CIAA Women’s Outdoor Track Championship: Rams Showcase Dominance
Durham, N.C. – In a thrilling finish at the 2025 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Championship, the Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) Rams narrowly secured the title with a total of 136.5 points, edging out Fayetteville State University (FSU), which finished with 136 points. The competition took place at Durham County Stadium.
The last championship for the Rams was in 2022 when they shared the title as co-champions with FSU, marking a significant comeback for the team. Claflin University followed closely in third place with a score of 120.5 points, while Virginia State, Lincoln, and Johnson C. Smith filled the subsequent spots in the rankings.
Key Performances
The championship was highlighted by impressive performances from several Rams athletes:
- Charnessa Reid excelled, winning both the 100m hurdles and the long jump with a jump of 6.04m.
- Elicia Bryant triumphed in the 1500m event, clocking in at 4:47.37, while also securing second in the 800m with a personal record of 2:16.42.
- Brianna Benloss showcased her speed, finishing first in the 100m with a time of 11.70 seconds and second in the 200m at 23.99 seconds.
WSSU’s Head Coach, Antonio Wells, earned the title of Women’s Outdoor Coach of the Year for his contributions to the team’s success.
Event Highlights
On the first day of competition, the Rams qualified athletes for all running events scheduled for the subsequent day:
- In the javelin, Maeghan Wallace secured eighth place with a throw of 26.82m.
- Trinity Brooks finished fourth in the triple jump with a leap of 11.51m and seventh in the long jump at 5.51m.
- Ashieka Smith took second place in the 400m, completing the race in 55.45 seconds.
- The 4×400 team, consisting of Lee, Kelly, Benloss, and Smith, earned second place with a combined time of 3:48.19.
Final Standings
Here’s how the teams ranked after the competition:
- Winston-Salem State University – 136.5 points
- Fayetteville State University – 136 points
- Claflin University – 120.5 points
- Virginia State University – 57.5 points
- Lincoln University – 35.5 points
- Johnson C. Smith University – 32 points
- Tied: Bowie State University and Virginia Union University – 29 points
- Shaw University – 20 points
- Livingstone College – 13 points
- Bluefield State University – 9 points
The Rams’ impressive performance this year not only showcased their athletic prowess but also set the tone for future competitions, firmly establishing them as a dominant force in the CIAA outdoor track and field scene.
