JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 31, 2025 — The University of South Florida track and field team delivered a historic performance at the NCAA East Preliminary Round, qualifying multiple athletes for the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon. The meet took place at Hodges Stadium on the campus of the University of North Florida, and it proved to be a record-breaking stage for the Bulls.

The men's 4x100-meter relay team of Abdul-Rasheed Saminu, Jaleel Croal, Alexavier Monfries, and Shomari Pettigrew blazed to a time of 38.05 seconds to punch their ticket to Eugene. Their performance not only shattered the USF program record, but also set a new facility record—previously held by North Carolina A&T (38.54) since 2021.

Saminu continued his dominant campaign by qualifying for two additional events. In the 100-meter dash, he clocked a blistering 9.86 seconds to set another program record, surpassing his own previous best of 9.87 (wind-aided). The performance marked a new Hodges Stadium facility record, eclipsing Trayvon Bromell's 9.88 set in 2021. Saminu's time stands as the current world leading time in the event and ranks him as the fourth-fastest African sprinter in history for his native Ghana. The time also officially qualifies him for the World Championships in his home country. In the 200-meter dash, Saminu qualified for Eugene once more with a time of 19.95 (19.947), continuing his historic postseason.

Croal also added to USF's list of qualifiers, joining Saminu in both the 100m and 200m events. He finished the 100m in 10.08 seconds and posted a 19.95 (19.942) in the 200m—earning not just a new USF program record, but also setting a national record for the British Virgin Islands. Like Saminu, Croal's 200m time secured his place at the upcoming BVI World Championships.

USF's 4x400-meter relay squad of Nathan Metelus, Alexavier Monfries, Gabriel Moronta, and Corey Ottey added another milestone to an already impressive season. The group posted a time of 3:01.52 to earn first place and a trip to Eugene. It marked the third time this season that the Bulls have either matched or rewritten the program's all-time best in the 4x400m relay.

Moronta also advanced in the open 400m, clocking a 45.01 to break his own program record of 45.31, previously set at this year's Florida Relays. He now holds both the indoor and outdoor program records in the event.

In the field, Vincent Ugwoke delivered in the discus throw with a mark of 59.89m (196-6) to qualify for Eugene. Ugwoke, who already holds the indoor and outdoor program records in the event, adds another NCAA Championships appearance to his resume.

"This is what championship preparation looks like," said Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Erik Jenkins. "These athletes have been building toward this moment all season, and now they're seeing the results of that dedication. From setting world-leading times to program records and advancing entire relay squads—it's an incredible moment for this program, and I couldn't be prouder of how they've represented USF. We're excite to see what our women accomplish tomorrow."

The Bulls return to action tomorrow as the women's squad takes center stage. Competitors include Madeline Abega in the 400m hurdles, Rushana Dwyer in the 400m dash, Doris Quainoo and Tyra Thomas in the 100m hurdles, along with both the 4x100m and 4x400m relay teams.

ESPN+ Links
Saturday, May 31 -  https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/fb64584a-cf90-40ba-bf78-50a5442daac3

Fans can access live results HERE and meet information HERE.

For complete coverage of USF Track and Field, follow the Bulls on social media (Twitter | Instagram). 

ABOUT USF TRACK AND FIELD
The USF men's track and field team captured back-to-back American Athletic Conference Indoor Championships in 2024 and 2025 and also claimed the 2024 AAC Outdoor Championship. This past season, 10 Bulls athletes earned All-America honors, including Shevioe Reid, Shaniya Benjamin, Gabriel Moronta, Nathan Metelus, Terren Peterson, Amenda Saint Louis, Abdul-Rasheed Saminu, Goodness Iredia, Zahria Allers-Liburd, and Tre'Sean Bouis. Additionally, Romaine Beckford represented USF by winning the 2023 NCAA indoor and outdoor national titles in the men's high jump.

The Bulls' achievements extended to individual accolades, with Saminu Abdul-Rasheed earning the 2025 Indoor Most Valuable Performer award and Nikodem Pochopien being named Freshman of the Year. The USF coaching staff also received high honors, earning the AAC Indoor Staff of the Year award in both 2024 and 2025. USF boasts a remarkable track record, with 56 All-America selections and at least one All-American honoree in 10 of the past 12 years. In 2021, eight athletes combined for 11 All-America distinctions. Tampa native Shaniya Benjamin set a program milestone by earning three All-America honors during the 2021 outdoor season, while triple jumper Matthew O'Neal, a 2016 graduate, became USF's first six-time NCAA All-American. Since 2013, USF has produced two NCAA runner-up finishes: O'Neal in the triple jump (2016) and Courtney Anderson in the high jump (2013). Head coach Erik Jenkins, who took over in July 2019, has played a key role in the program's success, guiding USF to seven program records and 40 top-10 all-time program marks during the 2021 outdoor season. USF has also hosted major track and field events at its USF Track & Field Stadium, including the 2018 NCAA East Preliminary and the AAC Outdoor Championships in 2021 and 2023.