Fairfax, Va. – George Mason University has been crowned the Atlantic 10 Women's Indoor Track and Field Champions, claiming the title today at the Virginia Beach Sports Center. The men's team placed second in the championship behind Rhode Island.
The Patriots clinched the championship in dramatic fashion, securing three additional medals on the final day of competition. Abby Weening captured gold in the high jump, delivering a pivotal performance that helped Mason maintain its lead over VCU. Olamide Enajekpo earned bronze in the shot put, while Susan Adenitan placed third in the 200m race.
With the championship hanging in the balance, the 4x400m relay became the deciding event. Holding a slim 2.5-point advantage over VCU, the Patriots needed to outpace the Rams to secure the title. The relay team—Chairley Bido, Simone Hamlar, Helena Santacana, and Ay'rianna Moore—delivered in dominant fashion, sealing the long-awaited victory for George Mason.
Abby Weening was named the Most Outstanding Field Performer, recognizing her stellar meet, which included two gold medals in the pentathlon and high jump. Meanwhile, Head Coach Andrew Gerard and his staff—Tony Mihalich, Tim Nickas, Reynaldo Radlin, Michelle Wallerstedt Hodge, Ivan Chirinos, Cason Gardner, Bobby Kestyn, Susanna Sullivan, and Morgan Holmes—were honored as the Coaching Staff of the Year.
"Overall, an outstanding weekend of competition for both genders but, especially for our women - just a tremendous effort spread across all event groups", said head coach Andrew Gerard. "It's been a decade since we've won a women's indoor title and this group fought for every point. With four events remaining, we were down 11.5 points and between a field event (HJ), a distance event (3k) and the two final relays, the women slammed the door shut. For the men, we also had so many tremendous performances, medalists and champions. It really is not an exaggeration to say that we continue to have the best combined men's and women's program in the conference and that is 100% credit to the team of athletes we have assembled and the awesome staff that helps get them onto the line, circle and runway. So proud of this group and on to outdoors!"
This victory marks a historic achievement for George Mason, as the Patriots claim their first A-10 Indoor Championship since 2014.
The men's team placed second in the standings only behind Rhode Island who have won the Atlantic 10 Championship for the fifth consecutive year.
The 60m hurdles was swept by the Patriots with Davian Burke getting bronze, Albert Asare with silver, and Joshua Sutton reaching the gold. Paul McClain earned the gold in the 500m race and a gold was also won in the 4x400m relays with a young team of Mason Samuels, Lance Koontz, Max Karen, and Jordan Tuck. Abdurrazzaq Hassan got the bronze in the heptathlon.
