UCF Invite Hosts Spartans For Track Action
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The University of Tampa men's and women's track teams competed at the 2026 Embry‑Riddle Running Elements – College and Open, held April 2–4 at the Embry‑Riddle Track & Field Complex, highlighted by strong showings in the sprints, distance events, and steeplechase.
On the men's side, Tampa's sprint group opened the weekend with depth across the short sprints. Daniel Raffin led the Spartans in the 100 meters, clocking 10.99, while Antonio Colon (11.05) and Jayden Leonard (11.11) followed closely. In the 200 meters, Colon paced UT with a time of 22.36, with Leonard (22.52) and Raffin (22.60), as Tampa placed multiple runners in the preliminaries.
The Spartan steeplechase group continued to gain momentum as Declan Fiorucci led Tampa in the 3,000‑meter steeplechase, placing fifth in 9:44.72, followed by Aidan Carroll, Nolan Bonta, Sam Buytaert, and Anthony Verdi. Tampa also competed in the longer distances, with Jackson Levine toeing the line in the 10,000 meters.
On the women's side, Tampa showcased speed in the sprints as Taylor Robinson led the Spartans in the 100 meters with a time of 12.54, while Allie Murphy and Anna Thomas also advanced through the preliminaries. Murphy carried that momentum into the 200 meters, where she posted a 25.16, with Robinson (25.55) close behind.
The women's distance group delivered strong results as well. Molly DeMarzo and Emma Barcelona paced Tampa in the 1,500 meters, finishing fifth (4:47.93) and sixth (4:48.11), respectively. In the 10,000 meters, the Spartans posted a strong team showing led by Alaina Williams, who finished second in 39:07.26, followed by Ellie Irwin (39:43.78) and Brooke Gable (42:01.80).
Top Tampa Performers (Men)
100 Meters:
In the men's 100 meters, Daniel Raffin led Tampa with a time of 10.99, followed by Antonio Colon (11.05) and Jayden Leonard (11.11).
200 Meters:
In the men's 200 meters, Antonio Colon paced the Spartans with a time of 22.36, while Jayden Leonard and Daniel Raffin also posted strong efforts.
3,000m Steeplechase:
In the men's 3,000‑meter steeplechase, Declan Fiorucci led UT with a fifth‑place finish in 9:44.72, followed by Aidan Carroll, Nolan Bonta, Sam Buytaert, and Anthony Verdi.
Top Tampa Performers (Women)
100 Meters:
In the women's 100 meters, Taylor Robinson led the Spartans with a time of 12.54, while Allison Murphy and Anna Thomas also advanced through the preliminaries.
200 Meters:
In the women's 200 meters, Allison Murphy paced Tampa with a 25.16, followed by Taylor Robinson (25.55).
1,500 Meters:
In the women's 1,500 meters, Molly DeMarzo led Tampa with a fifth‑place finish in 4:47.93, followed closely by Emma Barcelona (4:48.11).
10,000 Meters:
In the women's 10,000 meters, Alaina Williams led UT with a runner‑up finish in 39:07.26, while Ellie Irwin and Brooke Gable also scored strong efforts.
Up Next
Both Tampa track programs return to action on April 10, competing at the USF Invitational at the USF Track & Field Stadium in Temple Terrace, Fla.