New Orleans, La. - The Central Methodist Women's Track and Field program is ranked No. 2 nationally in the third checkpoint of the NAIA Women's Outdoor Track & Field National TFRI, which was released this week.
CMU amassed 403.89 points, trailing only British Columbia (529.48), while maintaining a strong lead over Doane (Neb.), St. Thomas (Fla.), and Southeastern (Fla.) in the national standings.
The Eagles' ranking is fueled by exceptional depth and top-tier performances across multiple events, highlighted by a national-leading mark in the 4x400-meter relay. The quartet of Deborah Martinez, Allena Rowland, Akeelah Knox, and Bailey Arceneaux clocked a time of 3:43.47 at the CMU Invite, currently No. 1 in the NAIA.
Freshman standout Akeelah Knox has emerged as one of the nation's premier multi-event and hurdle athletes, ranking No. 2 in the 100-meter hurdles (13.79) and No. 14 in the 200 meters (24.29). In the heptathlon, CMU boasts three top-seven performers, led by Annemarie Koerner (No. 3 - 4787 points), Haley Bellamy (No. 4 - 4768 points), and Shannon O'Neil (No. 5 - 4680 points), showcasing the program's dominance in combined events.
The Eagles' strength in the 400-meter events has also been a key contributor to their national standing. Bailey Arceneaux ranks No. 5 in the 400 meters (54.90), while Deborah Martinez sits No. 6 (55.04), and Allena Rowland holds the No. 8 position (55.30). Arceneaux also plays a vital role on the No. 5-ranked 4x100-meter relay team alongside Zakiya Porter, Maria Sahagun, and Zyaire Robinson (46.13).
Senior leadership continues to shine, as Shannon O'Neil ranks No. 5 nationally in the 400-meter hurdles (1:00.30) while contributing across multiple disciplines. Joana Vakasobuduru adds versatility with top-15 marks in both the heptathlon (No. 7) and javelin (No. 12).
Additional national qualifiers and top-10 performers include Zakiya Porter (No. 7, 100 meters), Zaria Jones (No. 8, 100-meter hurdles), and Hannah Reed (No. 8, 400-meter hurdles).
The Eagles will next compete in the Missouri State Invitational Friday, April 17 in Springfield, Missouri.
To view the release by the USTFCCCA on the outdoor rankings, please click here.
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