GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Who else but
Cassie Thompson and
Cassidra Thompson?
At Jacksonville University's latest track and field meet, Bahamian star runners Cassie and Cassidra again showed why they are some of the best in country.
Cassie finished first overall in the 200-meter dash and fourth overall in the 60-meter dash. As a part of the 4x400 meter relay team, both Thompsons helped the squad pick up its second first place finish of the indoor season.
So far this indoor season, Cassie has two first place finishes in the 200 and 4x400 relay while also setting a new school record in the 300.
"Cassie's performance was outstanding," head coach
Bambi Brundage said. "And she still has more to give. It's incredible to see her dedication and passion for the sport translate into success. As a coach, watching her hard work pay off is truly special."
In the 200, Cassie finished with a time of 23.51. That time was not only good enough to take home gold but put her among the top 50 fastest 200 times in all of NCAA competition.
Not far behind Cassie was sister Cassidra, who finished in third place in the 200 with a time of 24.36.
Mariandree Chacon finished in seventh with a time of 24.67.
Competing in the 60-meter dash, Cassie finished with a time of 7.48, just .03 seconds behind the third place runner.
Not to be outdone, Cassidra also secured a first-place finish of her own in the 400.
Cassidra earned a time of 55.28 to edge a runner from UNF by .41 seconds. In third,
Joanna Rogers finished with a time of 56.24.
Both Thompson twins,
McKayla Francis and Rogers anchored the 4x400 relay that beat out crosstown rival UNF by .4 seconds. The relay team's final time was also a whole six seconds faster than the third-place team from Georgia Southern.
"When team leaders like Cassie and Cassidra step up, it truly elevates the culture of our program," Brundage said. "They lead not just with words, but through their actions, preparation and a deep understanding of how recovery plays a crucial role in peaking at the right time."
Jacksonville had plenty of solid performances outside of the Thompson sisters as well.
Freshman
Sanaa Geter, continuing to come along nicely for the Dolphin program, secured fourth place in the long jump and took home second place in the triple jump.
Geter jumped 11.39 in the triple, beating out a pair of jumpers from Georgia Southern.
Joy Whittington secured fourth place overall in the 60 meter hurdles, running a time of 8.87.
Freshman
Eva Bellot, competing in the high jump, earned herself a podium placement with her 1.62-meter leap. That was good enough to tie five other jumpers for best in the event.
"(Athletes like the Thompson twins') Impact over the past few years has been instrumental, setting a standard of excellence for our team," Brundage said. "My hope is that our younger student-athletes take note and follow their example— if they do, we are in for an incredible finish to this indoor season."
JU is now onto the postseason, with the ASUN Indoor Championships at hand. The Dolphins will travel to Louisville, Kentucky for the Indoor Championship meet Feb. 27-28 to conclude the indoor season. NCAA Championships start March 14 in Virginia Beach.