RALEIGH, N.C. (Feb. 27) – The four student-athletes on the Saint Augustine’s University 4×400 relay squad were named NCAA Division II Women’s National Track & Field Athletes of the Week by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).
It is rare for a relay team to win a USTFCCCA weekly honor usually awarded to individuals. But the Lady Falcons’ unit was so impressive last weekend that it outshined the other nominees.
Last Saturday at the USC Indoor Open, the foursome of Jaria Hoyte (St. Philip, Barbados), Danielle Scantlebury (So./St. George, Barbados), Davia Smith (Sr./Manchester, Jamaica) and Shannon Kalawan (Sr./Westmoreland, Jamaica) blazed the track in 3:39.39, which is the second-fastest time in Division II history. The only time faster is 3:39.24 set by Lincoln (Mo.) University 23 years ago in 1997.
The SAU relay team placed second in the event at USC Indoor Open, beating several Division I teams including the University of South Carolina “B” squad. The Lady Falcons’ unit is currently ranked No. 1 nationally in Division II in the 4×400 relay. The 4×400 relay team is the first group or individual from Saint Augustine’s University to earn a USTFCCCA national indoor weekly honor.
