Track & Field | 5/3/2025 11:20:00 PM
GREENSBORO – Lightning followed by a rain downpour shortened North Carolina A&T's Aggie Classic track and field meet at Marcus T. Johnson Track on Saturday. But before the rain came, junior hurdler Jason Holmes may have very well taken over the lead in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) in the men's 110-meter hurdles.
In addition, the Aggie men took over the shot put and set some personal records (PR) in the 400 meters. Toward the conclusion of the meet, the Aggies celebrated 17 seniors as a part of Senior Day.
Holmes ran a season-best 13.45 to win the 110H over sophomore teammate Isaiah Taylor, who finished second in 13.71. To start the weekend, Northeastern's Ethan Exilhomme led the CAA with a time of 13.54, which was recorded on April 11. That day, he took the lead from Holmes, besting Holmes' 13.57 posted at N.C. State's Raleigh Relays on March 27.
It appears, however, that Holmes has recaptured the lead as the 2025 CAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships approaches May 14-15 at A&T's Johnson Track. Holmes' time could also move him into the top five in the NCAA East Region.
In the men's shot put, the Aggies finished first, second, and third, led by senior Brayden Hodgest. Hodgest's best throw landed at 57 feet, 7 ½ inches. Fellow senior Carlos Alexander, who along with his long-time throws partner Hodgest, was honored on Senior Day, placed second with a throw of 55 feet, 3 ½ inches. Their heir apparent, freshman Alex Henry placed third.
An A&T athlete did not win the men's 400m, but the Aggies did claim four of the five top spots. All four men could be the top four 400m runners in the CAA by the end of the weekend. Plus, all four of those gentlemen broke personal records. Coppin State's Jarrett Gentles won the event in 46.25.
Freshman Elijah Thomas posted a PR of 46.66 to finish second. His PR will strengthen his lead in the CAA after surpassing his previous PR of 46.71 completed at Raleigh Relays. Sophomore Xzaviah Taylor placed third with a PR of 46.69, which could move him into the No. 2 spot in the CAA past Hampton's Justin Anderson (46.76). Sophomore Caleb Gurnell beat his previous PR of 47 seconds flat at the Aggie Invitational two weeks ago to run a 46.72, placing fourth. Sophomore Dyimond Walker rounded out the top five, setting his PR at 46.92.
Another major ascension in the CAA rankings could come from junior Makenna Urbanek. On Saturday, Urbanek ran 11.67 to finish third in the women's 100m. That could move Urbanek into the top five in the CAA. Senior Lucheyona Weaver finished second in the 100H after running a 13.35. Weaver finished behind former East Carolina star and Greensboro native Sydni McMillan (13.09), who ran unattached. Weaver still leads the CAA in the 100H at 13.21. She ranks 18th regionally.
In the relays, A&T's 4x100 women's 'A' team of senior Pebbles Scott, Weaver, junior Aaliyah Harris, and Urbanek finished second in 45.03. The men's 4x100 'B' team of senior Jaeden Gumbs, sophomore Barfuo Abayie Boakye-Boaten, junior Isaiah Monroe, and freshman Correy McManus Jr. placed third in 40.71.
Senior Day Honorees:
Carlos Alexander, Shadajah Ballard, Michael Brittingham, A'jah Canty, Kolby Clark, Kendrell Goodes, Jaeden Gumbs, Jada Hodge, Brayden Hodgest, Fajr Kelly, Jade King, Mykala Perry, Aeneas Reed Jr., Pebbles Scott, Lucheyona Weaver, Kylan Willis, My'Khiyah Williams
