Tampa, Fla., (March 21, 2026) – The University of South Florida track and field program opened its outdoor season at home with a statement performance, hosting the USF Alumni Invitational at the USF Track and Field Stadium and carrying momentum from the men's American Conference Indoor Championship into a strong all-around showing. 
 

Competing in front of a home crowd for the first time this season, the Bulls delivered across sprints, distance and field events, showcasing depth, control and early-season form. South Florida set the tone with event wins, podium finishes and consistent performances throughout the two-day meet. 
 

After a dominant showing at the American Conference Indoor Championships, the Bulls transitioned seamlessly into the outdoor season, continuing to build on that success with strong individual efforts and balanced performances across the board. 
 

The USF Alumni Invitational welcomed back a strong group of former Bulls, with alumni returning to campus to reconnect with the program and be recognized throughout the weekend. 
 

Among those honored was longtime assistant coach Don Marsh, who is in his 27th year at South Florida, specializing in the pole vault.  
 

Two Bulls competed in the Don Marsh Pole Vault Invite on Saturday, the second day of competition, highlighting the continued impact of his work on the program. 

 
HIGHLIGHTS: 

Sprints & Hurdles: 
South Florida carried its indoor momentum into the outdoor opener with strong performances across the sprint events. 

Jaleel Croal led the way in the 100m, clocking 10.14 to open his outdoor campaign after a standout indoor season. 

In the hurdles, Darian Mills recorded a time of 14.02 in the 110m hurdles, adding another solid early-season mark. 

Middle Distance & Distance: 
The Bulls controlled the distance events with multiple event wins and podium finishes. 

Karim Belmahdi captured first in the 800m with a time of 1:48.78, continuing his strong form from indoor competition.  

Nicolas Dovalovsky placed third in the 1500m, finishing in 3:51.74.

In the men's 2,000m steeplechase, Andrew Marello placed first in 6:29.36. 

On the women's side, South Florida secured a 1-2 finish in the 2,000m steeplechase, as Delaney Stephens won in 7:46.52 and Caroline Irvin followed in 7:50.68.

Relays: 
The Bulls' 4x400m relay squad turned in a strong early-season performance, with the men's A team finishing in 3:05.60.

Field Events: 
In the field, Ella Dolce led the way in the women's pole vault, clearing 3.70m (12' 1½") to post the top mark for South Florida. 

Up Next: 
South Florida will travel to Gainesville, Fla., to compete in the Florida Relays, hosted by the University of Florida, on April 3–4. 

ABOUT USF TRACK AND FIELD 
Be sure to follow USF track and field on social media (X / Instagram / Facebook) and visit GoUSFBulls.com for the most up-to-date information.  

Erik Jenkins is in his seventh season as the USF head coach. The South Florida men's track and field team has won five straight American Conference championships. The Bulls' 4x400m relay squad— Devontie Archer, Alexavier Monfries, Corey Ottey and Gabriel Moronta — claimed a national title with a program-record time of 3:00.42 at the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Championships, earning a top-15 finish as a team. This past season, nine Bulls athletes earned All-America honors, including Kobe Babin, Devontie Archer, Alexavier Monfries, Corey Ottey, Gabriel Moronta, Shomari Pettigrew, Jaleel Croal, Abdul-Rasheed Saminu, and Vincent Ugwoke.  
 
– #GoBulls –