New York, N.Y. - The St. Thomas Aquinas College Track and Field team kicked-off its 2023-2024 indoor campaign at The College of New Jersey Winter Opener, which was held within the friendly confines of the 168th Street Armory in New York City.
The Spartans competed against athletes from several schools, including Drew University, Felician University, Johns Hopkins University, Stevens Institute of Technology, Ramapo College and Princeton University.
Headlining the men's performances were Jayden Bennermon, who won the high jump event with a leap of 2.04m (6'8.25"), and set a Provisional NCAA Division II mark. Bennermon also placed second in the triple jump with a vault of 13.72m (45'0.25"). Emmanuel Mena-Jimenez hit his own Provisional NCAA Division II mark with his Weight Throw toss of 18.13m (59'5.75").
On the women's side of the ledger, Alana Rider placed 8th in the Triple Jump with a leap of 10.10m (33'1.75m), as Rider makes the transition from Volleyball to Track and Field as the seasons change.
The competition was the first of two meets for the Spartans during the month of December. The team will return to action at the Wagner College Seahawk Shootout on Friday, December 8. Events begin at 12:00 p.m. at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island, NY.
Top 10 Finishers (By Event) at TCNJ Winter Opener
Men's Events
60 Meter Dash: Leelan Maxwell - 7.06 (5th Place)
1000 Meter Run: Nicholas Seitz - 2:47.06 (9th Place)
High Jump: Jayden Bennermon - 2.04m/6'8.25" (1st Place) *PROVISIONAL NCAA DIVISION II MARK*
Triple Jump: Jayden Bennermon - 13.72m/45'0.25" (2nd Place) & Victor Oduwegwu - 13.28m/43'7" (7th Place)
Shot Put: Emmanuel Mena-Jimenez - 14.20m/46'7.25" (5th Place), Adam Lenn - 14.05m/46'1.25" (6th Place)
Weight Throw: Emmanuel Mena-Jimenez - 18.13m/59'5.75" (3rd Place) *PROVISIONAL NCAA DIVISION II MARK*
Women's Events
600 Meter Run: Isabella Farino-Esposito - 1:50.09 (10th Place)
Triple Jump: Alana Rider - 10.10m/33'1.75" (8th Place)
Shot Put: Guerlourde Estabine - 10.21m/33'6" (9th Place)