eastern Michigan University Hosts MAC Indoor Track & Field Championships; Women Aim for Historic Three-Peat
Table of Contents
- eastern Michigan University Hosts MAC Indoor Track & Field Championships; Women Aim for Historic Three-Peat
- Eastern Michigan University Track and Field Teams Achieve Top Conference Rankings
- Eastern Michigan Eagles Soar in Track and Field Rankings Ahead of MAC Championships
- Eagles Dominate MAC Rankings
- USTFCCCA Event Squad rankings: Buffen and Fiaku Shine
- Program Top-10 Marks: A Season of Records
- Tiger Paw Invitational: Walkes and oloye Shine
- GVSU Big Meet: Distance Team Leads the way
- Carson McCoy Named MAC Men’s Track Athlete of the Week
- Jet’s Pizza Invitational and Meyo Invitational Highlights
- Bob Parks Memorial and Wolverine Invitational
- Fiaku and Oloye Named MAC Athletes of the Week
- GVSU Holiday Open
- Defending the Crown
- Returning MAC Champions
- Eastern Michigan University Announces Track & Field Coaching Changes, Celebrates MAC Honors
YPSILANTI, Mich. – Eastern Michigan University (EMU) is set to host the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Indoor Track & field Championships for the second consecutive year. Bowen Field House on the EMU campus will be the site of the competition, running from Friday, Feb. 28, through Saturday, March 1. The meet is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. each day. The EMU Eagles, known as the winningest indoor track & field program in MAC history, will welcome teams from across the conference as the women’s team seeks a historic three-peat.
The MAC Indoor track & field Championships will feature teams from across the conference, promising a weekend of intense competition.Participating universities include the University of Akron (men’s and women’s teams), Ball State University (women), Bowling Green State university (women), the University at Buffalo (men’s and women’s teams), Central Michigan University (women), kent State University (men’s and women’s teams), Miami University (men’s and women’s teams), Northern Illinois University (women), Ohio University (women), the University of Toledo (women), and Western Michigan University (women).This diverse array of institutions sets the stage for a highly competitive championship event.
Spectator Data and Event Details
for those planning to attend the MAC Indoor Track & Field Championships at Bowen Field House,tickets are available for purchase online. A comprehensive schedule of events, heat sheets, and a detailed parking map can also be found online. Live results will be updated throughout the meet, allowing fans to stay informed about the latest performances. Additional meet information is available on the EMU track & field schedule page.
Following the conclusion of the championships, a post-meet recap, including official results, will be published on EMUEagles.com. Fans can also follow EMU cross country/track & field on Instagram, X, and Facebook at @EMUXC_TF for real-time updates and exclusive content.
Women’s Team Pursues Historic Three-peat
The Eastern Michigan University women’s team has its sights set on a significant milestone at this year’s MAC Indoor Championships. Having secured their ninth MAC indoor title on Feb. 24,2024,the team is now striving for its first indoor three-peat in program history,following victories in 2023 and 2024. A win would also mark the first three-peat in the conference since Kent State’s women achieved the feat from 2012-14. Should the Eagles women’s team succeed, it would represent only the third three-peat in indoor MAC history on the women’s side.
At the Feb. 24, 2024, meet, the Eastern women’s team clinched its ninth MAC indoor title, dominating the competition. Paige Marchant played a pivotal role,securing three individual titles on the track. The Eagles amassed 144.5 points to claim the championship for the second consecutive year.
Marchant and Saraiah Walkes were instrumental in the team’s victory, collectively contributing 52.5 points.Marchant accounted for 30 points, winning the 800m in 2:10.26, the mile run in 4:49.67, and the 3,000m run in a meet-record time of 9:25.38. Walkes achieved times of 7.44 in the 60m dash and 24.15 in the 200m for her victory, while also running the lead leg of the victorious 4x400m relay, which clocked in at 3:44.74.
Men’s Team Aims to Reclaim the Top Spot
The men’s team finished second at the previous MAC Indoor Championships, accumulating 140 points, while Kent State emerged victorious with 155 points. Yvan Lopes Ribeiro led Eastern, scoring 18 points after securing third place in the 60m hurdles, the long jump, and the triple jump. Callum Robinson contributed 14 points to the team’s total, winning the 200m title and finishing fourth in the 60m dash. Formula Thompson also added 14 points with his victory in the long jump and fourth-place finish in the triple jump.
