Track and Field Team Sets Out for Texas and North Carolina Showdowns
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — This week marks an exciting chapter for the Western Michigan track and field team, as they embark on a dual adventure, splitting their squad across two exhilarating locales: Texas and North Carolina. The team is primed and ready to showcase their talents at the legendary Texas Relays and the Texas State Bobcat Invitational, while the distance runners gear up for competition at the Raleigh Relays. This split allows the athletes to face different challenges and gain invaluable experience.
A Star to Watch: Mabinty Kebe
In the spotlight is the prodigious talent of Mabinty Kebe. Kebe, who has dazzled fans and competitors alike throughout her Bronco career, continues to build on her impressive legacy. Last week, she claimed victory in the 400-meter hurdles at the Clyde Hart Classic hosted by Baylor University, clocking a remarkable time of 58.79 seconds. She also showcased her speed in the 100-meter hurdles, posting a time of 14.24 seconds.
Kebe is not just riding the wave of momentum; she’s building on a stellar track record that includes winning the MAC Championship in the 400-meter hurdles and advancing to the NCAA East Regional meet in 2024. Currently, Kebe stands proudly as the ninth fastest in Western Michigan’s history for the 400-meter hurdles, and she ranks tenth in the 100-meter hurdles.
Lane Hagens: The Fighting Force in Shot Put
Lane Hagens is another standout athlete from the Broncos, surging into the limelight at the Clyde Hart Classic. Hagens made waves by achieving a personal best that catapulted her to sixth place in program history for the shot put with a 14.67 meter throw, which earned her a second-place finish in the event. Additionally, her performance in the discus, with a throw of 39.11 meters, landed her a commendable sixth place.
Academic Excellence to Match Athletic Performance
The Broncos are not just making headlines on the track; they are also making their mark in the classroom. The team’s commitment to excellence is evident as they posted an impressive 3.55 GPA during the past semester. This includes 13 athletes achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA and 23 more boasting a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Such achievements highlight the balance between academic rigor and athletic dedication prevalent within the program.
Who’s Competing? Athletes to Keep an Eye On
As the team gears up for the upcoming meets, check out the key competitors to follow:
**400-Meter Hurdles**
- Mabinty Kebe (58.79)
- Angel Pratt (1:01.26)
**100-Meter Hurdles**
- Sandra Ferrari (13.60)
- Mabinty Kebe (13.96)
**100-Meter Dash**
- Laurie-Ann Desormes (12.14)
**Long Jump**
- Sandra Ferrari (6.19 meters)
- Anichka Malachi (5.78 meters)
**Triple Jump**
- Anichka Malachi (12.16 meters)
**4×100 Relay**
- Sandra Ferrari, Angel Pratt, Laurie-Ann Desormes, Soniya Jones (Event Debut)
**Middle and Long Distances**
- 1500M: Ava Kurczewski (Event Debut), Lara Machado Pereira (Event Debut)
- 5K: Lily Overton (Event Debut), Lillian Zelasko (16:42.70), Larissa McGrath (17:22.84)
- 800M: Rebekah Asselin (2:16.47)
As we cheer on our talented Broncos in both Texas and North Carolina, one thing is clear: the future looks bright. With incredible individual stories and a team spirit that shines both on and off the track, each athlete embodies the determination and passion that makes track and field such a thrilling sport. Stay tuned for the exhilarating results as they unfold from across the nation!
