another title.

“To do it again, I strived to do better than the past,” she said. “To get better as a senior, I had to put a lot of time in the weight room and I’m doing more technical throwing. Last year, I took the power I had and turned it into a throw. Now, I am taking everything and putting it into a throw. So this year when I popped one, it went further.”

YOUTH SERVED

Oswald didn’t wake up in 10th grade and become a state champion. She worked at other sports to become an athlete who has power and incredible athletic ability and agility. She did seven years of gymnastics with G2 Gymnastics & Fitness in Shinglehouse, Pa., and was a swimmer.

When the COVID pandemic hit, she kept working.

“In eight grade during Covid, my sister, Stephanie Oswald, was also a thrower and we would practice on the road in front of our house,” Oswald said.

Her sister also had a throwing coach, George Kinnicutt, who had a pretty good track record with Wellsville sectional champions and coached his daughter, Emma, to a state title as well.

“She kept going and worked with George, then I went and worked with George and it kind of snowballed,” Oswald said. She lifted at the school and when that was closed, she lifted at JB’s Family Fitness.

After a long day or school and a long practice, Oswald would put in another throwing session with Kinnicutt to continue to improve and cement her state championship resume.

“I realized three of our state champions were throwers (Sue Livergood also won states), so I put faith in George,” Kaylee said. “I had the confidence that he was an amazing coach and would get me to my fullest potential. Working with him and having him by my side would give me the best chance to win states.”

A winning smile in 2024 for Kayle’s second straight state title. She would win another in 2025.

Suddenly, shot put was an event she fell in love with.

“I think I liked the fresh start from gymnastics. This was all new. It was technical like gymnastics, but not in your face, it was at my pace. And, I could see quick improvements, so it was easy to fall in love with,” Oswald said. “My freshman year, I was competing in the discus. By my sophomore year, I had won states in shot put and made the state qualifier in discus.”

And then a great junior year at states.

To do them both was not a concern.

“Most of the time shot put is first. If discus is first, I’ll put 100 percent effort, but make sure I have energy to throw shot and I do not get discouraged if I do not do well in discus,” she said of her strategy during her career.

THE FIRST TITLE

She will never forget that first state title.

As a sophomore, she threw 37-10 to nip Maine-Enwell’s Panayiota Anastos by a fraction of an inch, who threw 37-9.75.

“I don’t think that it helped that I won by a quarter of an inch, I did not expect it,” Oswald recalls. “It took three days to sink in that I won.”

Followed by a lonely fire truck celebration ride.

“It was weird having all the attention, I felt there was too much attention on me,” she said. “Usually it’s on a sports team that wins, so it was weird having it focused just on me.”

WORKING HARD AND FAMILY

Oswald said there is no secret.

“I practice every day. When it’s nice out, I’m outside in Wellsville or Bolivar or at the circle that’s at my house. And I am lifting four days a week on top of it. When the weather is bad, I’m in a school or the Alfred State College gym, in my house, outside my house,” she said. “And I’m working with our younger throwers, Makenna Cooke and Sarah Mattison, coaching them up.”

Her parents have enjoyed the success, and they have put the miles on the vehicle to see it.

The signing ceremony, flanked by her proud parents.

“My parents (Jim and Katie Oswald) are always at every single meet, they have been very good to me,” she said. “They take me to nationals each season, they took me to Boston for indoor, Philadelphia for nationals for outdoor. For states, we go from Staten Island to Middletown.”

WHATS NEXT

Her college throwing coach at WMU will be Kayleigh Conlon, and Oswald has already been instructed to hit certain marks.

“The ultimate goal is 50 feet in shot put and a lot of records personal-wise,” she said.

To throw in the Olympics, you have to throw over 60 feet. Is that attainable? She’s gained five feet each season.

“Yes, but I don’t know how long that will last. I think it will last through this year,” she said. “The only thing I am trying to gain from college is new coaching and getting better. I love the sport too much to turn it into a job because then it would discourage me.”

And speaking of jobs, many student-athletes in the BOCES New Visions Medical Program have to drop a sport or sports altogether because of the demand of classes. Oswald made it part of her routine.

