Rodriguez and Baptiste take home medals at The Sun Conference Championship. (April 28, 2024)
(Results)
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (April 28, 2024) – Florida National University’s track and field had two athletes earn spots on the podium at The Sun Conference Championship hosted by St. Thomas University. This competitive meet featuring Southeastern University, Keiser University and Ave Maria University began April 27 and saw FNU’s men’s and women’s teams place eight out of nine teams, respectively.
Day one was a spectacular spectacle for FNU, as Michael Kipchumba set the school record in the 10K. This was the first time any Conquistador ever participated in this event. A new school record in the 110M hurdles belonged to Lucas Woodside, and he moved on to the finals on April 28. Also making an appearance in a final was freshman Mario Martinez in the men’s 800M.
The women found equal success on the first day of this competitive meet with Miel Johnson earning runner-up in the women’s discus throw, recording a personal record. Christina Adams grabbed a school record in the 800M and a spot in the final. Notably, Joelle Baptiste’s school record performance was the fastest 400M hurdle qualifying time.
Day two saw FNU’s Ivan Rodriguez crowned as the Sun Conference champion in the triple jump, posting a mark of 13.91M. Along with this honor, Rodriguez pointed in the high jump. The men’s 4x100M relay team of Devanie Dawson, Michael Carrasco Rodriguez, Trevor Moonin, Woodside pointed and set the school record of 42.37. Despite an impressive showing in the preliminaries, Woodside false started at the starting line and was handed an unfortunate disqualification.
Baptiste placed third in the 400M hurdles, running a personal record of 1:04.48. She hit a National B standard and is the first female national qualifier in FNU history. Adams pointed in the 1500M with a time of 5:06.74.
Up Next: FNU’s qualifiers prepare for the NAIA Outdoor National Championship starting May 22.
