Track & Field Hosts Seahawk Invitational

WILMINGTON, N.C. – UNCW men's and women's track and field will kick off the outdoor portion of the season with the Seahawk Invitational from March 7-8 at Harold Greene Track and Field Complex.

"This is exactly the way we love to start our outdoor season," head coach Jeff Klaves said. "There's nothing better than a home meet, the community, and the atmosphere. We're so excited about the team and the brand that we have and being able to showcase our hard work in front of our home crowd. We look forward to always representing UNCW and Wilmington."

The Seahawks will honor 16 seniors, nine men and seven women, with a ceremony at 11 a.m. on Saturday, one hour before the running events are scheduled to start.

"Excited to honor this year's senior class. History will show that this senior class has done some tremendous things for the program. We look forward to honoring them at this meet and for the entire year to thank them for the time and effort they've given to this program."

UNCW will induct Patricia "Pat" Smith, a 1971 graduate and former Executive Director of the UNCW Alumni Association. Most notably, she helped raise $250,000 in a three months in 2015 to help the program continue to reach new heights and compete at the highest level in the NCAA.

"It's been an absolute pleasure getting to know Pat Smith during my time here at UNCW. Pat has been a stronghold of support for the program. I just want to say thank you to Pat and we look forward to honoring her and celebrating her moment, reflecting on all that she has done for UNCW track and field."

The 1998 men's team that won the CAA Championship will also be inducted into the program's hall of fame. Head Coach Jim Sprecher won CAA Coach of the Year, leading the Seahawks to their second straight CAA title. Four individuals captured CAA championships. Bryant Lowe earned CAA Track and Field MVP, capturing championships in the long jump and javelin. Michael McDuffie (triple jump), Steven Sarigiannis (discus) and Donnie Watkins (shot put) also claimed titles in their respective events. McDuffie became the program's first national qualifier that season.

"What an honor to represent the 1998 team as a part of our 2025 Hall of Fame. We look forward to celebrating our program's decorated past and honoring the work that they put in with the resurgence of our program going forward."

During the 2024 outdoor season, UNCW set 10 program records, had 48 top-10 finishes and three freshman records. The Seahawks also sent eight to the NCAA East First Round.

Last season, the women's outdoor team had two NCAA qualifiers and captured two Coastal Athletic Association championships. The Seahawks return junior javelin thrower Jordyn Robbins to the roster in 2025. Robbins won the 2024 Coastal Athletic Association Championship with her collegiate-best throw of 48.31 meters. Robbins placed 16th at the NCAA East First Round, throwing 46.96 meters.

The 4x400-meter relay of Janiyah Fields, Nasiah Ferguson, Avery Rueckert and Mackenzie Townsend also captured a CAA title in 2024, running 3:40.86, the fastest time in program history. "This year's group will look to continue a tradition of excellence in the relay."

The men's squad returns four of their six national qualifiers from last season. Junior long jumper Bryson Robinson, the 2024 CAA Champion, will begin his title defense on Saturday.

In addition to Robinson, the Seahakws return NCAA qualifiers J.T. Allen (110 hurdles), Ryan DeBarber (javelin), and Miles Higgins (javelin). Higgins was the CAA runner-up and finished 17th in javelin at NCAA East First Round, throwing 65.18 meters. UNCW also returns All-CAA triple jumper Ivan Poag, who claimed a bronze medal last season.

The top nine will advance to finals in the field events and the top eight will advance to the finals in the hurdles. All other events will be timed finals.

4x100m
UNCW (A)

1500m Invitational
Carly McCusker

Players Mentioned

Players Mentioned