Charlotte, NC (April 15, 2026) – CIAA Outdoor Track and Field competition continued across the conference with strong performances in sprint, distance, and field events. Four student athletes earned recognition for their results during the week of April 5 through April 11.
WOMEN’S TRACK ATHLETE OF THE WEEK - Rainn Sheppard, Winston-Salem State University
Sophomore middle distance runner Rainn Sheppard set a new Winston-Salem State school record in the 800 meters, posting a personal best time of 2:09.19 at the UCF Division I meet. Sheppard placed seventh in the event and currently ranks twelfth nationally in Division II.
WOMEN’S FIELD ATHLETE OF THE WEEK - Tatiyana Black, Bowie State University
Sophomore thrower Tatiyana Black delivered a strong performance at the Bison Invitational, winning the discus with a personal best mark of 38.56 meters. She also placed fifth in both the shot put and hammer throw, contributing across multiple events and leading Bowie State’s throws group.
MEN’S TRACK ATHLETE OF THE WEEK - Mychael Tucker, Virginia Union University
Junior sprinter Mychael Tucker delivered a strong performance at the JMU Invitational, winning the 400 meters with a time of 47.83. His result led the field and highlighted one of the top sprint performances of the week.
MEN’S FIELD ATHLETE OF THE WEEK - Zachary Jones, Virginia Union University
Junior thrower Zachary Jones delivered a dominant performance at the JMU Invitational, winning the shot put with a mark of 16.06 meters and the discus with a throw of 54.42 meters. His discus mark set a new Virginia Union school record, continuing his strong outdoor season.
CIAA Outdoor Track and Field competition continues as programs move deeper into the outdoor schedule.
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.