Vikings Open Season with Meet Wins, National Qualifiers, and NJCAA-Ranked Performances
CONTACT: Julia Quinlan, j.quinlan@hvcc.edu, (518) 629-7863 or (518) 530-7376
FOR RELEASE: Immediate, Friday, January 30, 2026
The Hudson Valley Community College men's and women's track & field teams opened the indoor season with an impressive showing, highlighted by meet victories, multiple national qualifiers, and a number of NJCAA-ranked marks across a wide range of events.
On the men's side, Makai Gordon delivered one of the top performances of the meet, capturing the high jump title with a clearance of 2.03 meters, a mark that ranks among the best nationally. Tyler O'Donnell also claimed a meet championship in the pole vault, clearing 4.25 meters to continue a strong start to his indoor campaign.
The Vikings found success on the track as well, led by Parris Porter, who finished second in the 800 meters with a time of 1:59, earning a national qualifying mark. In the sprints, Nick Rushford and Darius Simmons posted national qualifiers in the 200 meters, running 23.41 and 23.46, respectively. Rushford also competed in the 60-meter hurdles, while Sylas Petrie reached the finals of the 60 meters and added a solid showing in the 200.
The men's relay group also impressed, as the 4x400m "B" relay finished second overall in 3:38.79, earning an NJCAA ranking, while the "A" relay placed third with a time of 3:41.16.
In the field events, Andrew Long led the Vikings in the shot put, throwing 12.51 meters to place 11th, while Jayden Salisbury followed with a mark of 11.79 meters. Long and Salisbury also competed in the weight throw, continuing to build depth for the throwing group. Vincent Marks added points in the long jump, while Brody Wallas posted a strong effort in the pole vault, clearing 3.20 meters.
Distance events saw solid early-season efforts from Alan Arnold, who ran 4:40.32 in the mile, earning an NJCAA ranking, and Robert Wiltsie, who competed in the 3000 meters.
The women's team was led by a standout performance from Qimora Johnson, who won the 200 meters with a time of 26.69, earning a national qualifying mark and an NJCAA ranking. Alana Dickson followed with a strong showing in the 200 and placed fifth in the 60 meters, while Inara Bradford reached the finals of the 60 meters and competed in the long jump, recording an NJCAA-ranked mark.
In the distance events, Brianna Martin competed in the mile, while Paulina Ostrander and Talia Moore both earned NJCAA rankings in the 3000 meters.
The Vikings also showed depth in the throwing events, led by Cali Buchholz, who posted NJCAA-ranked marks in both the shot put and weight throw. Jada McCrae and Zoe Evans added strong efforts in the shot put, while Evans also competed in the weight throw.
With multiple meet wins, national qualifiers, and NJCAA-ranked performances across both teams, the Vikings opened the 2026 season with momentum as they continue preparations for the upcoming stretch. The Vikings head to the Big Apple Invitational on Saturday, February 7th at 3pm.
Full meet results can be found at live.harrierrace.com/meets/60728.