Event Win, Podium Finishes Highlight ERAU Invite for Spartans
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The University of Tampa men's and women's track teams closed the regular season with a strong showing at the 2026 ERAU Blue and Gold Invite on April 18 at the Embry‑Riddle Track & Field Complex, highlighted by an event victory, multiple podium finishes, and solid tune‑up performances ahead of the conference championships.
The Spartans' men's distance group led the way, paced by an impressive showing in the 3,000‑meter steeplechase. Nolan Bonta captured the event title, winning in 9:49.0, while Aidan Carroll followed with a third‑place finish in 9:54.8. Tampa added depth in the event as Sam Buytaert finished fifth (10:19.2), giving UT three top‑five finishers. In the sprints, Luca Rius continued his strong season with a third‑place finish in the 200 meters (21.70) and a fifth‑place showing in the 400 meters (49.62).
On the women's side, Tampa saw several standout efforts across hurdles, middle distance, and endurance events. Kate Carter and Madi Tweedie finished first and second in the 400‑meter hurdles, with Carter winning the event in 1:01.30 and Tweedie close behind at 1:04.90. In the 800 meters, Kendra Krueger led the Spartans with a fifth‑place finish in 2:13.6, while Anna Thomas paced Tampa in the 400 meters, finishing fifth in 1:00.3. The Spartans also picked up a win in the 10,000 meters, as Elle Stabnik captured the event with a time of 41:38.3.
Top Tampa Performers (Men)
3,000m Steeplechase:
In the men's 3,000‑meter steeplechase, Nolan Bonta won the event in 9:49.0, followed by Aidan Carroll in 3rd (9:54.8) and Sam Buytaert in 5th (10:19.2).
200 Meters:
In the men's 200 meters, Luca Rius led Tampa with a 3rd‑place finish in 21.70, while Antonio Colon and Daniel Raffin also competed in the final.
400 Meters:
In the men's 400 meters, Luca Rius paced UT with a 5th‑place time of 49.62.
100 Meters:
In the men's 100 meters, Daniel Raffin finished as Tampa's top performer, placing 8th in 10.98.
Top Tampa Performers (Women)
400m Hurdles:
In the women's 400‑meter hurdles, Kate Carter won the event in 1:01.30, with Madi Tweedie finishing 2nd in 1:04.90.
800 Meters:
In the women's 800 meters, Kendra Krueger led Tampa with a 5th‑place finish in 2:13.6.
400 Meters:
In the women's 400 meters, Anna Thomas paced the Spartans with a 5th‑place time of 1:00.3, followed by Lindsey Kownick.
10,000 Meters:
In the women's 10,000 meters, Elle Stabnik claimed the event title, winning in 41:38.3.
Up Next
The Spartans now turn their attention to the 2026 Sunshine State Conference Championships, scheduled for April 24–25 at the Embry‑Riddle Track & Field Complex in Daytona Beach, Fla.