Charlotte Track and Field Excels at 49er Classic

News Summary

The Charlotte 49ers track and field teams had a remarkable start to their outdoor season at the 2025 49er Classic, showcasing impressive performances from both the men’s and women’s squads at the Irwin Belk Track and Field Center. With standout athletes delivering remarkable results, including several personal bests and school records, the teams have set a promising tone for the upcoming season. Following this successful meet, both teams are gearing up for their next competitions, aiming to continue their pursuit of conference titles.

Charlotte Track and Field Shines at the 2025 49er Classic

Charlotte, N.C. – The local track and field community came alive last weekend as the Charlotte 49ers kicked off their outdoor season with the 2025 49er Classic at the impressive Irwin Belk Track and Field Center. Running from Thursday, March 20 to Saturday, March 22, the meet attracted athletes from various schools, but it was the Niners who truly stole the show.

A Promising Start to Outdoor Season

This event marked the beginning of outdoor competition for the Niners after wrapping up their indoor season just two weeks prior. The anticipation was high as both the men’s and women’s teams looked to defend their prowess and establish themselves early in the new season. Last year, the women’s team dazzled the crowd by clinching the American Conference title in their inaugural year in the conference, and they were eager to repeat that success.

Star-Studded Lineup for the Women’s Team

The women’s squad boasted an impressive lineup of returners, including star athletes like Sarah Brown in pole vault, Joyasia Smith and Aniya Matthews in sprints, and multiple hurdle specialists including Amaya Hopkins and Summer Washington. Opportunities for scoring points were plenty, as athletes like Kayla Davis-Edwards and Sasha Gregory set the stage for a thrilling weekend of competition.

Men’s Team: Hopeful for a Title

The men’s team was equally eager, aiming to seize the conference title for the first time since joining the American Conference in 2023. Highlighting their potential, sophomore Ben Montgomery had set a new school record earlier in the indoor season, prompting excited speculation about future performances. Freshman James Harris also showcased promise in sprints, while junior Payton Kimble impressed everyone with a top-tier shot put performance.

Action-Packed Schedule

The 49er Classic featured a bustling schedule. The first two days included thrilling combined events like the heptathlon and decathlon. As the weekend progressed, field events including pole vault and javelin delighted spectators, while running events covered everything from sprints to distance races.

Outstanding Performances Highlight the Meet

One of the standout moments came from the Niners’ Joyasia Smith, who dazzled the crowd by winning the 100m with a blazing time of 11.21, the fastest legal time in the NCAA that weekend. Additionally, Khia Holloway sprinted to a personal best of 23.81 in the 200m, making her one of the all-time greats at Charlotte.

The 4x100m relay team didn’t want to be left out either, posting a time of 44.82, which also ranks among the top performances in school history. Meanwhile, in hurdles, Mkhiyah Pittman shone brightly in the 100m hurdles, and Amaya Hopkins captivated onlookers in the 400m hurdles.

On the men’s side, Ben Montgomery continued to impress by taking the top spot in the 100m with a speedy 10.67, and also finished in the top ten for multiple events, showcasing his versatility.

A Decathlete Triumphs and Rivals Rise

Displaying grit and determination, Connor Wetherington emerged victorious in the decathlon, achieving a personal best score of 6513 points, placing him among the top ten all-time performers for Charlotte. Their rivals, the Bulldogs from UNC Asheville, were certainly a force to be reckoned with too, featuring standout performances from DaMarr Harvey, who won the men’s 200m, and Isabel Richardson, who finished sixth in the women’s 1500m.

Looking Ahead

With the 49er Classic wrapped up, both teams are now looking forward to upcoming competitions. Charlotte will be heading to the NC State relays while Asheville is preparing for the Tennessee Invite, both scheduled for early April. With so much excitement and talent on display, the rest of the outdoor season promises to be nothing short of spectacular.

As the Charlotte Track and Field team ushers in this new season, one thing is clear: they are ready to make waves on the track and build upon their remarkable legacy.

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Additional Resources

• Charlotte 49ers News: 49er Classic Opener
• UNC Asheville Bulldogs: M.Lek’s School Record
• Charlotte 49ers News: 49er Classic Conclusion
• Google Search: Track and Field Competition
• Wikipedia: Sports in the United States