Firebirds Feature Four New Faces in 2015-16
WASHINGTON, DC - The University of the District of Columbia Track & Field program made some critical additions that will ensure its depth across all events is improved immensely. Newcomers Saida Burns-Moore, Stacy-Ann Rowe, Jasmine Walker and Rachel German join an already talented group of returnees that led the Firebirds to a 3rd place finish at the East Coast Conference Indoor Championship and a runner-up finish at the Outdoor Championship.
Freshman Saida Burns-Moore from Columbus HS in Bronx, NY highlights the incoming group of student-athletes brought in by head coach Alton McKenzie. A jump specialist who was the runner-up in the High Jump in the New York City Championships had a season-best leap of 1.63M (5' 4"). She was 7th at the NY State Championships and 9th Outdoor in her senior campaign. She also competed in the Triple Jump and was 7th at the State Championships in 2015. Her versatility will also show as she competes in the Long Jump and add depth to an already strong sprint core by delving into the sprint events on the track as well.
Another big addition to the roster that will diversify the events the Firebirds compete in will be transfer student from Essex Community College and Jamaica native, Stacy-Ann Rowe. A Junior Pan Am Games representative for Jamaica in the 4x100M, Rowe will be competing in the sprints along with the hurdles. She was a part of the school-record breaking 4x100M team at her high school, St. Andrew High School. Recovering from injury, she will look to get back in top form and excel in the 60M Hurdle, 100M hurdle along with the 100M & 200M, and contribute on sprint relay teams.
Another transfer student joining the Firebirds program is Jasmine Walker, who previously made her mark collegiately at West Texas A&M University. As a freshman, she was part of the first team Conference Championship, winning the 55M and setting a new school record in the process. She held the School Record in the 55M and 60M during her freshmen year. Injury shortened her sophomore season, but with a return to health, will be looking to make her presence felt on the East Region at the 100m and 200M events. She has represented her country, the Bahamas, competing at the 2011 CARIFTA games and garnering a silver medal as a part of the U17 4x100M Team. She will be paramount in strengthening the Firebirds' sprint core as she looks to excel in the 100M and 200M and make key contributions on sprint relay teams.
Freshman Rachel German is another new face for the Firebirds. She will be looking to make her mark in the middle distance events, focusing on the 800M. She was a Team MVP in high school, and she will be looking to make her mark on the collegiate level.