CIAA Announces 2024 Outdoor Track & Field Athletes of the Year
DURHAM, NC – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) announces its 2024 Outdoor Track & Field Athletes of the Year, as voted by the CIAA Track & Field Coaches Association and Sports Information Directors Association. These outstanding student-athletes will be formally recognized tomorrow during the CIAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Durham, NC.
2024 CIAA Outdoor Track & Field Athletes of the Year
Women’s Track Athlete of the Year: Brianna Benloss, Winston-Salem State University
Women’s Field Athlete of the Year: M’Smrya “Shea” Seward, Fayetteville State University
Men’s Track Athlete of the Year: Desmond Kirwa, Virginia State University
Men’s Field Athlete of the Year: Markus White, Virginia State University
Freshman Brianna Benloss, Women’s Track Athlete of the Year, has been a standout athlete for the Rams during the outdoor season, earning recognition as the CIAA Women’s Track Athlete of the Week twice. She posted a personal best time of 11.75 in the 100m event ranking her at #1 in the CIAA, #3 in the Atlantic Region, and #34 nationally. Similarly, her personal best time of 24.02 in the 200m places her #3 in the CIAA, #3 in the Atlantic region, and #24 nationally. In addition, her contribution to the 4×100 relay resulted in a fourth-place finish with an NCAA qualifying time of 46.37. Benloss’s consistent excellence has been instrumental in propelling the team to a third-place ranking in the Atlantic region week after week.
Senior M’Smrya (Shea) Seward, Women’s Field Athlete of the Year, dominated the indoor season and continued her excellence through the outdoor season. She broke the FSU high jump record with a height of 1.65m. In the conference, she’s ranked #1 in both the high jump and the long jump. In DII Atlantic Regional rankings, she is ranked #2 in the high jump and #3 in the long jump.
Freshman Desmond Kirwa, Men’s Track Athlete of the Year, has been an undeniable force this outdoor season is, with just one loss tarnishing an otherwise impressive record. His exceptional performance has earned him a NCAA provisional qualifier in the 800m event, while also securing him the top spot in the CIAA rankings for both the 800m and 1500m races. Adding to his impressive list of accolades, Kirwa also broke VSU’s 1500m record.
Markus White continues his standout Freshman campaign, boasting impressive rankings and achievements. With a provisional qualifying mark, he currently holds the esteemed #10 position in the NCAA for the Long Jump, securing the top spot in both the Atlantic region and the CIAA. Additionally, Markus demonstrates remarkable versatility, claiming the #3 position in the CIAA for the Triple Jump.
