CHARLOTTE, NC (March 25, 2026) – CIAA Outdoor Track and Field programs opened the 2026 outdoor season with national level performances across sprint and field events. Four student athletes earned recognition for their results during the week of March 15 through March 21.
WOMEN’S TRACK ATHLETE OF THE WEEK - Morgan Coverson-Springs, Claflin University
Sophomore sprinter Morgan Coverson-Springs opened the outdoor season with multiple top national marks, recording a 13.43 in the women’s 100-meter hurdles, the second fastest time in the nation, and a 23.94 in the 200 meters, which ranks sixth nationally. She also contributed to Claflin’s 4x100 meter relay team that posted a time of 45.29, the second fastest mark in the nation.
WOMEN’S FIELD ATHLETE OF THE WEEK - Jhnyia Knuckles, Claflin University
Junior jumper Jhnyia Knuckles opened the outdoor season with a top national performance in the triple jump, recording a mark of 12.33 meters (40 feet 5.5 inches). The mark ranks second in the nation and meets the NCAA qualifying standard, positioning her among the top Division II athletes early in the outdoor season.
MEN’S TRACK ATHLETE OF THE WEEK - Mychael Tucker, Virginia Union University
Junior sprinter Mychael Tucker delivered a strong performance in the 400 meters, recording a time of 48.51. His result highlighted early season speed and execution as the Panthers opened outdoor competition.
MEN’S FIELD ATHLETE OF THE WEEK - Dequan Boone, Virginia Union University
Senior thrower Dequan Boone delivered a record breaking performance in the shot put, winning the event with a mark of 15.95 meters and setting a new Virginia Union school record at the season opener.
CIAA Outdoor Track and Field competition continues as programs build toward the conference championship segment of the season.
Media Contact
Anna M. Butzlaff
Associate Commissioner, Strategic Communications
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
abutzlaff@theciaa.com
About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first, and longest running, African American athletic conference in the United States and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150000 fans from around the country. The Basketball Tournament has been honored as a 2019 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management for both 2018 and 2019.
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 12 member institutions: Bowie State University, Bluefield State University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University. For more information on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.