Charlotte, NC (April 21, 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 12 through April 18.
WOMEN’S TRACK ATHLETE OF THE WEEK - Faith Kiplimo, Fayetteville State University
Sophomore distance runner Faith Kiplimo delivered a dominant performance at the Golden Bulls Invitational, winning both the 1500 meters and the 800 meters. She posted a winning time of 4:44.89 in the 1500 meters to lead a Fayetteville State sweep of the top four finishers before returning to claim first place in the 800 meters with a time of 2:15.75.
WOMEN’S FIELD ATHLETE OF THE WEEK - Jhnyia Knuckles, Claflin University
Junior jumper Jhnyia Knuckles delivered a strong performance at the Sharonda Coleman-Singleton Classic, winning the triple jump with a mark of 12.40 meters (40 feet 8.25 inches). The mark ranks seventh in the nation and highlights another top performance in her outdoor season.
MEN’S TRACK ATHLETE OF THE WEEK - Nicholas Francis, Johnson C. Smith University
Nicholas Francis captured first place in both the 100 meters and 200 meters at the Johnson C. Smith Golden Bull Invitational. He recorded a time of 10.42 in the 100 meters and 21.07 in the 200 meters, with both performances meeting NCAA qualifying standards.
MEN’S FIELD ATHLETE OF THE WEEK - Adam Green, Lincoln University Pennsylvania
Adam Green delivered a strong multi event performance, winning the pole vault with a clearance of 3.81 meters while also placing second in the high jump with a personal best mark of 1.95 meters. His results rank among the top HBCU performances this season and highlight his versatility across field events.
CIAA Outdoor Track and Field competition continues as programs move closer to the 2026 CIAA Championships, which will take place May 1st and 2nd on the campus of Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA.
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.