The Navy men's and women's indoor track and field teams both defeated Army West Point in the Star Meet on Saturday at the Wesley Brown Field House in Annapolis, Maryland. The men won 98-83, while the women prevailed 94-87, marking Navy's 26th consecutive combined Star victory across indoor and outdoor seasons. Several athletes set meet records and personal bests during the competition.
The Navy men's track and field team secured a 98-83 victory over Army West Point in the indoor Star Meet, claiming their seventh consecutive indoor title. Matt Newell set a meet record in the 1,000 meters with a time of 2:23.44, surpassing a 40-year-old mark, while Justin Mumford established another record in the 3,000 meters at 7:57.42. Navy swept the mile, led by Dane Elke's career-best 4:04.56, and the 60-meter hurdles, with Jason Keiser winning in 8.08. Simon Alexander edged Nathan Kent in the 400 meters with a season-best 47.64, and the team also swept the 200 meters, where Kent won in 21.37.
In the women's meet, Navy defeated Army 94-87, highlighted by Jia Anderson's three victories: the 60-meter hurdles in 8.45, the 60 meters in 7.59, and the 200 meters in 24.52, a season-best. Sophie Compton won the mile in 4:46.10, the seventh-fastest in program history, and the 3,000 meters in 9:35.90. Navy swept the 60-meter hurdles and 200 meters, while Nalina Smith took the weight throw with a career-best 17.67 meters.
Navy Director of Track and Field/Cross Country Jamie Cook commented, "This dual is designed to be close, and to win 26 in a row — that's never been done before. It's a testament to our athletes, coaches and the culture we've built since 2019. We're proud of this group and we're going to keep getting better."
The wins contributed to weekly Patriot League honors, with Alexander named Men's Track Athlete of the Week and Anderson Women's Track Athlete of the Week. Army's Robby Manse earned Men's Field Athlete of the Week for winning the shot put and weight throw.
