LIU Women Take First in the NEC Indoor Championships; Sandiford Named Coach of the Year

2/12/06– Long Island University women’s track and field team captured its third Northeast Conference Championship this past weekend at the Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex in dramatic fashion.

The 4x400 meter relay team, made up of Janel McFarlane (Kensington, Md.), Aisha Thomas (Jefferson City, Mo.), Jaimie Smith (Burtonsville, Md.) and Shaneqwa Warren (Roselle, N.J.) finished, sealed the victory for LIU in 3:53.03.

Thomas won three individual titles, including setting a conference record and earning the Most Valuable Performer and Outstanding Track Performer. She took the 400-meters in a blistering 56.39 and reclaimed her title in the 200 with a time of 24.88. Thomas eclipsed the previous conference record in the 60 with a 7.65 performance.

Smith earned the 800 crown, clocking in at 2:20.04. She seized first in the 500, crossing the line in 75.23. Adding to this weekend’s accolades, Blackbirds head coach Julia Sandiford was named 2006 Indoor Track and Field Coach of the Year. Click here for complete women's results

The LIU men’s team finished third, as Monmouth claimed its second consecutive NEC championship. The 4x400 relay team took first and qualified for the IC4A finals with a time of 3:18.79. All-American Bryan Steele (Gaithersburg, Md.) won the 400 in 47.71, followed to the tape by senior Michael Hillian (Voorhees, N.J.) (47.75).

The Blackbirds conquered the 200, taking the top three spots. Newcomer Shavar Clarke (Kingston, Jamaica) finished in 22.10, winning the title. Hillian and Brooklyn native Jeremy Bascom crossed in 22.25 and 22.34, respectively. Clarke was named Rookie of the Meet after his performances in the 60, 200 and 4x400.

Click here for compelete men's results