Lakehawk Track & Field Qualifies for 2025 NJCAA Championships

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (Track & Field) – The Lake-Sumter State College track & field teams concluded the indoor regular season over the weekend after four consecutive weeks of competition. The Lakehawks demonstrated resilience after a demanding season, posting multiple personal records (PR) and a program-first national qualifier.

After competing for the first time in the Distance Medley Relay (DMR) earlier in the indoor season, Kenyon Wells, Thatcher Clarke, William Petersen, and Spencer Palmer took on the 800-Meter race this week in an attempt to qualify for the 4x800-Meter relay. Their combined time of 7:53.68 successfully met the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) qualifying standard of 7:54.93, securing a spot to compete at the national championship in March.

Palmer led the charge with a mark of 1:55.33, officially qualifying for the 800M and becoming the first Lakehawk to qualify by time.

Petersen had a breakthrough performance, running a sub-two-minute 800M with a time of 1:59.26.

Wells, typically a 400M hurdler, stepped up for the team with a mark of 1:57.52.

Clarke is the final member to round out the 4x800 relay squad. His mark from last week's meet of 2:01.57 helped the team solidify their qualifying time.

Head Coach Cristy Snellgroves shared her thoughts on the indoor track & field season, "the men's team continues to make huge strides, and this meet was a testament to their growth. Spencer's qualification for nationals, the 4x800 relay hitting the NJCAA standard, and multiple personal bests show that this group is not only talented, but also fearless in competition."

The women's team demonstrated steady improvement in their final meet, posting several PRs. There were no national qualifiers from the women's team, so they will now begin preparing for the outdoor track & field season.

"On the women's side, we are seeing steady improvement each week... They are learning how to compete at a high level, and we are excited about their continued growth," said Coach Snellgroves.

The Lakehawks will now turn their focus to the 2025 NJCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships in Lubbock, Tex. on March 7-8, where they will look to continue their strong performances before transitioning into the outdoor season.

Men's Results

Luca Watson, 400M – 53.56 (PR)

Spencer Palmer, 800M – 1:55.33 (PR, School Record)

Kenyon Wells, 880M – 1:57.52 (PR)

William Petersen, 800M – 1:59.26 (PR)

Thatcher Clarke, 800M – 2:02.28

Owen Kingery, 800M – 2:25.68

Bryce Blalock, Mile – 4:53.70 (PR)

Bryce Blalock, 3000M – 4:53.70

Owen Kingery, 5000M – 19:10.13

Devonte Hanson, Long Jump, 6.74m / 22' 1.5"

Women's Results

Jaden Miller, 60M – 8.27

Nasjai White, 60M – 8.43

Sydnee Massey, 60M – 8.65

Brooke Filetti, 200M – 28.38

Sydnee Massey, 200M – 28.61 (PR)

Oksanna Smith, 400M – 1:00.74 (PR, School Record)

Demaris Soto, 400M – 1:05.80

Oksanna Smith, 600M – 1:45.41

Sade Lee, 600M – 1:46.55 (PR)

Jaden Miller, Long Jump – 4.98m / 16' 4.25"

Jaden Miller, Triple Jump – 10.55m / 34' 7.5"