The Delaware State University men’s and women’s track and field teams achieved consecutive first-place finishes at the University of Delaware Invitational, held on April 9 and 10.
The event saw the Hornets secure top rankings, set new meet records, and earn several individual accolades. The strong performances highlight the teams’ competitive standing in both regional and school history.
In men’s events, Ja’Mari Manson took first place in the high jump with a leap of 2.11 meters, which also set a new meet record and ranks him nineteenth in the NCAA East Region. Christopher Johnson continued his winning streak from previous championships by finishing first in shot put with a mark of 15.83 meters. Johnson also contributed to top-ten performances in hammer throw alongside Devon James, while Derrick Sirmons led discus results.
Marian Drazan established a new school record as well as a meet record by winning the men’s 1500-meter race with a time of 3:50.30. The Hornets swept all three podium spots in the men’s 4×400 meter relay, setting another meet record with their fastest team clocking in at 3:15.18.
On the women’s side, Miriam Okwudibonye anchored two relay victories—both breaking meet records—in partnership with teammates Mariah Winfield, Khalia Smith, Marianah Lipkins (4x100m), Merasia Johnson, Annil McIntosh, and Morgan Wallace (4x400m). Mileah Cotton’s win in the women’s 1500 meters ranked her third all-time for DSU.
Several other athletes delivered notable results: Joy Taiwo set a new meet record by winning the women’s 100-meter hurdles; Mariah Winfield captured golds both on track (100m) and field (long jump); Valerie Ashamu broke another UD meet record by clearing 1.70 meters to win high jump; Emery Gomez placed third in pole vault; Cyenna Martinez finished fifth in hammer throw.
These results reinforce Delaware State University’s presence within collegiate track competitions this season.
