Senior Rushana Dwyer shattered the Northwestern State school record in the 400-meter dash with a time of 51.03 at the NCAA East First Round, outpacing the previous record of 51.19. Dwyer's performance secured her a place in the quarterfinals, where she aims for a shot at nationals in Oregon. Dwyer expressed confidence in her potential, feeling smooth and controlled during her race. Her strategic execution helped her advance, complemented by teammate performances in other events. Overall, it was a promising start for NSU at the competition held at the University of Kentucky.

By the Numbers
  • Dwyer’s record-breaking time: 51.03 seconds.
  • Previous school record: 51.19 seconds.
State of Play
  • Three athletes advanced to the quarterfinals: Dwyer, Margaret Conteh (31st, 52.56), and Juvonna Cornette (40th, 11.57 in 100m).
  • Anisha Gibbons and Teodora Samac placed 31st and 37th respectively in the javelin event.
What's Next

Dwyer will compete in the 400-meter quarterfinals on Saturday with a strong chance to qualify for the national championships. Teammates Tarajh Hudson and Randy Kelly will also compete in their respective events on Friday.

Bottom Line

Dwyer's school record performance positions her as a strong contender at the NCAA championships, underscoring her growth and potential on a national stage. Her success not only enhances the profile of Northwestern State but also sets a competitive tone for her teammates moving forward.