JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – For the second straight year, Central Arkansas swept the ASUN Outdoor Track and Field Championships. The men tallied 229 total points, defeating the next closest team, North Florida, by 65 points. The women's team ran away with the competition, totaling 215 points and beating out Lipscomb by 99 points.
"This weekend was a reflection of resilience, leadership, and belief. Winning both the men's and women's ASUN Conference Championships and completing the back-to-back double crown says everything about the character of this team," Bears head coach, Josey Weaver, said. "Our men have battled through adversity and injuries all season, while both programs carried the pressure and expectations that come with having a target on your back."
On the final day, the Bears racked up 16 podium finishes, including nine gold medals. After a gold medal finish in the decathlon, second-place in pole vault, fifth-place in shot put, and fifth-place in javelin, totaling 26 points, Nathan Uptagrafft was named the Men's Most Valuable Performer of the Championships. After scoring 22.5 points with gold medal finishes in the 100-meter and 200-meter dash and 4x100 relay, Brenae Allen was recognized as the Women's Most Valuable Performer for the Championships, backing up her MVP performance at the Indoor ASUN Championships.
"I'm incredibly proud of Brenae Allen being named MVP of the meet. Nobody deserves it more — her work ethic, consistency, and commitment continue to show up in the biggest moments," Weaver said. "I'm also proud of Nathan Uptagrafft for the growth he's shown as a leader and competitor. He has become irreplaceable to our program, and it's rewarding to see his hard work pay off."
On top of these honors, Central Arkansas head coach, Josey Weaver, was also named Outdoor Men's and Women's Head Coach of the Year for the second consecutive year.
Uptagrafft started the day with a silver medal for the Bears in the pole vault, clearing 4.67 meters (15-03.75). Tomas Farr, Cole Hungate, Sloan Jones, and Lance McNew all also earned scoring finishes in the event.
Maverick Walker then earned the first gold medal of the day for Central Arkansas in the triple jump event, leaping 15.18 meters (49-09.75).
In the shot put, Jaden Schneeberger earned another gold medal and set a new school record, marking at 18.49 meters (60-08). Eli Jones, Devyn Steingisser, and Zahir Mcphail also earned scoring places for the Bears.
Sadie Hamby earned the first gold medal of the day for the women's team, marking at 41.37 meters (135-08) in the javelin. Madisyn Crandall, Emily Morrison, MaLea Wiggins, and Keirstin Moore all added scoring finishes in the event.
The women's 4x100 relay team of Brenae Allen, Raghan Allen, Baleigh Cashion, and Troynelle Miller set a new conference and school record with a time of 44.29 on their way to a gold medal finish in the event.
Zoe Williams added another gold medal, finishing first with a time of 13.63 in the 100-meter hurdles event. Symone Quiles added a scoring finish in the event as well.
In the 400-meter dash, Keaton Hansard earned the gold medal, finishing over half a second faster than the second-place finisher, with a time of 46.22.
Brenae Allen added her second gold medal of the day with a first-place finish in the 100-meter dash with a time of 11.40. Raghan Allen and Troynelle Miller took silver and bronze to complete the podium sweep for the Bears in the event, while Danyelle Poole and Kendra Tyus claimed scoring finishes.
Xavier Simpkins used a time of 53.02 in the 400-meter hurdles to claim a bronze medal, while Byron Holt and Christian Brown took scoring finishes in the event.
In the 200-meter dash, Clifton McBride earned the gold medal with a 21.10 finish. Keaton Hansard earned a scoring finish.
Brenae Allen took her third gold medal of the day in the women's running of the 200-meter dash, setting a new school record in the process with a time of 23.34. Danyelle Poole and Troynelle Miller each earned a scoring finish in the event.
"Championships are special, but the people and the journey behind them are what make them meaningful," Weaver reflected. "This one was earned by every single team member. From those scoring points to those pushing their teammates every day at practice, every person played a role in building this championship culture."
For full results and meet information, please visit the meet page.
