East Michigan News

The Eastern Michigan University (EMU) track and field teams hosted the Second Annual Bob Parks Memorial at Bowen Field House on January 25, 2025. The event featured notable alumni, including two-time United States Olympian Donald Scott. Scott secured a win in the triple jump with a mark of 16.77 meters.

Joining Scott were other former EMU athletes: Newlyn Stephenson, who won the men's weight throw with a distance of 20.77 meters; Almighty Williamson, who triumphed in the 60-meter hurdles clocking in at 7.85 seconds; and Natalie Cizmas, who claimed victory in the 800 meters with a time of 2:08.65 and finished third in the 3,000 meters.

The EMU women's team excelled by winning six events and securing top-three finishes fourteen times while setting thirteen personal records. The men's team also performed well, winning five events and achieving seventeen personal bests.

In individual performances for women, Natalie Buratczuk won the high jump with a leap of 1.65 meters, while Alimot Alowonle took first place in the long jump with a distance of 5.90 meters. Freshman Faith Moore set a personal record in the weight throw at 16.89 meters.

Josephine Oloye was notable for her victories in both the 200-meter dash and as part of EMU's first-place relay team in the 4x400 meter race.

For men’s events, Bamidele Ajayi led EMU to sweep the top three positions in the 400-meter dash. Jimmy Geller achieved his first collegiate win in the 800 meters with a time of 1:54.53, while Ronan Codyre earned gold in the mile run with a personal-best time of 4:12.

Formula Thompson impressed by winning the long jump at a distance of 7.52 meters, which is currently ranked as one of this year's best performances within their conference.

Next on their schedule are meets at Saginaw Valley State's Jets Pizza Invitational and Notre Dame's Meyo Invitational from January 31 to February 1.