While many were finalizing their Spring Break plans, and departing to the various destinations around the country, the Sam Houston State University men and women’s track and field teams were busy engaging in competition. The team hosted the York Relays, which took place March 9-10 at Bowers Stadium.
The event was unique in that it is the only track event to be hosted on the campus of Sam Houston this season. As an invitational meet, the event allowed for competition amongst schools and track programs that would not otherwise be seen competing together with schools as well as running clubs participating in the races.
A wide array of colleges from were represented, including Lamar University, Southwestern Christian College, Dallas Baptist University, Prairie View A&M, Rice University, Wiley College, Paul Quinn College and Southern Illinois. Several track club teams took to the track as well, including Speed Koncept, Serious Speed Track Club, Tri Vantage Racing and Dallas Flyers Elite.
An unlikely team came from the small country of Saint Kilts and Nevis. The small Caribbean country, only 261 square miles encompassing both islands. Located 1300 miles southeast of Miami, this country of over 40,000 inhabitants, brought five athletes to Huntsville in hopes for preparation for future events.
Led by Saint Kitts and Nevis National Track Coach Eric Francis, this was the runners first competition this season and Francis said they were not necessarily concerned with the results.
“All of our athletes are under 23 years old,” Coach Francis said “So we are using this competition as preparation for the Junior Championship”
Though the York Relays may have the impression of being a small get-together of the United Nations, it was a track event and the hosting Sam Houston State Bearkats dominated the event by claiming first place in many events.
For the women’s team, Tiffany Singleton and Devyn Mitchell were both victorious in the 400 meter dash. Jessica Fisher (100 meter dash), Regina Offord (200 meter dash), Darnesha Stonum (400 meter hurdles) and Allison Ferries (1500 meter run) also earned top finishes in their respective divisions. Shannon Brown placed first in both the Triple Jump and the long jump while Kim Olison claimed top prize in the Javelin Throw, Mallory Adams in the discus throw and Kristi Hermes in the high jump.
As a team, the women also earned first in both the 4×400 Meter Relay, and the 4×100 Meter Relay.
Not to be outdone, the men’s team results finished comparably to the women’s. The Bearkats earned first place in both the 4×100 and 4×400 relays. Chris Edison took first place in the 400 Meter Dash, while teammate Morten Munkholm took first in the 800 Meter Run. Rounding out other first place finishing Bearkats were Matt Adkisson (Pole Vault) Chris Cralle (Hammer Throw) and Jonny Tipton (Javelin Throw).