Five athletes from the Alabama track and field program have secured places at the upcoming National Championships after competing in the NCAA East First Round meet in Jacksonville, Florida. The event took place on Thursday and included a two-hour weather delay that altered the schedule.
Christopher Crawford and Trevor Gunzell earned national berths in the shot put with throws of 19.09 meters (62-7.75) and 19.23 meters (63-1.25), respectively. Mariia Horielova advanced in the long jump with a mark of 6.43 meters (21-1.25), while Megan Albamonti qualified in javelin by reaching 52.94 meters (173-8). Distance runner Brenda Tuwei finished fifth in her 10,000-meter race, recording a personal best time of 32:48.02.
In preliminary events, Precious Nzeakor posted qualifying finishes in both her 100-meter (11.24 seconds) and 200-meter (23.35 seconds) heats, advancing to Saturday’s semifinal track events.
The women’s competition will continue Friday, when Cleo Oye-Agyepong, Treneese Hamilton, and Mye’Joi Williams are scheduled to compete in shot put at 9 a.m. CT.
Men’s event finals on Friday will feature Jekovan Rhetta in the 100m, Donald Chiyangwa in the 200m, Samuel Ogazi in the 400m, and Oussama El Bouchayby in the 800m as they attempt to qualify for nationals. In field events, Barry Evans, Christopher Crawford, Trevor Gunzell, and Christopher Young will compete in discus while Khristian Watson is set for high jump.
“Gallery: (5-29-2025) 05-29-25 MWTR NCAA Regionals Advancing to Saturday’s Semifinal Track Events
100m | Precious Nzeakor | 11.24 (q) | PR
200m | Precious Nzeakor | 23.35 (Q) | finished top three in her heat
Crimson Tide’s National Championships Qualifiers – Thursday
Men’s Shot Put
5th: Trevor Gunzell | 19.23m (63-1.25)
7th: Christopher Crawford | 19.09m (62-7.75)
Women’s Long Jump4th: Mariia Horielova | 6.43m (21-1.25)
Women’s Javelin8th: Megan Albamonti | 52.94m (173-8)
Women’s 10,000m5th: Brenda Tuwei | 32:48.02 | PR”
The National Championships are scheduled for June 11–14 in Eugene, Oregon.
