DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central University's director of track & field and cross country T.J. Walker, announced the signing class for the 2024-25 season.
The coaching staff has added both freshmen and transfers to the teams with many boasting high school and state records looking to contribute right away.
Sprints
Five new Eagles have joined the sprint squad at NCCU; four are in-state products. The only transfer from the group is Kiara Campbell of Fairmont, N.C., formerly of the University of Mount Olive. Her specialties are the 100 and 200m. Savon Hatchell (Jacksonville, N.C.) also runs the same events as Campbell.
Cashmere James (Wilmington, N.C.) was crowned the 2024 NCHSAA 4A champion in the 400m in his last season at New Hanover High School. His time of 46.20 broke a state record dating back to 1983 garnering a top-20 ranking in the event nationally.
Dwan Bell (Elizabeth City, N.C.) will join James in the 400m event after success at the Adidas Nationals and NCHSAA 2A Championships this past season. Channing Arnold (Marietta, Ga.) will not only contribute to sprints but also competes in the long jump. Some of her personal records include 12.11 (100m), 24.35 (200m), 57.20 (400m) and 18-0 (Long Jump).
Distance
One season after finishing third at the MEAC Cross Country Championships, the Eagles' highest finish in Division I history, the distance signees range from national to international talent. Three of those recruits are from Kenya. Paul Kirongo (Nandi County, Kenya) and Wesley Kibet (Eldoret, Kenya) will be competing in their first collegiate seasons while Evans Kimutai (Eldoret, Kenya) brings experience as a transfer from the University of North Alabama specializing in the 5000m (15:28 PR). Another transfer joining the nest is Jason McIntyre Jr. from Louisburg College.
The Eagles added multiple women on board including two transfers. Kayla Johnson (Huguenot, N.Y.) ran for Monroe College earning junior college All-American honors clocking in at 19:06, 2:14.98 and 4:51.70 in cross country, 800m and 1500m, respectively. Alitza Dennard (Lawrenceville, Ga.) had a 19:01 and 4:50.77 PR in cross country and the 1500m, respectively while running at Campbell University.
Sharon Magut is from Kitale, Kenya but ran for Forsyth Country Day School in Lewisville, N.C. for her final year of high school running impressive times including 2:22.03 in the 800m. The last freshman set to make her mark with the Eagles is Madison McDowell of Flossmoor, Ill.
Throws
Heading to the field, the Eagles added pieces to the throws squad. Saniya Fowlers (Nacogdoches, Texas) comes over from the University of the Incarnate Word after placing third at the Southland Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championships in shot put. She also competes in discus, hammer and weight throw.
Jaeda Harris and Destiny Faison are two more transfers added to the program. Harris of Charlotte, N.C. and Faison of Clayton, N.C. were at Appalachian State University and the University of Mount Olive, respectively.
Khamani Johnson and Rah'shea Christopher are both hometown products out of Southern High School. Johnson was a 2023 Adidas Nationals Elite discus runner-up and also throws shot put.
Incoming freshmen Julian Williams (Willingboro, N.J.) and Carlton Wright (Winston-Salem, N.C.) will step in looking to contribute. Williams was a 2024 New Balance Nationals qualifier and also won a Group 2 State Championship in New Jersey throwing shot put.
Jumps
After much success in jumps in previous seasons for NC Central, Naa'Irah Andrews and Theodore Skinner are now a part of the ranks for the Eagles. Andrews, another Willingboro, N.J. native specializes in the high jump leaving New Jersey as a state champion. Skinner (Garner, N.C.) was the 2024 NCHSAA 4A East Regional champion in the high jump event and finished third at the state championships.
COMING UP!
NC Central's cross country season begins on Friday, Sept. 6 at the UNCW Beach Blast in Wilmington, N.C. The men's 5K begins at 6:30 p.m. with the women's 5K following at 7 p.m.
For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com, or download the NCCU Eagles Athletics app.