A Tradition of Excellence
The Eastern Michigan men’s track & field program boasts an impressive legacy, holding 18 MAC Indoor Championships, the most of any team in the conference. This includes a dominant streak of winning the first nine championships from 1996-2004. The program also recently secured three consecutive championships from 2021-23.
Eagles Excel at Silverston Invitational
In their final competition before the MAC Championships, the Eagles demonstrated their talent at the Silverston Invitational, hosted by Michigan on Feb. 21. The Eastern programs achieved nine first-place finishes, 24 personal-best (PR) marks, and one mark that secured a place within the program’s top-10 leaderboards. Notably,Nicolette Lewis won the women’s weight throw with a personal-best 16.43m (53-11.00) mark, ranking her 10th in program history.
Top Conference Times/Marks: Men
The EMU men currently hold 18 marks that rank within the conference’s top five.
| Event | name | Mark | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200m | Bamidele Ajayi | 21.67 | 4 |
| 400M | Bamidele Ajayi | 47.72 | 3 |
| 800m | Carson McCoy | 1:50.28 | 1 |
| Mile | Kian Wiles | 4:01.84 | 1 |
| 5000m | sam Peterson | 14:22.88 | 4 |
| 5000m | Kian Wiles | 14:33.07 | 5 |
Eastern Michigan University Track and Field Teams Achieve Top Conference Rankings
Published: [Current Date]
Eastern michigan University’s track and field program is making waves, with both men’s and women’s teams achieving impressive conference rankings. Several athletes have secured top positions in various events, showcasing the program’s strength and depth.From sprints to jumps, EMU athletes are consistently delivering outstanding performances.
The EMU women currently hold 13 marks that rank inside the conference top five, demonstrating their dominance across multiple disciplines. The men’s team also boasts several top-ranked athletes, contributing to the university’s overall success in track and field.
Men’s Top Conference Marks
Several EMU men have distinguished themselves with top marks in their respective events. Here’s a look at some of the highlights:
- 60m Hurdles: Leo ignacio secured a fifth-place ranking with a time of 8.25.
- 4x400m Relay: The team of Roberts, Ajayi, Olanrewaju, and Singh finished second with a time of 3:11.69.
- High Jump: Lucky Fiaku claimed the top spot with a jump of 2.10m. Ousman Kamara and Brendan Hill tied for fifth place, both clearing 2.05m.
- Long Jump: Formula Thompson dominated the event, securing first place with a jump of 7.52m. Samuel Jeffery finished third with a jump of 7.15m.
- Triple Jump: Formula Thompson also excelled in the triple jump, finishing second with a distance of 15.07m.
- Weight Throw: Jake McEachern achieved a second-place ranking with a throw of 18.64m.
- Heptathlon: Samuel Jeffery finished second with a score of 4,924. Cason Doolittle and Julien Badoo placed fourth and fifth, respectively, with scores of 4,427 and 4,152.
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Women’s Top Conference Marks
The EMU women’s team is equally impressive, with several athletes holding top conference rankings. Saraiah Walkes leads the charge with outstanding performances in multiple events.
- 60m: Saraiah Walkes secured a second-place ranking with a time of 7.46.
- 200m: Saraiah Walkes dominated the event, finishing first with a time of 23.63. Josephine Oloye also secured a top-five ranking, finishing fifth with a time of 24.06.
- 400m: Saraiah Walkes continued her impressive performance, finishing third with a time of 53.38. josephine Oloye also placed fourth with a time of 53.89.
- 800m: Chloie Musta secured a third-place ranking with a time of 2:08.26.
- 3000m: Marta Moreno finished fourth with a time of 9:18.92.
- 5000m: Marta Moreno also placed fourth in the 5000m with a time of 16:31.78.
- 4x400m Relay: The team of Walkes, Arscott, biehl, and Oloye finished first with a time of 3:43.59.
- DMR: the team of Musta,Biehl,Emin,and Henderson secured a third-place ranking with a time of 11:52.52.
- High Jump: Micah Martin claimed the top spot with a jump of 1.77m.
