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WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - The North Carolina Central University men’s and women’s track and field teams had a stellar weekend, opening the outdoor season at the Wake Forest Invitational on March 16-17 in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Junior jumper Nana Atakora-Bediako was the Eagles' sole first place finisher, winning the men’s triple jump with a 15.04-meter (49 feet, 4.25 inches) leap.

On the women’s side, junior Ashley McCoy led the way with a second place finish during the women’s 100 meter dash (11.83 seconds), and a fifth place finish during the 200m dash (24.51).

The Lady Eagles posted six other top-10 performances. Ciara Houston earned a sixth place time during the 400m dash (56.34). Delesha Conquest also obtained a sixth place finish during the 100m hurdles (14.64) along with finishing in seventh place during the 400m hurdles (1:02.65).  La’Creesha Gore earned her sixth and seventh place finishes for the Lady Eagles in the 200m and 100m dashes with times of 24.67 and 12.12 respectively. Rounding out the top-10 for NCCU was senior Paig Robinson who finished in 10th place during the women’s javelin throw with a throw landing at the 36.62m mark (120ft, 2 in).

The NCCU men’s team also posted seven top-10 performances in addition to Atakora-Bediako’s first place finish. Willie Calvin earned a fourth place finish during the men’s high jump with a 2.07m (6ft, 9.5in) leap. Orolando Duffus along with Calvin also finished in the top-10 earning fourth and sixth place during the men’s long jump with 7.07m and 7.01m jumps. LaRon Blount placed sixth during the men’s shot put ‘B’ competition with a 11.51m (37ft, 9.25in) throw, Phillip Barren finished eighth during the 100m dash (10.73) and completing the top-10 for the Eagles was senior Nealie Whitt who finished in ninth during the men’s shot put ‘A’ with his 15.09m (49 ft, 6.25in) throw.

The Eagles continue the outdoor season Saturday, March 24 when they host  their annual L.T. Walker/Lee Calhoun Invitational meet in Durham, N.C.