“In the New Visions Medical Program. I really liked studying this year and it was a very tough class,” she said. “By the time I am done practicing and lifting, I study. But I’ve learned to love cooking and meal prep.”

Giopulos said it’s more than that.

“Her story is not just how she has developed as an athlete, she’s also matured so much as a person,” he said. “She is fun to be around and she has earned every bit of it.” 

New York State Class C Championship Girls ‘ Shot Put Results

1 Kaylee Oswald Wellsville – C [12] 40-4.50

2 Grace Walley Walton-C [10] 40-0.75

3 Hannah Roggie Beaver River-C [11] 39-5.00

4 Desiree Jean-Pierre Saranac-C [12] 38-8.00

5 Nora Tighe Pulaski-C [12] 38-5.25

6 Nyla Wilson-Epps Tapestry Charter-C [12] 37-1.00

7 Lauren Paske Chenango Forks-C [12] 36-8.25

8 Jernessa Donaldson Solvay-C [10] 36–03.75

9 Maggie Hawken Campbell-Savona-C [10] 35-2.00

10 Danae Morgan Hastings-C [11] 35-1.25

11 Mikayla Johnson Southwestern-C [11] 34-11.75

12 Nola Bohringer Cobleskill-Richmondville-C [11] 34-7.50

13 Kaitlyn Putman Madrid-Waddington-C [12] 34-7.25

14 Sadie Konjas Onteora-C [11] 31-11.75

15 Mehana Levy Port Jefferson-C [11] 30-2.00

16 Krysta Wheeler Monsignor Scanlan-C [11] 28-11.00

17 Olivia Garcia Oyster Bay-C [12] 28-8.00

18 Rebecca Pepin Riverdale Country Day-C [11] 26–07.50



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Panthers’ Streich to join USD track and field program | Select

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Dickinson Announces Hall of Fame Class for 2026

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CARLISLE, Pa. – Dickinson Director of Athletics Celine Cunningham has announced that six former Red Devil student-athletes, two distinguished contributors, two campus contributors and one team will join the Dickinson Athletics Hall of Fame during Red-White Weekend from April 24 to 26.

Let’s get to know the inductees a little more:

Ross Anstaett ’11 – Men’s Tennis

Anstaett was a three-time team captain and two-time team Most Valuable Player for the Red Devil men’s tennis program from 2007 to 2011. The four-time All-Centennial Conference First Team selection and three-time Centennial Conference Academic Honor Roll honoree finished his time at Dickinson with an record of 56-24. In singles competition he posted double-digit wins in three seasons playing as the Red Devils number one, with a career-high 17 victories coming as a senior in 2011. He was also a major threat in doubles action as well racking up 12 or more wins in three of four seasons. 

Taylor Ferry ’12 – Men’s Soccer

Ferry, was a stalwart defender for the Red and White from 2008 to 2012, helping the team to claim the school’s first Centennial Conference Championship in 2011 and make two appearances in the NCAA Tournament (2008, 2011). The two-time team captain was named to the All-Centennial Conference First Team for both the 2010 and 2011 seasons. His senior campaign would prove to be quite memorable as he not only landed on the All-Conference First Team, but was also a First Team All-Mid-Atlantic Region selection in addition to being named a NSCAA Third Team All-American. He served as the anchor of the Red Devils backline during their magical 2011 season helping the side to record eight clean sheets, which included a 2-0 win in the Centennial Conference Semifinal against Muhlenberg. Then, in the final with score tied 1-1 thru 90 minutes and overtime, he stepped up in the penalty shootout and converted the match-winning penalty to make Dickinson history. 

Genevieve Olson Desmond ’12 – Women’s Soccer

Olson, was a member of the Dickinson soccer program from 2008 to 2012 and was key cog in the Red Devils run to three consecutive Centennial Conference Championship Games in 2008, 2009 and 2010.  In 2010, she was a vital part of the team’s run to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament backstopping Dickinson to wins over Centenary University (N.J.) and Stevens Institute of Technology, before getting tripped up by Messiah University. The two-time First Team All-Centennial Conference selection and First Team All-Mid Atlantic Region honoree paced the side during the 2010 campaign in goals (7), assists (4), shots (65) and shots on goal (31). 