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Looking Ahead
With such strong performances across the board, Eastern Michigan university’s track and field teams are poised for continued success. the dedication and talent of these athletes,combined with excellent coaching,promise a shining future for the program.
Eastern Michigan Eagles Soar in Track and Field Rankings Ahead of MAC Championships
YPSILANTI, Mich. – As the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Indoor Track & Field Championships draw near, Eastern Michigan University’s track and field teams are generating significant buzz. The women’s team currently holds the coveted number one position in the MAC, according to the United states Track & Field/Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA), while the men’s team is a strong second, trailing only Akron.With the championships promising thrilling competition at Bowen Field house, the Eagles are poised to make a significant impact.
Eagles Dominate MAC Rankings
Eastern Michigan University’s track and field program is experiencing a season of remarkable achievements, marked by top rankings and outstanding individual performances. The USTFCCCA rankings underscore the program’s strength, placing the women’s team at the pinnacle of the MAC and the men’s team in a close second. Regionally, the women’s team holds tenth place in the Great Lakes Region, while the men’s team is ranked twelfth.
This impressive showing reflects the unwavering dedication and rigorous training of both the athletes and the coaching staff. The stage is set for a highly competitive season, with the Eagles steadfast to make their mark at the upcoming MAC Indoor Track & Field Championships.
USTFCCCA Event Squad rankings: Buffen and Fiaku Shine
The USTFCCCA Event Squad rankings further highlight the specific areas where Eastern Michigan excels. the women’s team boasts a national ranking of 15th in the triple jump, largely due to the exceptional performance of Kyra Buffen. On the men’s side, the high jump squad ranks 27th nationally, driven by the impressive skills of Lucky Fiaku.
Buffen’s remarkable triple jump performance is a key factor in the team’s success. Her jump of 12.20m (40-00.50) not only leads the team but also positions her among the nation’s elite triple jumpers. according to the original article, she is from Columbus, Ga. and attended Buford/Benedict. Fiaku’s high jump prowess similarly contributes to the men’s team’s national recognition. He boasts a top high jump of 2.10m (6-10.75) this season and is from Nimo, Nigeria, attending Busy International Secondary.
Program Top-10 Marks: A Season of Records
The Eastern Michigan track and field program has witnessed a flurry of record-breaking performances this season. the women’s team has achieved an impressive 17 program top-10 marks. Most recently, at the Silverston Invitational, Lewis secured the program’s 10th best weight throw mark at 16.43m (53-11.00),earning a first-place finish. The men’s team has also been making its mark, with several athletes achieving top-10 performances in various events.
Samuel Jeffery achieved five heptathlon top-10 times at the Jet’s Pizza Invitational, held Jan. 31-Feb. 1. These included the 1000m run (No. 4 – 2:47.13), long jump (No. 5 – 6.81m), day one scoring (No. 5 – 2,825),day two scoring (No.7 – 2,099),and high jump (No. 8 – 1.88m). Jeffery is from Fonthill, Ontario and attended E.L. Crossley Secondary. Cason Doolittle set the heptathlon program record in the 1000m, finishing in 2:44.01,and recorded the ninth-best 60m hurdles time in 8.76. Doolittle is from Findlay, Ohio and attended Liberty Benton.Freshman Julien Badoo also secured the seventh-best heptathlon 1000m run in 2:54.10. Badoo is from Germantown, Md. and attended Seneca Valley.
Tiger Paw Invitational: Walkes and oloye Shine
The Tiger Paw Invitational, held Feb. 14-15,saw standout performances from several Eastern michigan athletes. walkes achieved two personal records (PRs) and two MAC top-three times, setting two program No. 2 times. She ran the 200m dash in a MAC-best and PR of 23.63, and the 400m in 53.38. Josephine Oloye also set a PR and the fifth-best time in program history with a 53.89 400m.
The 4x400m relay team, consisting of Tajay Roberts, Bamidele Ajayi, Olawole Olanrewaju, and Gabe Singh, achieved a MAC-best time of 3:11.69, nearly two seconds faster than the second-best time held by Akron. Roberts is from Sunrise, Fla. and attended Dillard. Ajayi is from eikiti state, Nigeria and attended Metropolitan International College/lenoir-Rhyne. Olanrewaju is from Akoko North-West,Nigeria and attended wallas Worldwide Secondary/School Lenoir-Rhyne. Singh is from Toledo, Ohio and attended Sylvania Northview/oakland.
