University of the District of Columbia Women's Indoor Track Has Strong Showing at Armory Invitational

NEW YORK, NY - The University of the District of Columbia women's indoor track and field team had a strong showing on Saturday afternoon at the Armory Invitational at Armory Track & Field Center. The Firebirds, competing against teams from Division I, II and III, scored five points as a team and placed T-14th overall.

"With this being our first meet after the holiday break and only 2nd meet of the indoor season, we're just happy to be back on the track competing," head coach Alton McKenzie said. "Everyone will get 'race sharp' with more races under their belt and our field event athletes will become more precise technically, so I'm looking forward to us competing consistently in the coming weeks."

Areial Clark's (Kennesaw, GA - North Cobb HS) shot put toss of 12.05M was good for 5th place overall and earned the team four points. She was the top thrower of all the Division II and III competitors. 

"Areial continues to throw with top-level throwers each meet - particularly against Division I competitors," head coach Alton McKenzie said.

Also, Callister Jones (Fort Washington, MD - Onon Hill HS) was 8th place overall (2nd in her heat) in the 500M dash with a personal best time of 1:18.98 and earned UDC one point. She too was tops in her event among Division II and III competitors.

Other strong performances included: Kaneesha Hollis' (Centreville, MD - North Caroline HS)1:19.04 run in the 500M dash for 9th place while battling a minor injury; Tatyana Commock's (Washington, DC - McKinley Tech HS) 8.02-second 60M dash (18th of 43); Kaydian Jones' (Kingtson, Jamaica - St. Andrew) 59.7 run in the 400M dash (18th of 37); and Shauna-Kay Creary's (Kingston, Jamaica - St. Andrew) 1.53M high jump clearance (13th of 20).

"Tatyana opened very well for her first 60M as a Firebird - even though she had a slow start," McKenzie said. "Kaydian also closed very well in the last 50M. Shauna-Kay is starting to gain her confidence back after a lackluster showing last time out."

UDC is back in action next week as the Firebirds compete in the Maryland Invitational on Saturday, January 21st in Landover, MD.