UVI Track and Field Competes at The Embry-Riddle Running Elements Classic
Daytona Beach, Florida, April 8, 2025 – The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) men's and women's track and field teams kicked off their 2024 season this past weekend at the Embry-Riddle Running Elements Classic, held from April 3-5 at the Embry-Riddle Track and Field Complex in Daytona Beach, Florida. The meet featured institutions from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I, II, and III, as well as National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) institutions.
Women
In the women's competition, freshman Ruby Brahene represented the Lady Buccaneers in two field events for the University. She placed 14th overall in the shotput with an 8.84-meter throw and finished 21st with a 10.84-meter javelin throw.
Men's
For the men's team, Mark Hayes-Ayala made his outdoor track and field debut for the Buccaneers. Hayes-Ayala, a distance runner who also competes on the cross-country team, participated in the men's 800, 1500, and 5000-meter races, recording times of 2:18.46, 4:53.94, and 20:08.87, respectively.
Sprinter Gabriel Elcock represented UVI in the men's 100-meter and 200-meter races, posting a time of 11.82 in the 100 meters and finishing sixth in his 200-meter heat with a time of 24.16 seconds.
Senior Shirmoy O'Garro threw the javelin 99 feet, 10 inches, earning a 28th-place finish.
Next on the agenda for the Buccaneers is a trip to Shreveport, Louisiana to wrap up the season by competing against conference rivals in the 2025 Historically Black College and University Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) Outdoor Track and Field Championships on April 10 and 11. The events will be broadcasted via Urban Edge Network (UEN) app.