NORTH EASTON, MA – FDU men's and women's track and field competed at the 2025 NEC Outdoor Championships on Saturday and Sunday. FDU put together a solid showing, with eight different Knights earning medals.
The weekend for FDU was highlighted by a show-stopping performance by
Nilaja Wiltshire. In the women's shot put on Saturday, the sophomore threw for a remarkable 16.79m. That mark not only set a personal best for Wiltshire, it shattered both the FDU program record, and the NEC Outdoor Championships meet record. Wiltshire followed up her shot put performance with two other medals, earning the bronze in both the hammer throw and discus. For her incredible weekend, Wiltshire was named the NEC Thrower of the Meet.
Ethan Ruffin also showed out for the Knights, continuing what has been a dazzling freshman campaign. Ruffin jumped for a height of 2.05m, earning himself the NEC Championship. He defended his indoor high jump crown that he won back in February. Ruffin was named Co-Jumper of the Meet after his performance.
A third Knight became an NEC Champion over the weekend, as freshman Jade Cruz stole the show in the women's triple jump. Cruz leaped for an incredible distance of 12.40m, earning her the top mark amongst her competitors.
Several other Knights had great performances at the meet to pick up medals.
- Duane Kizer won the silver medal in the men's 110mH, with a time of 14.42.
- Tata Coulibaly won the silver medal in the women's hammer throw, hitting a distance of 48.36m. Coulibaly had a remarkable weekend overall, picking up three total medals. She won the bronze in both the shot put, as well as the women's 100mH.
- Taliyah Furtick won bronze in the women's long jump, hitting a distance of 5.65m.
- Justice Hicks won bronze in the men's long jump with a distance of 7.12m.
- Ella Johnson won bronze in the women's javelin throw, going for a distance of 35.14m.
- Xavier Hayletts won the bronze medal in the men's 100m, hitting a time of 10.65.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Knights turn their attention to the ECAC/IC4A Championships from May 16-18.
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