Fayette, Mo. — The Central Methodist Track & Field program opened the 2026 outdoor season in impressive fashion Saturday, hosting the CMU Open and turning in a series of standout performances across both the men's and women's squads.
Competing on their home surface for the first time this spring, the Eagles combined for multiple event victories, relay titles, NAIA qualifying marks.
On the men's side, Central Methodist was dominant in several track events, highlighted by a win from junior Oliver Cabana in the 800 meters (1:53.35). Cabana also contributed to a strong runner-up finish in the 4x400-meter relay (3:23.62) alongside Waisale Inoke, Charles Young, and Tristan Hickman.
The Eagles swept the top of the podium in multiple events, including the 1500 meters where Dimitrios Gkantatsios claimed victory in 3:59.80, and the 400-meter hurdles, where freshman Ronald Cottle crossed first in 54.38. The 4x100-meter relay team of Che Wickham, Young, Isaac Lawson, and Wilton George added another win with a time of 41.19.
In the sprints, Lawson led the way with a runner-up finish in the 100 meters (10.56), while Tyrone Summerall (21.72) and Young (21.75) placed second and third, respectively, in the 200 meters.
Field events proved equally productive for the Eagles. Waisale Inoke captured the long jump title with a leap of 7.07 meters, while Brian Shine won the triple jump (14.22m) and added a fifth-place finish in the long jump. Azaan Stoughtenborough placed second in the triple jump and third in the long jump, contributing to a strong showing in the horizontal jumps.
On the women's side, the Eagles dominated the sprint events from the outset. Zyaire Robinson led a 1-2-3 finish in the 100 meters with a winning time of 11.93. She was followed closely by Bailey Arceneaux (12.06) and Deborah Martinez (12.26).
Central continued that momentum in the 200 meters, sweeping the top four spots. Allena Rowland led the charge with a first-place finish (25.08), edging Arceneaux and Martinez, while Akeelah Knox placed fourth.
The Eagles also claimed a major victory in the 4x100-meter relay, as the team of Zakiya Porter, Arceneaux, Maria Sahagun, and Robinson posted a time of 46.18 that met NAIA A standard for national championship qualification and set a new school record.
In the hurdles, Zaria Jones earned a win in the 100-meter hurdles (14.20), while Hannah Reed and Sofia Rizo followed in third and fourth.
Field event highlights included a win from Anaya Little in the triple jump (11.55m), with Shelley Thompson and Emma Deana Paninka finishing second and third to complete a CMU sweep.
Joana Vakasobuduru added another victory in the javelin with a school record throw of 42.21 meters, hitting the NAIA B standard. She also placed second in the shot put with a toss of 12.44 meters.
Additional strong performances came from Porter (second, 400m – 59.86), and Sha'Mir Smith (second, 400 hurdles – 1:10.09).
Central continues outdoor season at the WashU Invite beginning Friday, March 27 in St. Louis, Mo.
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