Panthers Claim 2025 CIAA Outdoor Men's Track & Field Championship
DURHAM, NC - The Claflin Panthers claimed the 2025 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Men's Outdoor Track & Field Championship with a dominant performance. The Panthers compiled 150 points to claim the first CIAA men's outdoor track & field championship in school history.
The Panthers were dominant in events on the track where the team pulled away for the championship. Claflin junior
Jaevon Riley led the way with a pair of first place finishes. He won the men's 400m dash with a 47.16 and the men's 400m hurdles with 50.81. Senior
Romar Stapleton also stood atop the podium with a first-place finish in the men's 100m dash. He won the event with a 10.25. He also placed third in the men's 200m dash with a 21.09. Senior
Zion Murry added a first-place finish in the men's 800m run with a 1:52.11. The Panthers ran away with both relay events, winning the men's 4x100m relay with a 40.30 and the men's 4x400m relay with a 3:13.70.
In field events, the duo of senior Alon Barksdale and freshman Javonta Smith both placed fourth in the men's high jump with a 6'6.25" (1.99m) mark. Senior Quandarious Patrick placed fourth in the men's long jump with a 23'2.75" (7.08m). Freshman
Jeremiah Smith placed fourth in the men's pole vault with an 11' 1.75" (3.40m) mark.
With the championship in tow, the Panthers will turn their attentions to the national stage where several team members have recorded NCAA Division II provisional qualifying marks. The team will return to the track next weekend at the Lee Last Chance Meet.
For more information on Panthers track & field at (803) 535-5548 or log on to
www.athletics.claflin.edu.
