HIALEAH, Fla. — In a milestone moment for a program in its inaugural season, the Carolina University Track & Field team delivered a strong showing at the CAC Conference Championships, hosted by Florida National College. Competing against established programs, the Bruins demonstrated depth, resilience, and rising talent on both the men's and women's sides.
The women's team placed 5th out of 6 teams, highlighted by a standout performance from Selah Hampton. Hampton accounted for over half of the team's scoring, tallying 12 of 22 points while placing 4th in the 400 meters—cutting three seconds off her previous time—4th in the 400-meter hurdles, and 7th in the 200 meters.
Carlota Lobete added valuable points with a 6th-place finish in the 100 meters and another 6th-place finish in the long jump, contributing to the team's overall effort.
On the men's side, Carolina University turned heads with a 2nd-place overall team finish, signaling the program's immediate competitiveness. The relay squads delivered key performances, with the 4x100-meter relay team (Lamine Diop, Jakori, Chris, Jerrod) earning 3rd place, while the 4x400-meter relay team (Jaylen Killiens McIntyre, Lamine Diop, Chris, Jakori) placed 4th.
Distance standout Jose Gomez Baltazar placed 5th in the 5,000 meters (16:49) and 7th in the 1,500 meters, while Lamine Diop showcased remarkable versatility across multiple events. Diop secured 3rd place finishes in the 110-meter hurdles, 400-meter hurdles, long jump, triple jump, and high jump, along with a 6th-place finish in the 400 meters.
Field events proved especially strong for the Bruins. Majesti Carter placed 4th in the high jump, 5th in the triple jump, 6th in the long jump, and 5th in the shot put. Jaylen Killiens McIntyre delivered a dominant performance, capturing 1st place in the triple jump (12.77m) and 1st in the long jump, while also finishing 2nd in the high jump, matching his personal record at 1.87 meters.
Beyond competition, Carolina University was also recognized for its sportsmanship and character. Jose Gomez Baltazar and Selah Hampton were honored with the Champion of Character Award, representing the program's commitment to excellence both on and off the track.
Head Coach Caleb Thornburg praised his team's performance and growth throughout the season:
"For a first-year program, this meet showed exactly what we're building at Carolina University. Our athletes competed with heart, discipline, and belief. To see our men finish second and our women continue to improve across the board is something to be proud of. This is just the beginning for us."
With a strong foundation established in their debut season, Carolina University Track & Field looks poised to build on this success and continue its upward trajectory in the years ahead.
