Spartans Post Strong Distance, Sprint Performances at East Coast Relays

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The University of Tampa men's and women's track teams competed at the 2026 East Coast Relays, held May 1–2 at Hodges Stadium, with the Spartans turning in a series of strong performances across distance, sprint, hurdle, and relay events.

The Tampa men were highlighted by a standout showing in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, where William Poe led the Spartans with a second-place finish in 9:19.60. Hayden Reich followed in fourth (9:38.47), while Nolan Bonta added a sixth-place finish (9:48.26), giving Tampa three top-six finishers in the event.

In middle-distance action, Elijiah Rivera paced the Spartans with a ninth-place finish in the 1,500 meters (3:53.78) and added a top-20 performance in the 800 meters (1:55.01). Aidan Carroll contributed in both events, finishing 21st in the 1,500 meters (4:01.78) and 41st in the 800 meters (1:59.74).

Tampa also saw solid results in the 5,000 meters, led by Ace Estevez, who placed 19th in 15:24.53, while Brandon Witherow followed in 23rd (15:36.12).

In the sprints, Jacob Khashou led the Spartans in both the 100 and 200 meters, posting times of 10.67 and 21.53, respectively. Calvin Jordan followed closely behind in the 100 meters (10.68) and added a 21.85 finish in the 200 meters. Luca Rius contributed across multiple events, clocking 10.89 in the 100 meters and 22.38 in the 200 meters, while also running a leg on Tampa's 4x100 relay team. Antonio Colon, Collin Kavulic, and Eliezer Nicolas added depth across sprint events.

The Spartans' 4x100 relay team of Kavulic, Khashou, Jordan, and Rius placed ninth overall with a time of 40.92.

On the women's side, Tampa delivered strong performances across distance and hurdle events, highlighted by multiple top-10 finishes. Hannah Diete led the Spartans with a third-place finish in the 1,500 meters, crossing in 4:23.33. Kendra Krueger added an 11th-place showing in the 800 meters (2:10.51), while Mary Richmond posted a sixth-place finish in the 5,000 meters (17:34.97).

In the hurdles, Allison Murphy turned in a standout performance with an eighth-place finish in the 400-meter hurdles (59.27), while Kate Carter (1:02.14), Madi Tweedie (1:03.04), and Taylor Robinson (1:06.13) added depth for the Spartans in the event.

Tampa also saw solid sprint performances in the 200 meters, led by Murphy (25.06), followed by Carter (25.60), Marielle Clayton (25.84), and Tweedie (26.68). Clayton added a strong effort in the 400 meters, finishing in 58.68.

Top Tampa Performers (Men)

3000m Steeplechase:
William Poe finished 2nd in 9:19.60, followed by Hayden Reich in 4th (9:38.47) and Nolan Bonta in 6th (9:48.26).

1500 Meters:
Elijiah Rivera led Tampa with a 9th-place finish in 3:53.78, while Aidan Carroll placed 21st in 4:01.78.

800 Meters:
Elijiah Rivera paced the Spartans in 20th (1:55.01), followed by Aidan Carroll in 41st (1:59.74).

5000 Meters:
Ace Estevez led Tampa with a 19th-place finish in 15:24.53, while Brandon Witherow placed 23rd in 15:36.12.

100 Meters:
Jacob Khashou led Tampa in 10.67, followed by Calvin Jordan (10.68), Luca Rius (10.89), and Antonio Colon (11.18).

200 Meters:
Jacob Khashou paced the Spartans with a 21.53, followed by Calvin Jordan (21.85), Collin Kavulic (22.19), Luca Rius (22.38), Antonio Colon (22.47), and Eliezer Nicolas (22.84).

4x100 Relay:
The team of Collin Kavulic, Jacob Khashou, Calvin Jordan, and Luca Rius placed 9th in 40.92.

Top Tampa Performers (Women)

1500 Meters:
Hannah Diete finished 3rd in 4:23.33. The time marked another school record for Diete, who qualified for nationals with the performance.

800 Meters:
Kendra Krueger led Tampa with an 11th-place finish in 2:10.51.

5000 Meters:
Mary Richmond placed 6th in 17:34.97.

400m Hurdles:
Allison Murphy finished 8th in 59.27, registering another sub-60 effort for Murphy. She was followed by Kate Carter (1:02.14), Madi Tweedie (1:03.04), and Taylor Robinson (1:06.13).

200 Meters:
Allison Murphy led Tampa with a 25.06, followed by Kate Carter (25.60), Marielle Clayton (25.84), and Madi Tweedie (26.68).

400 Meters:
Marielle Clayton paced the Spartans with a time of 58.68.

Up Next

The Spartans will await postseason selections for the 2026 NCAA Division II Championships, which is scheduled for May 21-23 in Emporia, Kan.