Vikings Shine at RPI Capital District Classic with School Records and National Qualifiers
CONTACT: Julia Quinlan, j.quinlan@hvcc.edu, (518) 629-7863 or (518) 530-7376
FOR RELEASE: Immediate, Friday, April 24, 2026
The Hudson Valley Community College track and field teams delivered a strong showing at the RPI Capital District Classic on April 24, highlighted by record-breaking performances, national qualifiers, and multiple podium finishes.
On the women's side, the Vikings were powered by a historic day in the throws. Alivia Cochran set a new school record in the shot put with a mark of 9.97 meters, leading a standout group that also saw Nadia Khan and Cali Buchholz reach national qualifying standards with throws of 9.24 meters and 9.20 meters, respectively. In the javelin, Meghan Cowles added to the team's success with a fourth-place finish, recording a throw of 28.36 meters.
The Viking women also found success on the track, as Inara Bradford claimed the 100-meter dash title in 12.58, while Qimora Johnson captured first in the 200-meter dash in 25.69. The 4x400-meter relay team added a podium finish with a third-place result.
On the men's side, Dylan Izzo highlighted the meet with a record-breaking performance in the javelin, setting a new school record with a throw of 47.52 meters and finishing fourth overall.
The Vikings continued to shine on the track, as the 4x400-meter relay team of Parris Porter, Gavin Vautrin, Darius Simmons, and Jair Oliva earned a first-place finish in 3:28.10. Porter also took second in the 400-meter dash, while Justice Affinito added a pair of fourth-place finishes in the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes.
In the field events, Makai Gordon secured second in the high jump and added a sixth-place finish in the long jump, while Tyler O'Donnell placed third in both the high jump and pole vault. Jeangardy Louis contributed a fourth-place finish in the triple jump, and Nicholas Rushford led the hurdles group with a third-place finish in the 400-meter hurdles.
As a team, the women placed fifth overall with 44 points, while the men finished third with 84 points, continuing to build momentum as the outdoor season progresses.
The Vikings head to face off in the Region 3 Tournament at Mohawk Valley on May 2nd.