Sarah Rutkowski ’15 – Cross Country/Track & Field

Rutkowski, participated in both cross country and track & field for the Red and White during her time in Carlisle. On the cross country course, she was a member of four Little Three Championships, four Top-3 Centennial Conference Championship team finishes and four Top-25 team results in the NCAA Championships, including a 15th-place result in the 2013 race. As an individual she was a two-time All-Region and two-time All-Centennial Conference honoree. In indoor track, she earned All-American status for the 10,000m by taking fourth at the national championship. She also garnered All-Conference recognition for the 3000m and 5000m. Outdoors, she helped the Red Devils to a trio of second-place finishes as a team, while as an individual she nabbed a second-place finish for the 10,000m in 2015.

Gerry Wixted ’15 – Men’s Basketball

Wixted left Carlisle as one of the most decorated players in Dickinson basketball history earning three First Team All-Centennial Conference honors, one Second Team All-Conference selection and being named the 2015 Centennial Conference Player of the Year. That same season he was tabbed the D3Hoops.com National Player of the Year and NABC Mid-Atlantic Region Player of the Year, in addition to be selected a First Team All-American by both organizations. He left the school holding the Centennial Conference record for career defensive rebounds (689), career free throws made (597) and career free throws attempted (706). In addition, he graduated with the Dickinson record for career points (1,903), career rebounds (872), career free throws made (597), career free throws attempted (706), career blocked shots (172), career games played (113), career games started (110), single-season points (539), single-season blocked shots (46) and season-season free throws made (157). Not only did he have tremendous individual success, but he was a part of great team success as well, winning two Centennial Conference Championships and three NCAA Tournament appearances, including a pair of Sweet 16 appearances and one trip to the Elite 8.

Specialty Categories

Veterans – inductees who are listed as Veterans are at least 30 years removed from their date of graduation, and their accomplishments have stood the test of time.

Ed Ward ’83 – Men’s Basketball

Ward was a two-time All-Middle Atlantic Conference selection in 1982 and 1983, serving as a team captain during his final season with the Red Devils. When he left Dickinson, he held the school record for career blocked shots with 76, while ranking second in career rebounds (696), career field-goal percentage (.541) and single-season blocked shots (32). He contributed to three MAC South Division Championships, two NCAA Tournament appearances and one MAC Southern Conference Championship. 

Distinguished Contributors – Recipients of the Distinguished Contributor Award have demonstrated leadership, inspiration, talent, sustained support for Dickinson Athletics or achieved outstanding recognition in their athletic field, and/or measurable, sustainable philanthropic support of Dickinson Athletics by their efforts.

Tom ’78 and Judianne Hare P’22, P’25

As parents of two Red Devil student athletes, Tom and Judianne Hare deeply appreciate the value of the student-athlete experience at Dickinson—especially since Tom, himself, was an All-American athlete as a Red Devil. Accordingly, they have long been staunch supporters of Dickinson athletics through their transformational philanthropy. Their generosity has funded the new Hare Family Sports Performance & Training Center and provided professional-grade playing surfaces for men’s and women’s soccer. Motivated by their years of cheering on their children, Cole ’22 (baseball) and Charlotte ’25 (soccer), their gifts also include endowed funds for the long-term maintenance of the fields and support for baseball, softball and soccer. Their leadership-level giving has inspired significant support for Red Devil athletics across the parent and alumni community, securing a lasting impact for current and future Dickinson student-athletes.

Contributor – Recipients of the Contributor Award must have served Dickinson College as a coach, administrator, manager, trainer or any other capacity that served to make significant contributions to the athletic program and/or the advancement of our athletes

Charlie Hambrook and Bob Penner – Equipment Managers

Hambrook and Penner were two of the most dedicated employees during their time at Dickinson. Both were concerned about the well-being of the student athletes, which showed each and every day. They put in many hours to ensure athletes were provided with everything needed to compete on a daily basis. Their positions at Dickinson enabled them to get to know the athletes from all the teams, which they valued greatly. Both served the athletic department as members of one big family, and they will always be remembered for their selflessness and dedication. 

