SELINSGROVE, PA – The Landmark Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championships return this weekend as Susquehanna University travels to Juniata College on Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3, with its sights set on continued conference success. The conference pre-championship poll also favors this as the men were ranked first, while the women were ranked fifth.
The River Hawks men enter the championship in a strong position, currently holding a 12.5-point advantage as they look to secure their sixth consecutive outdoor title. A victory would mark the longest streak in program history and give Head Coach
Ethan Senecal sole possession of the most consecutive outdoor conference championships in Susquehanna history.
On the women's side, Susquehanna looks to build off the indoor season and improve its positioning to compete among the top four teams in the conference.
Led by Senecal, the River Hawks once again bring a balanced roster of experienced contributors and emerging talent into the championship meet.
"Championship time is always fun. It is great to see the athletes supporting each other, and I am looking forward to seeing it again this year," Senecal said.
On the men's side:
Mason Winslow: One of the most versatile athletes in the conference enters the championship ranked among the top five in the 400-meter hurdles, 400 meters, and 200 meters. With season-best times of 53.80 in the 400 hurdles, 49.32 in the 400, and 22.31 in the 200, Mason is expected to be a major point contributor across multiple sprint events.
Cole Goodwin: A consistent force in the throwing events, sits in the top four across multiple events entering the weekend, holds season-best marks over 15 meters in both the shot put and hammer throw. Cole brings veteran experience and the ability to score in multiple disciplines.
Derick Blair: A key piece in the distance group, continues to build off a strong cross-country and indoor campaign. Derrick has posted times of 14:58.96 in the 5,000 meters and 8:46.60 in the 3,000, expected to contribute valuable points in the longer races.
Calder El Bachir Diakite: Enters as the top seed in the 110-meter hurdles with a conference-leading time of 14.3. The indoor 200-meter conference champion also posted a 22.40 in the 200 this season… one of the most dynamic athletes in the meet.
Carter Smink: Provides additional depth in the hurdles ranks second in the conference in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 14.44. He expected to play a key role in the hurdle group.
Dominic Santos: One of the top sprinters in the conference. Dominic holds a season-best time of 10.78 in the 100 meters, a strong scoring threat in the short sprints.
Owen Nugent: Adds depth to the sprint group, has posted a season-best of 10.88 in the 100 meters. Owen is capable of contributing points in a competitive field.
Cooper Bottorf: A standout first-year in the throws, enters the championship seeded second in the hammer throw and fifth in the discus. With season-best marks of 47.80 meters in the hammer and 41.20 meters in the discus, he also has the potential to score in the shot put. Cooper is a strong candidate for Landmark Rookie of the Year honors.
On the women's side:
Kendall Simms: Continues to lead the River Hawks in the pole vault. Kendall has a season-best clearance of 3.55 meters, ranking among the top marks in the conference. She will be a key contributor in the field events.
Brooke Charnosky: One of Susquehanna's top scoring threats enters the championship ranked second in the javelin with a season-best throw of 36.80 meters. She also sits among the top six in another event, giving her multiple scoring opportunities.
Bella Dauberman: A consistent force in the throws, ranks in the top eight in both the shot put and hammer throw. She has season-best marks of 11.42 meters in the shot put and 38.50 meters in the hammer.
Alyssa Varias: Has emerged as a strong presence in the hurdles and currently ranks fourth in the conference in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 15.50.
Sophia Bostwick: One of the team's most versatile athletes. Sophia contributes across distance events and the pole vault. With a season-best of 2.87 meters in the pole vault and has posted times of 2:28.45 in the 800 meters and 5:20.09 in the 1500, Sophia is capable of scoring in multiple areas.
Ashley Newman: A senior leader for the River Hawks, has posted a season-best time of 1:03.02 in the 400 meters and 26.96 in the 200.
Team Outlook: The River Hawks feature strong sophomore depth, with athletes ranked in the top eight across as many as five events. They will look to capitalize on scoring opportunities across both track and field while improving upon their indoor championship finish.
With championship experience, depth across events, and history within reach on the men's side, Susquehanna will look to make a statement as the Landmark's best gather in Huntingdon this weekend.
