GREENSBORO, N.C. – The North Carolina Central men's and women's track and field teams completed competition at the Aggie Invitational on April 17-18, earning several victories in distance events. Four Eagles returned to the Nest with individual wins.
On Friday, NCCU opened the meet strongly, capturing titles in the men's and women's 1,500m as well as the men's 5,000m. Aaron Alukunyang secured his second win of the season, and his first in the 1,500m with a personal-best time of 3:50.45. Emmanuel Paddyfote followed closely, placing second in 3:54.10. In the women's 1,500m, Laila Jackson claimed first place, crossing the finish line in 4:32.54.
Three Eagles posted top-three finishes in the 5,000m races. Evans Kimutai won the men's race in 15:52.43, while Juan Tinajero Jr. finished second in 15:57.83. On the women's side, Alitza Dennard placed second with a time of 18:21.89.
On Saturday, Kayla Johnson earned her third 800m victory this outdoor season, setting a new personal best of 2:08.09. Nyree Bacchus recorded a top-five finish in the women's 400m, placing fifth in 54.48. Wesley Kibet competed in the men's 3,000m steeplechase, finishing fifth in 11:19.30.
In field events, Tia Lucas secured a second-place finish in the women's high jump, clearing 1.73 meters for a season-best mark. She now holds the top high jump mark in the MEAC and ranks second on the HBCU performance list.
The Eagles head to Penn Relays on April 23-25 in Philadelphia, as the regular season begins to wind down.
NCCU's Top Five Finishes
Women 800m – Kayla Johnson (1st, 2:08.09)
Men 1,500m – Aaron Alukunyang (1st, 3:50.45)
Men 1,500m – Emmanuel Paddyfote (2nd, 3:54.10)
Women 1,500m – Laila Jackson (1st, 4:32.54)
Men 3,000m Steeple – Wesley Kibet (5th, 11:19.30)
Men 5,000m – Evans Kimutai (1st, 15:52.43)
Men 5,000m – Juan Tinajero Jr. (2nd, 15:57.83)
Women 5,000m – Alitza Dennard (2nd, 18:21.89)
Women 400m – Nyree Bacchus (5th, 54.48)
Women High Jump – Tia Lucas (2nd, 1.73m)
For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.
