Led by multi-events specialist Kendrick Thompson, the University of The Bahamas (UB) Mingoes track and field team had some strong performances at the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) Easter Classic at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium over the weekend.

Thompson shattered the national record in the open men’s decathlon, closely followed by former UB athlete and former national record holder Ken Munnings. Thompson amassed 7,644 points to eclipse the old national record of 7,517 points that was done by Mullings at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, in 2019. Mullings scored 7,644 points over the weekend – just two points behind Thompson.

Thompson had personal best performances in four events – the javelin, 1,500 meters (m), 110m hurdles, and the long jump – all over the two days of competition.

“I felt good over the two days especially with all those PRs (personal best performances),” Thompson said. “I didn’t quite get to 8,000 points but it shows me that I can get there as I’m constantly improving.”

UB Head Coach Ednal Rolle was excited about Thompson’s performance.

“This shows we have a great multi-event program along with an overall great program,” he said. “It shows we have a broad range of coaches who help to develop all of our athletes and we are excited to continue to grow this program here at UB.”

The Mingoes also had strong performances on the track at the meet.

Romica Josey won the open women’s 200m event in 26.39 seconds and finished second in the open women’s 400m in 1:01.74.

“I tried something new with my 400 with going stronger in the second half of the race, but I wasn’t able to pick up speed fast enough at the 200-meter mark. It cost me in the long run so I’m going to have to go back to the drawing board.”

Donya Roberts picked up two second place finishes in the open men’s 200m in 22.62 seconds and the open men’s 400m in 49.96 seconds.

“The plan in the 400 meters was to get out fast and come home with everything I could,” he said. “The meet wasn’t as successful as I wanted especially with the weather not being ideal.”

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