The VI Track and Field Federation has proudly announced that Nia Jack, who attends Alabama State University, contributed to its winning streak in the Women’s Southwest Athletic Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Jack accumulated points by placing first in the 4 X 100m relay, and 7th in the 100m finals.
The competition was tight, with Alabama State University tied with Prairie View A&M University heading into the final event, the 4 X 400m relay. Alabama State University women prevailed to win their 11th straight SWAC Outdoor Track & Field title.
Jack and her team will be headed on May 27 to Jacksonville, Fla., to compete at the NCAA East Track & Field Regional Championship. Jack qualified in the 100m dash and the 4 X 100m relay.
Youth Track and Field
Over the past two years, VITFF’s young athletes have been training and competing, preparing for the North American Central American and Caribbean Age Group Championships. This competition is for male and female athletes 11 to 14 years old.
The athletes compete at five to seven events accumulating points in each event. Events at the meets would include a short sprint, long run, high jump, long jump, ball throw, shot put and short hurdles.
The championships normally occur every two years. In 2019, Akyra Joseph and Michelle Smith represented the Virgin Islands in San Salvador, El Salvador. Smith won a gold medal and set a new North American, Central American and Caribbean record in the 1000m and finished 4th in the 60m hurdles. Smith placed 8th overall of 32 competitors in the 13 to 14 age group. Joseph finished 7th overall of 30 competitors in the 11 to 12 age group. Joseph placed 6th in the ball throw. Athletes who were vying for a position on this year’s team were Faith Eatmon, Jeniqua Weekes, Yamari Gonzalez, Katelyn Jones, Akyra Joseph, David Morton Jr. and Joshua Tewinkle of St. Croix Track Club.
We also had Candace Felix and Kaeden Gleason of Jolly Rogers Track Club working hard to qualify. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the (NACAC) Age Group Championships are canceled for this year, but they are rescheduled to 2023 in Managua, Nicaragua.
Local Track & Field Meets Continue
VITFF thanks all the volunteers who work to make local track and field meets possible. It encourages all its athletes, volunteers and coaches to make sure to register in order to attend the upcoming meet events. The next meet is scheduled for 4 p.m., Friday, May 14, at St. Croix Educational Complex Track & Field facility.
COVID-19 protocols will be followed according to the Department of Health compliance. Only registered competitors, volunteers and coaches are allowed in the track and field facilities. Spectators can view from their vehicle outside the facility.
To register, follow this link: http://virginislandspace.org/vitff.html
