Competing in their own backyard in Memphis at the Rhodes Invitational, the LeMoyne-Owen men's and women's track and field teams delivered an impressive showing in their second outdoor meet of the season, proving that early season momentum is quickly building. Although no team scores were recorded, the Magicians made their presence felt against a competitive field, combining for sixteen top eight finishes, eight top five performances, and two top three placements. The meet served as another strong indicator that both squads are trending upward as the outdoor season continues.
The women's team showcased steady progress and consistency across multiple events, highlighted by several season best performances. Junior thrower Cierra Crusoe led the way in the shot put with a fifth place finish, recording a season best mark of 10.95 meters. Her performance reflected continued development in the circle and set a strong tone for the field events. Senior Jacky Beltran followed with a seventh place finish in the discus, reaching a mark of 36.52 meters. Beltran's effort added valuable depth for the women's throws group and demonstrated her ability to compete effectively against experienced competition.
On the track, junior sprinter Mya McKenzie delivered a solid double performance in the short sprints. She placed fifth in the 100 meters with a time of 13.25 seconds and followed it up with a sixth place finish in the 200 meters at 27.77 seconds. Her consistency across both events continues to make her a reliable contributor for the Magicians. Teammate Tajana Sims also competed in multiple events, finishing seventh in the 100 meters with a time of 13.33 seconds while adding a sixth place finish in the triple jump with a mark of 10.13 meters. Sims' versatility continues to be a valuable asset as she contributes both on the track and in the field.
The women's 4x100 meter relay team turned in one of the most exciting performances of the day. The quartet of Sims, Mashanti Saddler, Jojo O'Neal, and McKenzie secured a fourth place finish with a season best time of 51.32 seconds. Their improved chemistry and execution were evident, signaling strong potential as the season progresses.
On the men's side, the Magicians delivered several standout performances, particularly in the jumps and relay events. Sophomore Kelvin Rozier had a breakthrough meet, earning a third place finish in the triple jump with a mark of 13.83 meters. He also placed fourth in the long jump with a leap of 6.79 meters, which marked a collegiate personal best. His performance highlighted both his athleticism and growth as a competitor.
Fellow sophomore Jacob Coleman also had an exceptional outing, securing a third place finish in the long jump with a mark of 6.80 meters while recording a collegiate personal best. Coleman continued his strong day on the track with a sixth place finish in the 200 meters, clocking in at 23.05 seconds, another personal best. His ability to excel in both the jumps and sprint events underscores his importance to the team's overall success.
The men's relay teams provided additional highlights, particularly in the 4x100 meters where the A team placed sixth with a season best time of 44.46 seconds. The group consisting of Coleman, Isaiah Monguer, Michael Robinson, and Andre Phillips showed improved coordination and speed, a promising sign for future meets. The B team also contributed with an eighth place finish, as Charles Smith, Isaiah Fields, Terrence Stephenson Jr., and K'Sean Curry recorded a time of 48.18 seconds.
In the 4x400 meter relay, the Magicians continued to demonstrate depth and resilience. The A team secured a fourth place finish with a time of 3 minutes and 41.57 seconds, led by Coleman, Phillips, Smith, and Robinson. Close behind, the B team placed fifth with a time of 3 minutes and 47.53 seconds, featuring Rozier, Fields, Josiah Monguer, and Curry. Both squads showed strong effort and determination, reinforcing the team's ability to compete across multiple relay units.
Overall, the meet at the Rhodes Invitational served as a significant step forward for the Magicians. The combination of personal bests, season bests, and strong finishes reflects a team that is beginning to find its rhythm early in the outdoor campaign. The performances across both squads demonstrated not only talent but also a growing sense of confidence and cohesion.
As the Magicians look ahead, they will carry this momentum into their next competition at the 2026 Morehouse Relays in Atlanta. Scheduled for March 27 and 28, the meet will present another opportunity to build on recent success and continue sharpening their competitive edge.
With each performance, LeMoyne-Owen is steadily establishing itself as a team to watch this season. If this past weekend at the Rhodes Invitational is any indication, the Magicians are not just competing, they are building toward something much bigger.