GVSU Big Meet: Distance Team Leads the way
At the GVSU Big Meet, also held Feb. 14-15, the men’s distance team led the way. Kian Wiles improved his MAC-best mile time by approximately two seconds, finishing first in a PR of 4:01.84. This marked his second consecutive personal record in the event, bringing him just 0.59 seconds away from the 10th-fastest time in program history. Wiles is from Hull, England and attended St. Mary’s College. Micah Martin and Chloie Musta led the women’s performances. martin placed second in the high jump invite with a conference-best and PR leap of 1.77m (5-09.75), securing the fourth-best mark in program history. Martin is from Clinton Township, Mich. and attended L’Anse Creuse. Musta excelled in the 800m, placing second in 2:08.26,setting a personal record by over one second and marking the sixth-fastest time in program history.Her 800m time also stands as the third-best in the conference. Musta is from Mesick,Mich.and attended Cadillac.
Carson McCoy Named MAC Men’s Track Athlete of the Week
Carson McCoy earned the first conference athlete of the week award of his career after running a personal record and MAC-best 1:50.28 800m at the Michigan Invitational on Feb. 8. This marked the Eagles’ third award of the season, following Fiaku and oloye, who previously earned the honor on Dec. 10. Fiaku was named men’s field athlete of the week, and Oloye was named women’s track athlete of the week.
Jet’s Pizza Invitational and Meyo Invitational Highlights
Freshman multi-athlete Shay Clemetson highlighted the eagles’ performances at the Jet’s pizza Invitational,winning the pentathlon with 3,379 points. Clemetson is from Naples, Fla. and attended Barron collier. jeffery placed second in the heptathlon for the men with 4,924 points, the second-best mark in the MAC this season.
At the Meyo Invitational,Wiles placed second out of 37 student-athletes in the open mile in 4:03.26, a time that stands as the top in the MAC and a personal best. Moreno raced in the 3000m final, finishing 11th out of 27 student-athletes and shattering her previous personal best by nearly 27 seconds, finishing in 9:18.92. Her time is the fifth-best in program history and the fourth-fastest in the conference.
Bob Parks Memorial and Wolverine Invitational
At the Bob Parks Memorial, the Eastern women’s team won six events and placed in the top three 14 times, landing one mark inside the program top 10 and collecting 13 collegiate personal records. The men claimed five events, tabbed 14 top-three finishes, and earned 17 PRs.
At the Wolverine Invitational,Oloye broke the program record in the 300m dash,tying for first in 38.05.Buffen secured a first-place finish in the triple jump with an 11.79m (38-08.25) bound. For the men, Thompson placed first in the triple jump with a mark of 15.07m (49-05.50), while McCoy and Fiaku earned second-place outings. McCoy earned silver in the 600m dash in 1:19.25, and Fiaku collected his second consecutive second-place finish in the high jump, leaping 2.06m (6-09.00).
Fiaku and Oloye Named MAC Athletes of the Week
Fiaku and Oloye were each named MAC Athletes of the week on Dec.10. Fiaku earned the honor after starting his collegiate career with a second-place 2.09m (6-10.25) performance in the high jump at the GVSU Holiday Open on Dec. 6.Oloye captured her first athlete of the week honors with a first-place outing in the 400m dash at the same event, crossing the finish line in 54.68, a time that ranked as the third-best in the MAC, 39th fastest in the NCAA, and ninth in EMU program history.
GVSU Holiday Open
At the GVSU Holiday Open, the women posted 13 top-three finishes and set four marks that landed inside the program top 10, while the men notched four top-three finishes. in total, the Eagles recorded 52 collegiate personal-best marks, with the men setting 27 and the women 24.
Defending the Crown
The Eagles’ women’s team captured its ninth MAC title at the 2024 MAC Indoor track & Field Championships and are aiming for their 10th title in the 2025 indoor season. A victory at the MAC indoor Championships would mark the first three-peat from the women’s team in program history.
Returning MAC Champions
The men return one former MAC Champion in Thompson, who won the long jump at the indoor championships with a 7.68m (25-02.50) jump and the triple jump at the outdoor championships,bounding 15.57m (51-01.00).
