Women's track and field win CIAA Indoor Championship

The Winston-Salem State Women's Track and Field team won their first CIAA Indoor Championship in team history Feb. 13. It was the first conference title for the Track and Field program since 1960 when the men won it.

The Lady Rams finished the championships with 99 points, the majority of them coming in their performances in the middle distance and relay events.

"I always try to push my athletes for greatness," said Head Coach Inez Turner.

"They practiced hard and showed dedication.  They sacrificed a lot."

The Lady Rams had good showings on both days including a first-place finish in the 800-meter run by freshman distance runner Brittany Killebrew. Killebrew also placed first in the mile run and she was a member of the distance medley that won first place as well.

"It feels good seeing our hard work reflect with the results on the field," Killebrew said.

Killebrew is also the  women's cross country champion.

The championship was not the only hardware the Lady Rams brought home from the meet. Winston-Salem native Dedricka Thomas won the most valuable player award for placing second in the women's long jump, high jump and triple jump.

"It was a joy to see her win the award," Turner said.

"I'm very proud of her. She has a great future ahead of her."

Turner said the men's team was in full support of the women. Some of them were even crying from the joy of watching their teammates win.

"We are definitely proud of them," said sprinter Matthew Noble.

"They were fighting for what they knew was theirs and they achieved it."

The championship snapped a streak of 14 consecutive titles by St. Augustine's College.

"We made history and we take pride in that," said Wright O'Neil, assistant track and field and cross country coach.

"We did something that has never been done before."

Coach Turner expressed that she wanted the coaching staff to be the role models for the team.

"When you have various athletes coming up telling you ‘thank you coach' it is very rewarding," Turner said.

Noble said Turner is also a great motivator.

"We are here because she [Turner] believes in us. She tells us to be confident and always work hard."

The championship is the second one in the first year of Turner's regime as head coach.

The team is preparing for the outdoor season where they plan to bring home both the men's and women's championships.

"Winning is addictive," O'Neil said.