Team Award – Teams who are recognized for the team award have made outstanding contributions to Dickinson College Athletics, and have helped to bring recognition, honor, distinction and excellence to Dickinson College and its intercollegiate athletic programs.

2011 Men’s Soccer


The 2011 Dickinson men’s soccer program is a very special one in Red Devil history as they posted an 11-5-5 overall record with a 6-2-1 mark inside the Centennial Conference. After opening up the season with a pair of ties, the Red and White picked up wins in four of their next five matches knocking off Washington & Jefferson (6-1), Skidmore (4-0), Gwynedd-Mercy (5-0) and Washington (Md.) (4-1). Following a non-conference slip against No. 2 Messiah, the Red Devils nabbed conference victories over Swarthmore (2-1), McDaniel (4-1), Johns Hopkins (3-0), Ursinus (3-0) and Muhlenberg (1-0), which earned them a spot in the Centennial Conference tournament. Dickinson would knock off Muhlenberg by a 2-0 scoreline in the semifinals, earning them a place in the title match with Haverford. The Red Devils and Fords would go the full 110 minutes locked at 1-1 to setup a penalty shootout. It was there were Hall of Fame inductee Taylor Ferry drilled the match-winning kick to send Dickinson to the NCAA Tournament. The Red and White began their tournament journey with a 2-1 triumph over Vassar, before the host Montclair State posted a 2-1 win in the Second Round. The team was led offensively by Javier Mena, who had eight goals and nine assists, followed by Bryan Gilmartin and Nicolas Tierno who netted five goals each while the duo of Derek Kachadurian and Chris Shultz added four. Seven other players recorded at least two goals to contribute to a very well-balanced attack. Cody Hickok led the way between the sticks for head coach Brian Redding, posting a .908 save percentage thanks to 92 stops.



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Monument Mountain Seniors Sign Commitments to College Teams / iBerkshires.com

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. – Four Monument Mountain student-athletes this week committed to compete in intercollegiate athletics next year.


 


Cross country and track and field standouts Amelia Desilets, Autumn Higa and Everett Pacheco were joined on the Monument Mountain stage on Tuesday by softball star Lexi Carpenter to sign commitment letters to the schools of their choice.


 


Desilets is bound for Orono, Maine, to run cross country and track and field for the University of Maine.


 


Higa and Pacheco committed to run cross country at Vassar College and Williams College, respectively.


 


Carpenter committed to Rhode Island’s Roger Williams University to compete for the Hawks on the softball diamond.


 


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Virginia Track & Field Names Distance Carnival After Mark & Cynthia Lorenzoni

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.  –  The University of Virginia track and field program will name the prestigious distance carnival at the Virginia Challenge on Friday, April 17th, the Mark & Cynthia Lorenzoni Distance Night at the Virginia Challenge.

Virginia is set to host the annual Virginia Challenge outdoor track & field meet on Friday and Saturday, April 17-18 at Lannigan Field. The meet is known to feature high level competition across all event areas, but especially in the distance events. The distance carnival is set to be named in honor of long time Virginia Track & Field/Cross Country supporters, Mark and Cynthia Lorenzoni. The Lorenzonis have served the Charlottesville community for over 40 years as the couple co-owns The Ragged Mountain Running and Walking Shop with their two eldest children, Alec and Audrey.

“When I think about volunteerism and commitment to the community, it would be difficult to imagine any family doing more than Mark & Cynthia Lorenzoni,” said Director of Track & Field/Cross Country Vin Lananna. “For decades, Mark & Cynthia have positively impacted thousands of running enthusiasts. We are honored to recognize them with the Mark & Cynthia Lorenzoni Distance Night at the Virginia Challenge.”

“What an honor to be recognized in such a public arena and to be closely affiliated with an iconic program that has not only given our family so much to cheer for, but even more importantly, has enriched our lives through the hundreds of special friendships we’ve had the pleasure of sharing with our wonderful UVA Track & Field coaches and athletes over the past 45 years,” said Mark Lorenzoni.