On the women’s side, EMU returns former MAC champions Buffen, walkes, and Marchant. Buffen won the triple jump at both the indoor and outdoor conference meets, with her best mark coming at the outdoor meet, leaping 12.64m (41-05.75). Walkes captured individual conference titles in the indoor season in the 200m dash (24.15) and the 60m dash (7.44). marchant earned three individual championships at the MAC Indoor Championships,winning the 800m (2:10.26), mile (4:49.67), and 3000m (9:25.38). She also set the women’s indoor mile record last season, finishing the race in 4:38.91 on Feb. 10. Tijana Japundzic, Oloye, and Walkes also earned titles in the 4x400m relay. Japundzic is from Belgrade, serbia and attended technical School “New Belgrade”.
Eastern Michigan University Announces Track & Field Coaching Changes, Celebrates MAC Honors
YPSILANTI, Mich. – Eastern Michigan University (EMU) is gearing up for the 2024-25 track and field season with significant adjustments to its coaching staff. Chris Best and Sterling Roberts have been promoted to Directors of Cross Country/track & Field, signaling a renewed commitment to athletic excellence.Best will take the helm as head coach for the women’s team, while Roberts will lead the men’s team. These changes come as the Mid-American Conference (MAC) recognized several EMU athletes and coaches for their outstanding achievements, including Paige Marchant, who earned the title of MAC Women’s Most Valuable Track Performer.
Coaching Staff Adjustments for 2024-25 Season
eastern Michigan University has announced key changes to its track and field coaching staff, effective for the upcoming 2024-25 campaign. The promotions of Chris Best and Sterling Roberts to Directors of Cross Country/Track & Field underscore the university’s dedication to providing strong leadership and fostering excellence within its athletic programs. Best will now serve as the head coach for the women’s team, while roberts will lead the men’s team, each bringing their unique expertise to guide their respective squads.
Sue Parks, formerly an Associate Head coach, will transition back to hands-on coaching duties as an Associate Head coach. She will also continue her role as the Head Women’s Cross Country Coach, ensuring continuity and leveraging her extensive experience to benefit the team’s continued success. Parks’ return to a more direct coaching role is expected to provide invaluable support and guidance to the athletes.
Adding fresh perspectives to the coaching roster are two new faces: Austin Whitelaw and Nia Henderson.Whitelaw joins Eastern Michigan after serving as an assistant track & field/cross country coach and recruiting coordinator for the University of Connecticut from 2022-24. Henderson brings five years of NAIA coaching experience, having previously overseen nine NAIA All-Americans at Madonna University. her accomplishments were recognized in 2023 when she was named Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference Assistant Coach of the Year.
2024 MAC Honors
The Mid-American Conference (MAC) has recognized several Eastern Michigan University track and field athletes and coaches for their outstanding achievements during the 2024 season. Paige Marchant earned the prestigious title of MAC Women’s Most Valuable Track Performer and most Outstanding Track Performer in the indoor season. Her exceptional performances have set a high standard for the team and highlight her dedication and talent.
In addition to Marchant’s accolades, Sue Parks was named MAC Women’s Coach of the Year, and Chris Best earned Women’s Assistant Coach of the year honors after the indoor championships. These awards underscore the dedication and expertise of the coaching staff in developing top-tier athletes and fostering a winning environment.
“These awards highlight the dedication and expertise of the coaching staff in developing top-tier athletes.”
All-MAC Returners
Eastern Michigan University boasts a strong contingent of returning all-MAC honorees from both the indoor and outdoor seasons. These athletes are expected to play a crucial role in the team’s success in the upcoming year, bringing experience and talent to the forefront.
Indoor Season
The Eagles welcome back 11 All-MAC honorees from the indoor season, setting a solid foundation for continued success.
Women’s All-MAC Returners:
- Kyra Buffen
- Tijana Japundzic
- Paige Marchant
- Josephine Oloye
- Saraiah Walkes
Men’s All-MAC returners:
- Formula Thompson
- Shelton Bass
- Eric Haddock Jr.
- Brendan Hill
- Tajay Roberts
- Gabe Singh
Outdoor Season
The eagles also return seven All-MAC athletes from the outdoor season, further strengthening their roster and competitive edge.
