The Academy of Art University‘s track and field team had an electrifying weekend at the Texas Relays and Stanford Invite, showcasing exceptional talent and breaking records left and right. Leading the charge was Juvonna Cornette, whose blazing speed in the 100m dash not only secured her a new ART U record of 11.43 but also catapulted her to the top spot in the country.
Not to be outdone, Katharina Goetschl made her mark in the highly competitive 3000m steeplechase, setting another ArtU record with a remarkable time of 10:25.49. Goetschl’s performance outpaced 11 competitors in her section, including several NCAA DI runners, and broke her program record by nearly three seconds.
The women’s relay team, consisting of Toni-Ann Lindsay, Lauryn James, Darria Matthias, and Juvonna Cornette, delivered a breathtaking performance, clocking in at 1:34.87 in the 4x100m relay. This remarkable time tied the NCAA DII record and set a new program record for ArtU by more than four seconds.
On the men’s side, Emmanuel Ajiroba, Ajani Ince, Shareez Hamm, and Omodiaogbe Oboh showcased their speed and teamwork in the 4x200m relay, crossing the finish line in an impressive 1:23.85. This time, they secured an ArtU record, ranking as the third-fastest in NCAA DII history and marking the program’s best by over a second.
Coach Kevin LaSure emphasized the team’s goal of having fun while aiming to break school and national records in events like the 4×200 and Sprint Medley. Regarding training methods, he highlighted the importance of consistent training weeks and increased confidence among athletes. Shareez Hamm echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude for the extraordinary accomplishment and crediting the coaches for their integral role in the team’s success. He emphasized the significance of consistency in training and highlighted the camaraderie among teammates.
Overall, it was a memorable weekend for the Academy of Art track and field team. These outstanding achievements reflect the athletes’ and coaches’ dedication and talent and signal exciting progress for the program.
