March 30, 2026
Reiver Track & Field Weekend Overview
Iowa Western Track & Field delivered a strong all-around performance highlighted by multiple event victories, podium finishes, and a school record performance this past weekend.
A major highlight of the meet came in the women's hammer throw, where Natasha Lynch placed third with a throw of 57.18m, setting a new school record by over 5.5m. This mark is also impressive, because it would have placed first at the 2025 national meet and this is Lynch's first meet of the 2026 season.
The Reivers were led by several first-place finishes on both the track and in the field. On the women's side, Mary Laha dominated the 400m, taking the win in 56.69, while Antonella Lanuza claimed victory in the 800m (2:17.21). Elizabeth Ewusie captured the 3000m steeplechase title in a personal best of 10:47.76 to set the school record.
The men matched that success with a pair of event wins. Mohamed Boutaguia led the way in the 800m, winning in 1:54.56, while the men's 4x100m relay 'A' team (Julien Evering, Kadeem Chinapoo, Jerome Jackson, Hakeem Chinapoo) secured first place in 42.20.
The women's 4x100m relay team (Lyric Butcher, Mary Laha, Taeja Bartee, Shantay Augustine) also added a victory, crossing in 46.79 to qualify for nationals.
Podium finishes were a key theme throughout the meet. Lyric Butcher took second in the women's 100m (11.92) to post a national qualifier, while Shantay Augustine finished third in the 200m with a personal best 24.77. The women's 800m group showed exceptional depth, sweeping second through fourth with Lanuza (2nd, 4:43.23 in 1500m), Hafssa Boutrich (3rd, 4:44.62 in 1500m), and Ewusie (3rd in 800m, 2:18.70 PB), alongside Mya Curtis, who added a third-place finish in the steeplechase (10:56.53). All marks under the national qualifying standards.
In the field events, Angel Lopez cleared 2.01m to place third in the high jump, while Arthur Leandro de Sousa earned a runner-up finish in the shot put (17.05m). Additional podium finishes included Ewusie (3rd, steeplechase), Curtis (3rd, steeplechase), and the men's 4x100m 'B' relay team placing third (42.37).
Overall, Iowa Western combined high-end performance with depth across event groups, setting a strong tone moving forward.
Next up, the Reivers will contest two meets at the Texas State Bobcat Invitational, April 2-4 and the University of Nebraska Spring Kick Off, April 3-4.