The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) recorded 18 top-five finishes at the East Carolina University Bill Carson Invitational, according to a statement released on March 30. The event took place at the Bate Foundation Track & Field Facility from March 27 to March 28.
The results highlight strong performances by both the UMES women’s and men’s outdoor track and field teams as they continue their 2026 season. The meet provided an opportunity for athletes to compete against regional opponents and achieve personal bests.
For the women’s team, junior jumper Simms led with a first-place finish in the high jump, clearing a mark of 1.60 meters. Other notable results included fourth place in the women’s 100 meters with a time of 11.94 seconds, multiple top-four finishes in hurdles events, second place in triple jump with a distance of 12.12 meters, and fifth place in the women’s four-by-100 meter relay.
On the men’s side, Ra-John Gray won the men’s 110 meter hurdles with a time of 14.85 seconds. The men’s four-by-400 meter relay team—David Edward-Etafo, Destiny Emuze, Kamoi Tracey and Daniel Barton—secured first place with a time of 3:19.87. Additional highlights included Andie Kollie earning second place in the men’s 200 meters with a personal best of 21.16 seconds; Destiny Emuze finishing third in the men’s 400 meters; Akeil Kidd taking fourth in the men’s hurdles; Siyabonga Mbatha placing third in the men’s fifteen hundred meters with his own personal best; Banele Mkabela finishing third in five thousand meters; and another relay squad placing second.
The Hawks are scheduled to travel next to compete at the Norfolk State Invitational on April 3–4.
