PHILADELPHIA – North Carolina Central track and field completed competition at the Penn Relays, held on April 23-25, with the Eagles competing in six events. Tia Lucas highlighted NCCU's trip to Franklin Field by winning the college women's high jump championship.
Lucas, who finished sixth in the event last year in Philadelphia, made her final collegiate appearance a memorable one. After six other student-athletes advanced by clearing 1.70m, the senior cleared 1.75m on her final attempt and was the only competitor to reach that mark. She also attempted 1.78m for a personal best but did not clear it. However, it did not affect the outcome, as she secured the title.
Rachel Key-White competed in a separate women's high jump section. The freshman cleared 1.55, 1.60 and 1.65m but was unable to clear 1.70m, finishing 20th out of 34 competitors.
Malcolm Forbes earned a top-20 finish in the college men's triple jump. The senior recorded a mark of 14.44m on his final attempt, following a 13.86-meter jump in the second round, to place 17th overall.
NCCU also entered men's and women's teams in the college 4x400 relays. Isaac Fitzpatrick, Isaiah Fitzpatrick, Orlando McClean, and Zion Amadi finished 18th in the men's relay heats with a time of 3:15.76. On the women's side, Gianna Marquez, Kayla Johnson, Victoria Swepson, and Nyree Bacchus placed 12th in the heats with a time of 3:48.76, just missing the cutoff for the top nine times that advanced to the final.
Melanne Sutton competed in the college women's 100m dash heats, posting a time of 11.81 seconds. She finished third in her heat and ranked 16th overall. Heat winners and the next five fastest times advanced to the championship final.
The Eagles will conclude the regular season on May 3 at Duke's Twilight meet, held at Morris Williams Stadium.
NCCU's Results
College Women's High Jump Championship
Tia Lucas – 1st (1.75m)
College Women's High Jump
Rachel Key-White – 20th (1.65m)
College Men's Triple Jump
Malcolm Forbes – 17th (14.44m)
College Men's 4x400 (Heats)
NCCU – 18th (3:15.76 – prelims)
College Women's 4x400 (Heats)
NCCU – 12th (3:48.76 – prelims)
College Women's 100m Dash (Heats)
Melanne Sutton – 16th (11.81 – prelims)
For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.
