2012 Stanford Invitational Results

Palo Alto, CA – Breakthroughs in both the women's 4x400m relay and the men's triple jump highlighted the Urban Knights' final day in the 2012 Stanford Invitational at Cobb Track & Angell Field. The quartet of senior Jazmin White, junior Dominique Berry, junior Vashti Thomas, and sophomore Chantel King united to improve on Academy of Art University's program record in the 4x400m relay (a time which would rank #3 in NCAA Division II) while sophomore Reneilwe Aphane posted yet another ART U record distance with his first triple jump over 50 feet.

“ART U grew up a lot today,” head coach Charles Ryan said. “We made a lot of people stand up and take notice. I couldn't be prouder of my team, but especially my ladies in the 4x400m relay, they were amazing. And Neil jumped very well with his best performance of the season.”

Jazmin White, who led the Knights to their 5th of 16 finish in the 4x400m relay, started ART U off strong with a 55.8 leg before passing the baton. As Coach Ryan had anticipated, White used the momentum of her lifetime best and Academy of Art record in the 400m dash from the day before to get her team ahead early.

“Jazmin proved that her breakthrough from yesterday was no fluke and put plus out front with a great leg,” Coach Ryan said. “She ran with confidence and made a statement.”

Taking the baton from White, Dominique Berry continued the Knights' shot at another program record with a solid 56.2 leg. The Oakland, CA native offered a strong contribution as she has done throughout the year.

“Dom took the lead Jaz had set up and finally decided to put pressure on her opponents,” Coach Ryan said. “She ran aggressive, trusted herself and came home strong.”

Vashti Thomas followed her two teammates by completing ART U's third leg in a sparkling 53.9. The San Jose, CA native bounced back after having competed along with junior Briana Stewart in the finals of the 100m hurdles earlier where both Urban Knights took a “Did Not Finish” after a fall during the race. Thomas, a resilient team captain, would absolutely lead by example in her leg.

“Vashti proved why she is our leader,” Coach Ryan said. “She took her worst meet as individual this season on the chin, put the team before herself, and delivered an amazing leg on the 4x4 just about 20 minutes after she failed to finish her own 100mH final.”

King, who turned in a lifetime best one day before in the 400m at SF State, closed out Saturday's race with a 57.8 leg which represented another personal best for the Sayreville, NJ native. King would fittingly cap off a new ART U record of 3:43.82 in the 4x400m.

“Chantel also ran with confidence,” Coach Ryan said. “She was not afraid to run with the lead and put a lot of pressure on the field. You could tell that everyone was shocked to see us leading in the first place and Chantel did not shrink from the pressure. She delivered her best race ever while on the biggest stage she has ever seen.”

Throughout this 2011-12 campaign, the Knights' 4x400m relay has continuously bettered its previous records and Saturday was another important step.


Reneilwe Aphane has broken numerous jump records for ART U in his first year with the program, but he too saved his best for one of the most highly touted meets of the season. He would come through with a distance of 50-3.25 in the triple jump to place first overall ahead of Division I competitors from Notre Dame, Cal, and UC Santa Barbara.

“It was good to see Neil put it all together at this time of year,” Coach Ryan said. “Winning the collegiate triple jump with a season best against very good competition was excellent. We're very proud of him.”

Rounding out the Urban Knights' competition on the men's side Saturday was the 4x100m relay with Aphane, junior Erik Piedad, freshman Jaylon Hicks, and senior Emil Tolliver.

The Mondo Invitational hosted by Sacramento State is up next for Academy of Art track and field. The Knights will travel north for the two-day event spanning Apr. 13-14.