BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Cumberland’s women turned in strong performances at last weekend’s UAB Spring Invitational, highlighted by Praise Idamadudu’s dominant win in the 400m.
Idamadudu blazed to victory in 53.75 seconds, securing the NAIA ‘A’ standard and the No. 1 ranking in the nation. She was named Mid-South Conference Track Athlete of the Week on Monday. Teammate Ezthia Maycock recorded a personal best in the event, finishing 22nd in 58.85, with Ifunanya Muoghalu close behind in 23rd (59.05).
In the field events, Wilson Central-grad Zoe Vlk delivered another impressive showing, finishing second in the shot put with a mark of 13.33m and placing third in the discus (39.90m). She also claimed seventh in the hammer throw with a toss of 42.61m.
Isabelle Aalders secured a runner-up finish in the high jump, clearing 1.66m to earn an NAIA ‘B’ standard and the 10th-best mark in the nation. Aalders also finished seventh in the javelin throw (36.34m).
On the track, Isabella Lehtinen placed sixth in the 400m hurdles (1:04.92), while Leesa Mutandwa competed in both sprints and jumps, taking 24th in the 200m (26.37) and 12th in the high jump (1.48m).
Cumberland’s distance crew saw Lauren Crissenger compete in two events, placing 21st in the 1500m (5:13.42) and 11th in the 2000m steeplechase (8:14.40). Samantha Parker led the Phoenix in the 5000m, finishing 16th in 20:15.95.
The Phoenix will continue their outdoor season this weekend at the University of Tennessee taking part in the Tennessee Relays.
Bokpin sets two facility records, named MSC Track Athlete of Week
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Cumberland’s men delivered an impressive showing at last weekend’s UAB Spring Invitational, highlighted by Mustapha Bokpin’s record-setting performances in the 100m and 200m dashes.
Bokpin dominated the sprints, winning the 100m in 10.28 seconds to set a UAB facility record and hit the NAIA ‘A’ standard. He followed up with another record-breaking run in the 200m, finishing in 20.49 seconds—nearly a full second ahead of second place—to notch another ‘A’ standard. His 100m time finished as the fastest in the NAIA while the 200m time landed at No. 2 this season.
The Phoenix found success in the relays as well, with the 4x400m squad of Dinkon Sinisterra, Benjamin Nyakudya, Veron Ifill, and Bokpin securing second place in 3:16.06, earning an NAIA ‘B’ standard and the fifth-fastest time in the nation.
Bokpin earned his second Mid-South Conference Track Athlete of the Week award Monday.
Nyakudya also posted a strong individual effort in the 400m, placing fourth in 48.97 seconds.
In the distance events, Kennedy Bett took first in the 5000m, clocking 15:05.59, while Matteo Abel (9th, 16:02.36) and Ethan Garcia (11th, 16:07.66) also secured top-15 finishes.
In the field events, Dinkon Sinisterra finished fifth in the javelin throw (45.77m), while Ahmed Demerdash placed seventh in the triple jump (13.50m).
The Phoenix will be back on the track again this weekend in Knoxville, taking part in the Tennessee Relays at the University of Tennessee.
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