Terps Shine on Day Two of Big Ten Championships: Three Finalists Emerge
Eugene, OR – The excitement was palpable as the Maryland Terrapins made their mark on day two of the Big Ten Championships, showcasing their talent and determination on the track. With Maya Valmon, Eric Albright, and Kami Joi Hickson each securing spots in their respective finals, the Terps are poised for a thrilling showdown in the days ahead.
A Legacy in Motion: Maya Valmon
In the women’s 400m, Maya Valmon blazed through her heat, finishing second with an impressive time of 53.33 seconds. This achievement resonates on multiple levels—Maya is not only following in her father’s footsteps, but she’s also making history herself. Her dad, Andrew Valmon, coach of the Terps and a former star athlete, holds memories from 1993 at Hayward Field where he clocked his personal best of 44.28 seconds to earn a spot on the world championship team. “I ran my fastest time ever to make the world championship team, which we eventually went on to break the world record,” he recalls. It’s a family legacy that’s clearly alive and well.
Eric Albright: Running to Victory
Eric Albright dominated the men’s 800m, winning his heat with a stunning time of 1 minute, 48.54 seconds, which automatically qualified him for the finals. Albright’s strategic pacing and explosive finish not only demonstrate his physical prowess but also his mental strength as he navigates the challenges of elite competition.
Kami Joi Hickson: Raising the Bar
On the women’s side, Kami Joi Hickson made waves in the 800m, finishing her heat with a personal best of 2 minutes, 7.25 seconds. This remarkable performance not only secured her a place in the finals but also cemented her position as fifth all-time in program history. Her grit and determination shine through, making her one to watch in the finals.
Day Two Highlights: Results at a Glance
- M Long Jump: Tyler Baruch – 6.65m (20th)
- W Long Jump: Nyla Cherry – 5.71m (16th)
- M 400m prelim: Aaron Abedin – 48.19 (19th)
- M 400m prelim: Sam Ford – 48.45 (20th)
- M 400m prelim: DJ Tarver – 48.50 (21st)
- W 400m prelim: Maya Valmon – 53.33 (8th) – Q
- W 400m prelim: Sam Payne – 54.01 (14th)
- W 400m prelim: Lydia Robling – 55.33 (19th)
- W 400m prelim: Maya Mosley – 55.58 (21st)
- M 100m prelim: Tanner Leach – 10.78 (23rd)
- W Discus: Morgan Graham – 50.60m (10th)
- W 100m prelim: Armanie Coleman – 11.63 (13th)
- W 100m prelim: Jewel Ofotan – 12.26 (26th)
- W 100m prelim: Victoria Teasley – 12.26 (27th)
- M 800m prelim: Eric Albright – 1:48.54 (Q)
- M 800m prelim: Jack Barchet – 1:49.71 (23rd)
- W 800m prelim: Kami Joi Hickson – 2:07.25 (Q)
Onward to Finals
As the dust settles on day two of the Big Ten Championships, the attention now shifts toward the finals where all eyes will be on the three Terps. Their performances set the stage for a thrilling conclusion that promises high stakes and unforgettable moments. Stay tuned as we continue to follow their journey and celebrate their relentless pursuit of excellence. For real-time updates, you can check the Big Ten Conference official site for all the latest details.
Let’s rally behind our Terps as they gear up for their moment in the spotlight!
