Track and Field Excels in Season Debut at Navy Invitational I

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The Navy track and field squad kicked off the 2024-25 season by hosting the annual Navy Invitational I on Saturday at the Wesley A. Brown Field House in Annapolis, Md.

The Mids collectively triumphed in 11 out of 32 events, competing against schools such as James Madison, Johns Hopkins, Maryland, Mount St. Mary’s, William & Mary, and UMES.

“It was a solid first meet; we had many new competitors making their debut. The atmosphere was vibrant, and everyone was eager to showcase their skills,” remarked director of track and field Jamie Cook. “Witnessing the competitiveness and leadership on display today was a reassuring sight. Overall, it was a successful day.”

The invitational commenced with Maxwell Rubin and Keyshawn Dolford finishing in first and second place in the weight throw. Rubin secured his first collegiate victory with a personal best of 16.30m (53′ 5.75″). Dolford secured second with a personal best of 16.01m (52′ 6.5″).

Dolford also shone in the shot put, clinching first place with a personal record of 15.09m (49′ 6.25″). Benjemen Schneider topped the high jump event with a leap of 2.06m (6′ 9″).

Gunnar Kimball concluded the field events by winning his inaugural collegiate competition with a pole vault height of 5.05m (16′ 6.75″).

Jia Anderson commenced her junior year by tying for the fourth-best 60m hurdle time (8.47) in Navy’s history, finishing second in the event. The Wilmington, Del., native now holds eight of the ten fastest 60m hurdle times in the program’s record.

“Jia [Anderson] works hard, as always. She has stepped up in a leadership capacity this year, which I find even more commendable than her performance on the track. It was a positive day for her,” said Cook.

The Midshipmen dominated the men’s 800m event, securing the top six placements. Sophomore Nick Hamby led the team with a time of 1:53.69, followed by Matthew Quispe at 1:56.98, Anthony Engle with 1:58.34, Mason Wokoma at 1:58.85, Aidan Kearns timing in at 1:59.41, and Cooper Branch rounding out the group with 2:00.45.

Freshmen Jane Phillips and Marianna Pizem made a remarkable entrance in their collegiate careers. Phillips emerged victorious in the mile with a time of 5:06.78, three seconds ahead of the runner-up. Pizem claimed the 800m event with a time of 2:15.63, while Phillips secured third place with a time of 2:17.48, contributing to her strong start to the season.

Men’s team captain Jacques Guillaume finished the 400m in first place with a time of 47.82. Senior teammate Pete deJonge took third in the 400m with a time of 49.47.

Women’s team captain Taylor Woodworth kicked off her final season impressively, winning the 400m with a time of 55.43 in the top heat.

The men’s squad continued their impressive performance by sweeping the top three positions in the 1,000m. William Gravitt led with a time of 2:27.96, followed closely by Aidan Eberhardt at 2:29.23 and Justin Hom at 2:32.06.

The invitational concluded with the men’s 4x400m relay, where the team of deJonge, Simon Alexander, David Walker, and Guillaume claimed victory convincingly with a time of 3:15.50, finishing seven seconds ahead of the second-place team.

Up Next

Navy will resume the indoor season on Jan. 11 with its annual dual meet against Princeton at the Wesley A. Brown Field House in Annapolis, Md.