LYNCHBURG, Va.  The Methodist track & field team delivered a comprehensive, results-driven performance at the Dennis Craddock Coaches Classic, hosted by the University of Lynchburg. The Monarchs combined elite sprint execution, impactful relay performances, and a breakout field event showing to position themselves strongly as the championship phase approaches.

Sprint Group Establishes Competitive Tone
The Methodist men's sprint unit once again set the operational standard. In the 100m prelims, Logan Wade (10.72) and Tydrick Stewart (10.78) both advanced, demonstrating controlled race modeling into a headwind. On the women's side, freshman Leilani Rankin continued her emergence, qualifying for finals and returning to run 12.51.
The 200m proved to be a major performance driver. Stewart delivered a breakthrough effort of 21.71, earning a Division III national ranking and personal best, while Wade followed at 21.83, also achieving a national mark. Freshman Greg Cuthbertson added further depth with a personal-best 22.17, reinforcing the program's sprint pipeline.
On the women's side, Treazure Rosario-Watson led with a 25.19 performance, while Rankin's 25.38 marked another personal best and national-level progression.

Relay Execution Highlights Championship Readiness
The men's 4x100m relay unit delivered one of the most significant results of the meet, capturing first place in 41.43. The quartet of  Dennis, Stewart, Cuthbertson, and Wade executed clean exchanges and maintained composure throughout, signaling a unit peaking at the right time.
The women's 4x100m relay also delivered a high-impact result, finishing fourth in 48.81, a performance that now ranks within Division III nationally. The 4x400m relay group added further value with a third-place finish and another national-ranking mark (4:01.05), led by Rosario-Watson, Leilani Rankin, Alexandria Wilborn & D'Zariya Parran.

Field Event Breakthrough Defines Meet Impact
The defining performance of the meet came from freshman Kamren Jenkins, who captured the triple jump title with a mark of 14.22m. The performance currently ranks among the top in Division III and represents a major milestone for the program's field event development.
Jenkins also contributed to the long jump (6.20m) and high jump (1.80m), highlighting multi-event versatility. Additional field contributions included Lavon Aiken (6.59m long jump) and David Dennis (6.06m), supporting overall team scoring depth.

Mid-Distance and Distance Show Measured Progress
In the 400m, multiple athletes recorded personal bests, including Gavyn Thomas (52.81) and Jaden Mack (53.00), reflecting continued development in the long sprint group. Rosario-Watson added a standout 57.01 in the women's 400m, further strengthening her profile as a multi-event contributor.
Distance standout Rafael Shilengitha delivered personal bests in both the 800m (1:59.24) and 1500m (4:14.83), demonstrating strong aerobic progression. In the steeplechase, Logan Williams secured an eighth-place finish, while freshman Mally King posted a personal best in the women's event.

NEXT UP
The Monarchs prepare for the upcoming 2026 USA South Outdoor Track & Field Championships, which will take place at the Jay M. Robinson Mondo Track & Field Facility. The first day is scheduled for Friday, April 24, with the second day happening on Saturday April, 25.