WILMINGTON, N.C. – North Carolina Central's track and field teams opened the outdoor season by collecting seven wins at the Seahawk Invitational, hosted by UNC Wilmington on March 6-7 at the Greene Track & Field Complex.

Juan Tinajero Jr. kicked off the meet with a victory in the men's 5,000m race on Friday. The freshman finished with a time of 16:28.73. He also competed in the 1,500m, recording a season-best time of 4:19.10.

The Eagles picked up momentum on Saturday. Orlando McClean earned the first victory of the day, winning the men's 100m in 10.63 seconds for a new personal record. Kayla Johnson followed with a win in the women's 800m, finishing in 2:16.89.

Later in the afternoon, Melanne Sutton earned her first win of the season in the women's 200m, finishing in 24.35 seconds. Sutton also competed in the women's 4x400m relay, where the Eagles had two teams in the event final. Sutton, T'Sheylah Moore, Gianna Marquez and Nyree Bacchus won the relay with a time of 3:59.43, while the second NCCU team finished third.

In the field events, Tia Lucas and Rachel Key-White claimed victories in two jumping events. Key-White won the women's triple jump with a final leap of 11.19m. Lucas captured the women's high jump title by clearing 1.70m, while Key-White finished second with a mark of 1.65m.

NC Central will now prepare for the Raleigh Relays on March 26-28, hosted by NC State.

NCCU's First Place Finishes

Women's 4x400m – T'Sheylah Moore, Gianna Marquez, Melanne Sutton, Nyree Bacchus (3:59.43)

Men's 100m – Orlando McClean (10.63)

Women's 200m – Melanne Sutton (24.35)

Women's 800m – Kayla Johnson (2:16.89)

Men's 5000m – Juan Tinajero Jr. (16:28.73)

Women's High Jump – Tia Lucas (1.70m)

Women's Triple Jump – Rachel Key-White (11.19m)

For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.