A running family, Mark Lorenzoni began his running career back in high school. A recreational runner throughout college, Mark Lorenzoni took up road racing and even began his amateur coaching career by coaching his wife, Cynthia. Since then, he has coached runners at all levels while also continuing to run himself.

“What a wonderful surprise and great honor to have our family name affiliated with this magnificent program in such a thoughtful way,” said Mark Lorenzoni.

Also beginning her career back in high school, Cynthia Lorenzoni was undefeated in cross country and track & field before going on to compete in college at Michigan State. As a Spartan, Cynthia Lorenzoni finished runner-up at the Big 10 Cross Country Championships during her freshman season and finished 16th at the NCAA Cross Country Championships the same year. After college, she continued to train and compete post collegiately winning the Marine Corps Marathon twice, recorded a 13th place finish at the Boston Marathon and posted a personal best time of 2:38 in the marathon.

“We are humbled by this genuinely thoughtful gesture and we’re very grateful to Coach Vin, his hardworking and caring staff, to [Virginia Director of Athletics] Carla Williams and especially to all of our wonderful “kids” (what we fondly call our UVA Track & Field athletes) for this incredible honor,”  said Mark Lorenzoni.

Mark and Cynthia, who have four children that all ran cross country in high school, have served the community for over 45 years. Not only as the founders of The Ragged Mountain Running and Walking Shop but between the two of them have also served on nearly 30 not-for-profit community boards and having directed, on a volunteer basis, close to 900 local races that have raised over $8 million for area organizations.

“Giving back to a sport that has given so much to our family, in so many meaningful ways, has truly been both one of the easiest and most rewarding things in our life together,” said Mark Lorenzoni.

The Lorenzonis commitment to the sport of cross country and track & field is evident not only in their personal pursuits and community endeavors but also in their continued support of the Virginia Track & Field/Cross Country program. The first annual Mark & Cynthia Lorenzoni Distance Night at the Virginia Challenge is set to take place on Friday, April 17th at Lannigan Field.



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St. John’s Sweeps First BIG EAST Indoor Track and Field Weekly Honors

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NEW YORK – A pair of St. John’s track and field student-athletes swept the first BIG EAST Indoor Track and Field Weekly Honor Roll for the 2025-26 season. Nora Haugen captured Women’s Track Athlete of the Week, while teammate Linn Hertz Saebbo was tabbed Field Athlete of the Week, the league announced on Wednesday afternoon.

Both athletes finished in first place in their respective events to open the indoor campaign at the Youree Spence Garcia Invitational on Dec. 6 in Staten Island. 

Haugen opened her indoor season by setting a program record, Norwegian national record, and the Ocean Breeze facility record in the 600-meter run. Her winning time of 1 minute, 26.93 seconds is the fastest time in the NCAA as of Wednesday, Dec. 17.

The senior was also a part of the St. John’s 4×400-meter relay team, which won the event at the Youree Spence Garcia Invitational with a time of 3:48.33.

Hertz Saebbo won the long jump at the Youree Spence Garcia Invitational on her final attempt. The grad student leapt 6.05 m (19 feet 10.25 inches) to win the event, setting a personal best in the process.

Her mark currently ranks the best in the BIG EAST for the long jump and the first time Hertz Saebbo has broken the six-meter barrier. The performance sits third all-time in St. John’s history and is currently tied for 15th in the NCAA Division I.

Wednesday’s recognition marks the second time that Haugen has garnered Athlete of the Week during her Red Storm career, capturing the honor back on May 8, 2024. 

This is the first time Hertz Saebbo has appeared on the BIG EAST weekly honor roll. The last time a Johnnie was recognized by the conference for a weekly award was Jamora Alves, when she named Field Athlete of the Week on April 15, 2025.

 

St. John’s returns to the oval in late January, competing at the Dr. Sander Scorcher at The Nike Track and Field Center at The Armory in Washington Heights, N.Y.

 



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College Notes: Track & field alums continuing success | Sports

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Standout performances were the order of the day for a number of indoor track and field athletes with ties to South County in the opening weeks of the season, with those efforts providing a base for potential improvement later in the campaign.



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