Track & Field Performers Bryan Steele and Aisha Thomas Capture NEC Awards

4/19/05 -- Junior Bryan Steele (Gaithersburg, Md.) was named Northeast Conference Male Track Athlete of the Week and Aisha Thomas (Jefferson City, Mo.) was tabbed NEC Rookie of the Week. Steele and Thomas captured the respective honors twice during the indoor season but it marks the first accolade this spring season for the talented duo.

Steele had an outstanding performance at the Metropolitan Championships last weekend, taking the crown in two events. He won the 110-meter hurdles (15.04) and the 200-meters in an IC4A qualifying time of 21.65. In addition, Steele also took second in the 100-meter dash (11.11). The Blackbirds finished second in the prestigious event, hosted by Rutgers and St. John’s, which features many of the area’s top track and field programs.

Thomas registered a pair of second-place finishes to lead the Blackbirds to a fifth-place showing. She was second in the 100-meter dash (12.31), posting the second-best time in the NEC this season.

Thomas also took home silver in the 200-meter dash (24.47) in an NEC performance list leading and ECAC qualifying time. In addition, the first year athlete anchored the 4x400 relay team that captured a second-place showing.

The Blackbirds compete at the NEC Outdoor Track and Field Championships on May 7 and 8 in Emmitsburg, Md.