Cougars Shine with Six Regional Awards at Azusa Pacific University
Azusa Pacific University’s track and field team is celebrating a remarkable achievement this week, with six of its athletes and coaches receiving prestigious regional honors from the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. Among the recipients are standout athletes Nicole Warwick and Jermel Jones, who were both named West Region Field Athletes of the Year.
Warwick, a talented athlete from Modesto, California, made headlines with her exceptional performance at the 2024 NCAA DII Outdoor Track & Field Championships. She clinched the long jump title with a record-breaking leap of 6.81m (22-4ΒΌ), solidifying her status as one of the top field athletes in the region. Warwick’s stellar achievements also include a heptathlon score of 5927 points at the Bryan Clay Invitational, marking her as a force to be reckoned with in NCAA DII history. Her impressive track record boasts 17 All-American honors and three individual national titles, making her a standout competitor to watch.
Jones, a native of Los Angeles, California, demonstrated his prowess by securing the long jump title at the NCAA DII Outdoor Championships with a remarkable jump of 8.18m (26-10). His outstanding performance at the PacWest Outdoor Championships helped lead the Cougars to victory, earning him the title of the men’s conference Field Athlete of the Year. With an Olympic qualifying mark in the long jump, Jones is poised to make a splash at the upcoming 2024 Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon.
In addition to the stellar athletes, Azusa Pacific’s coaching staff also received well-deserved recognition. Jack Hoyt, the Director of Track & Field, was named the West Region Coach of the Year for both the women’s and men’s teams. Under his leadership, the Cougars achieved impressive results at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships, with multiple All-American accolades and team titles at the PacWest Conference Outdoor Championships.
Andrea Blackett and Sean Smith, assistant coaches at Azusa Pacific, were also honored for their exceptional coaching skills. Blackett, in her role as Associate Head Coach, guided the Cougars’ sprinters and hurdlers to top finishes at the national and conference level, showcasing her dedication to excellence. Smith, the head coach of men’s and women’s Cross Country, played a pivotal role in the team’s success at the NCAA Championships, helping secure the program’s best finish in the NCAA era.
As the Cougars bask in the glow of their regional awards, all eyes are now on the national stage, where these exceptional athletes and coaches will be vying for further recognition. Stay tuned for more updates on their journey to success as they continue to make their mark in the world of track and field.
