NORFOLK, Virginia – It was all about the upperclassmen at the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference outdoor track and field championships, with six Hawks placing as they wind down their careers. After years of honing their craft, Atinuke Shittu and Nasir Neal-Watson obtained their goal of being first team All-MEAC, with four others earning second or third team honors.
 
"Everyone was poised to succeed in their events and I'm very pleased with the seniors with how they performed," head coach Damion Drummond said.
 
With a strong spring showing, Shittu headed into competition poised to make her mark in the history books with her triple jump, going a season high 12.40 meters for first place.
 
"Getting first place means so much to me because prior to this I always fell short," Shittu said. "It means a lot to be in the middle of that podium. Coming from indoor to outdoor I had to change my mindset, I stopped being scared and timid, I just attacked and was aggressive."
 
Salisbury local Neal-Watson saved his senior season to be his best, taking first in the shotput after coming into the meet as sixth in the conference. He threw a 15.50-meter shot, winning his first shot event since the Cappy Anderson Invite in 2019.
 
"Years ago, when I took over the program, I pledged I would invest in local talent, I have no regrets there at all," Drummond said.
 
Neal-Watson wasn't the only shore local to place, with Joshua Goslee taking second in the pole vault while setting a school record of 4.27-meters in the event.
 
Setting a personal record with 50.47-meters in the javelin, James Perkins took third place to be named All-MEAC.
 
Also placing were graduate students Asshani Robb and Janoi Brown, both setting person records in the respective events. Robb took third in the 800-meter with a 2:14.30, Brown third in the 400-meter with a 47.47.