Women’s All-MAC Returners:
- Kyra Buffen
- Paige Marchant
- Saraiah Walkes
- Josephine Oloye
Men’s All-MAC Returners:
- Formula Thompson
- Gabe Singh
- Jake McEachern
National and International Competition
Eastern Michigan University athletes have made their mark on the national and international stage, showcasing their talent and dedication in high-level competitions. Jake McEachern excelled at the Canadian U20 Track & Field Championships, securing victories in multiple events. He demonstrated his versatility and skill by winning the hammer throw with a distance of 67.32 meters (220-10), the shotput with 15.93 meters (52-03.16), and the discus with 49.22 meters (161-05).
Formula Thompson competed at the Jamaican Olympic Trials in the long and triple jump, representing Eastern Michigan University on an international platform.Kayenn Mabin also earned a spot at the USA U20 Track & Field Championships in the 110m hurdles, further highlighting the university’s commitment to developing athletes who can compete at the highest levels.
Looking Ahead
The indoor season will conclude with the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, March 14-15, in Virginia Beach, Va. The Virginia Beach Sports Centre will host the event, bringing together top athletes from across the nation. A list of meet participants will be available Tuesday, March 4.
If no Eagles qualify for the NCAA Indoor Championships, the team will commence the outdoor season with the Texas Relays, Bobcat Invitational & multis, and the Raleigh Relays, March 27-29. These events will provide valuable opportunities for the athletes to showcase their skills and prepare for the challenges ahead.
Eastern Michigan university’s (EMU) track and field teams are poised for success at the upcoming Mid-american Conference (MAC) Indoor Track & Field championships. Both the men’s and women’s teams have achieved high rankings and numerous top performances throughout the season.
Women’s Team:
Rankings: Currently ranked #1 in the MAC and 10th in the Great Lakes region (USTFCCCA). 15th nationally in the triple jump (due to Kyra Buffen’s performance). Holds 13 top-five conference marks and 17 program top-10 marks.
Key athletes:
Saraiah Walkes: Dominates in the 60m,200m,and 400m,holding multiple top conference rankings and program best times. Meaningful contributor to the 4x400m relay’s success.
paige Marchant: Secured three individual titles (800m, mile, 3000m) at the previous MAC Indoor Championships, contributing significantly to the team’s ninth MAC indoor title.
Nicolette Lewis: Won the women’s weight throw at the Silverston Invitational with a personal best, ranking 10th in program history.
Josephine Oloye: Contributed to the 200m and 400m team success with top-five finishes.
Kyra Buffen: Her triple jump performance places her among the nation’s elite and contributes to the team’s national ranking.
Goals: Aiming for a historic three-peat at the MAC Indoor championships, which would be only the third time this has been achieved in the conference’s history on the women’s side.
Men’s Team:
Rankings: Currently ranked #2 in the MAC and 12th in the Great Lakes Region (USTFCCCA). 27th nationally in the high jump (due to Lucky Fiaku’s performance). holds 18 top-five conference marks.
Key Athletes:
Lucky fiaku: Holds the top spot in the high jump.
formula Thompson: Dominated the long jump, taking first place, and finished second in the triple jump.
Callum Robinson: Won the 200m and finished fourth in the 60m dash at the previous MAC Indoor Championships.
Yvan Lopes Ribeiro: Scored 18 points at the previous MAC Indoor Championships with top-three finishes in hurdles, long jump, and triple jump.
Carson McCoy: Holds the top ranking in the 800m.
Kian Wiles: Holds the top ranking in the mile.
Samuel Jeffery: Achieved multiple top 10 heptathlon times.
Cason Doolittle: Set the heptathlon program record in the 1000m.
Julien Badoo: Secured a top 10 heptathlon finish.
Goals: Aiming to reclaim the top spot at the MAC Indoor Championships.
Overall: EMU’s track and field program is experiencing a very successful season, with both the men’s and women’s teams showcasing remarkable talent and depth across various events. Their strong performances and high rankings make them top contenders at the upcoming MAC Indoor Championships. The championships will be held at Bowen Field house on the EMU campus from February 28th to March 1st. Tickets and more information are available online.