COLUMBIA - CIU women's track & field closed out the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Outdoor Championships on Saturday with their most memorable performance in program history. After entering the day leading the pack, the Rams delivered several notable performances as they ran away from the competition for their first-ever AAC Outdoor Track & Field Championship.
Emma Johnson, the driving force behind this year's championship team, continued to shine as she won both the 200m (24.09) and the 400h (1:03.31). Setting new school records in both events, Johnson's outstanding efforts earned her the well-deserved title of AAC Women's Track & Field MVP of the Year.
Emma Johnson carries the baton in the 4x400
The Rams had numerous athletes compete in the 200m, with Trinyty Gregory (25.12) finishing third. Charlette Johnson (25.33), Morgan Johnson (26.13), and Ane' Peasley (26.89) also competed.
TaLayna Reed was formidable in the 400h as well, with a personal best time of 1:07.71 and a third-place finish.
Distance runners Rosemary Reed and Lydia Wilhite had solid showings in their respective events as Reed PR'd in the 800m run with a time of 2:28.48 while Wilhite finished fourth in the steeplechase (13.05.01).
The Rams 4x400 relay team (Emma Johnson, Morgan Johnson, Charlette Johnson, and Gregory) rounded out CIU's day on the track as they took the top spot in the event with a school record time of 3:57.99.
CIU throws squad was not to be outdone by their teammates on the track as Dazanni Hinton was named Field Athlete of the Year for her showing at the meet. After winning the hammer on Friday, Hinton won the women's discus with a toss of 38.43 (school record) on Saturday. Lillian Grumbles PR'ed in the event with a throw of 37.52 (4th), while Acoya Hunt finished fifth at 37.33.
Dazanni Hinton competes in the shot put
Kloey Pickens finished second in the shot put (12.81m) to receive All-AAC recognition. Hunt (10.78m) and Hinton (10.71m) both competed as well.
Hear from Emma Johnson and Deandre Leith:
What Coach John Sparks is saying: "I could not be prouder of the effort from the women's and men's teams this week. Eleven new school records and more All-Conference awards than we have ever had. Our first AAC conference team championship in school history was well deserved with all the hard work this team has shown this season."
Up Next: CIU will tune up for the NCAA and NAIA National Championships as they head to the East Coast Relays, taking place April. 26-27. The relays are hosted by the University of North Florida in Jacksonville.
