The second annual Davidson Relays drew over 700 athletes from 18 schools to the Lisa and Jeff Case Track and Field Complex on Saturday, March 28. The home meet was more than a competition: in addition to a number of Wildcat event victories and personal bests in front of a supportive home crowd, the meet included a recognition ceremony for the team’s seven graduating seniors and acted as a reunion for track and field alumni.

“As a senior it’s really special to be able to host a home meet so all my family and friends are able to come watch me compete as well as celebrate my four years at Davidson,” Ryan Harris ’26 said. “It’s super rewarding to be able to look back now on a day like yesterday and recognize how far I’ve come as an athlete.”

Pole vaulter Bella Cantorna ’28 described the unique excitement of performing on Davidson’s home track. “We practice here every day so competing feels different. You have to find that competitive mindset in a familiar space,” Cantorna said. “But hearing people cheer my name as I take off? That’s the best feeling.”

Competing against schools including UNC Charlotte and High Point University, the ’Cats showcased standout performances. Matthew Yaun ’29 had a breakout meet, throwing a personal best of 59.8m in the javelin, an improvement by over five meters. Yaun’s throw places him second in school history for javelin.

Additionally for the men, Daniel Cortese ’27 and Quinn Swanton ’29 took a 1-2 finish in the 3000m, Eli Roth ’28 nabbed second place in a tightly contested 800m and Sineth Andrabadu ’29 won the 200m in 21.55.

For the women, Katie Deacon ’27, Jocelyn Millican ’27 and Bella Godoy ’27 swept the podium for the 800m while Ansley Prescott ’29 set the women’s outdoor mile school record with a time of 4:59.44.

Harris, who helped the men’s 4×400 relay to a seventh place finish and placed ninth in 800m, said the meet was a resounding success. “The meet was larger and more competitive than last year which was super awesome to see,” Harris said. “Having better competition at our meets is always great for us as a team so that we can push ourselves and get fast times under our belts as we look towards conference.”

Cantorna, who placed eighth in the women’s pole vault, highlighted the power of Davidson’s tight knit squad, adding that the team’s enthusiasm and support motivates everyone to push themselves harder in practice and competition. “Every meet we’re cheering each other on. That support makes all the difference–both in the jump pit and on the track,” Cantorna said. “You’re not just representing yourself, you’re representing the team, the school and everyone who’s cheering you on.”

Sprints coach Zach Haupt explained that the team’s strong technical foundation is helping athletes perform well even under competitive pressure. “Our expectations are simple: do what we practiced. Focus on the process and the results will follow,” Haupt said.

The Davidson Relays wasn’t just an opportunity for current athletes to compete. Recent graduates Nathan Stewart ’25, Jack Muldoon ’25, Anne Berquist ’25 and Grahm Breiter ’25 returned to race the “alumni mile.” Stewart, a former sports editor for The Davidsonian, won the event in 4:59.

“The alumni mile was a ton of fun,” Stewart said. “It was great to race in such a low stakes environment, and the team members were incredibly supportive and excited for us all. I’m glad we got to put on a good race for them.”

Stewart appreciated the chance to support the track and field team alongside past team members. “The weekend felt very special. It was surreal to have Davidson track athletes stretching from the class of 2023 to the class of 2029 all rallying around one shared goal. There were guys cheering as loudly as possible for Davidson athletes whom they had never met before. And, of course, it’s great to see the leadership and athletic success of the current students—the team is in great hands.”

The ’Cats look to carry the momentum from a strong showing at home into the Verklasse Meet at High Point University on April 2nd and 3rd, and eventually the A-10 championships on May 1st and 2nd.

Alex Thole ’28 and Mason Maynard ’28 contributed to reporting.