STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - The FDU men's and women's track and field teams are set to launch their indoor campaign on Saturday as they compete in the Bill Ward Invitational at Ocean Breeze Complex. 

Five freshmen will make their debut as Knights this weekend in FDU's first indoor season since 2019. 

With over 500 athletes set to compete, the Knights will meet familiar competition in Staten Island. In attendance will be NEC competitor Sacred Heart, along with local rivals such as Fordham, Manhattan, Columbia and others. 

Returning for the Burgundy and Blue is Shantelle Riley who leads the way for the sprinters in her junior season. Riley secured All-NEC honors last season following a second-place finish in the 200-meter race at the NEC Championships. With consistent performances in the 100-meter and 200-meter competitions, Riley also notched a spot on the NEC All-Rookie Team.

Senior Taeco O'Garro and sophomore Salif Mane are set to return this season following first place finishes at the NEC Outdoor Championships last season. O'Garro and Mane earned All-NEC honors with stellar performances in the long jump and triple jump, respectively. 

After taking home the silver medal at the NEC championships last year and landing a spot on the All-NEC team, senior Lisa Warfvinge leads the women in long jump. 

Field competitors set to compete this weekend include former Second-Team All-NEC honoree, senior Ben Clay III. He will be joined by freshman Rafael Colon in the rookie's first appearance in Burgundy and Blue.