Charlotte, NC (April 7, 2026) – CIAA Outdoor Track and Field competition continued across the conference with strong performances in sprint, hurdle, and field events. Four student athletes earned recognition for their results during the week of March 29 through April 4.
Women’s Track Athlete of the Week - Morgan Coverson-Springs, Claflin University
Sophomore hurdler Morgan Coverson-Springs recorded one of the top performances in the nation at the Johnson C. Smith Collegiate Invitational, running 58.78 in the women’s 400-meter hurdles. The time ranks second nationally and sits just 0.09 seconds off the top mark in the country this season.
Women’s Field Athlete of the Week - Jhnyia Knuckles, Claflin University
Junior jumper Jhnyia Knuckles recorded one of the top marks in the nation, winning the women’s triple jump at the Johnson C. Smith Collegiate Invitational with a mark of 12.68 meters (41 feet 7.25 inches). The performance ranks third nationally and continues her strong outdoor season.
Men’s Track Athlete of the Week - Leonie Bentley, Virginia State University
Sophomore sprinter Leonie Bentley delivered a record-breaking performance, setting a new Virginia State school record in the 100 meters with a time of 10.27, which ranks sixth in Division II and meets the national qualifying standard. He also recorded a personal best time of 20.96 in the 200 meters, ranking thirteenth nationally and second in the CIAA, and contributed to a 4x100 meter relay team that posted a season best time of 41.42, second in the conference. Bentley’s 200-meter performance also ranks third on Virginia State’s all-time list.
Men’s Field Athlete of the Week - Zachary Jones, Virginia Union University
Junior thrower Zachary Jones delivered a dominant performance in the throws, winning the shot put with a mark of 16.75 meters and the discus with a throw of 53.3 meters. His discus mark set a new Virginia Union school record, highlighting one of the top throws performances of the week.
CIAA Outdoor Track and Field competition continues as programs move further into the outdoor season.
Media Contactz:
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.