Forever the firsts: Medgar Evers College indoor track teams honored at New York State Capitol

By Nick Masuda  |  nicholas.masuda31@mec.cuny.edu

ALBANY — In the storied halls of the New York State Capitol, the names of a new set of “firsts” rang through with piercing accuracy late Wednesday afternoon:

“Director of Athletics Chetara Murphy.”

“Head Coach Hugh Reid.”

“Assistant Coach O’Neil Sandiford.”

“Assistant Coach Aaron Dickens.”

“CUNYAC Championship Most Valuable Performer, Aaliyah Bartholomew.”

“Jada Clayton.”

“Sarah Vallon.”

“Torey Richards.”

“Desireth Ramirez.”

“Deja Davis.”

“Nia Butler.”

“CUNYAC Championship Most Valuable Performer, Rupert Luard-Charles.”

“Chrisnel Nicolas.”

“Isaac Akindipe.”

“Jerome Hodges.”

“Dontay Washington.”

“Joshua Adisa.”

“Adeolu Adeyemi.”

“Jahiem Johnson.”

“Christopher Richards.”

One-by-one, from the majestic Senate floor in Albany, Sen. Zellnor Myrie (20th District) read the names of the 2023-24 Indoor Track and Field CUNYAC conference champions — the first men’s title in the history of Medgar Evers College, and a return to the conference pinnacle for the women after 20 years.

With Resolution 19-08 and a rousing ovation by the packed house, these 20 athletes, coaches and administrators are the college’s first team to ever be honored on the state’s senate floor.

Yes, the first.

They are now etched in Cougar history.

Forevermore, this crew of 20 are now the trailblazers for more opportunities to showcase the talents of Medgar Evers College in what Sen. Myrie called “the People’s House.”

Through an invitation from Sen. Myrie and his incredible staff that took care of every detail throughout the afternoon at the Capitol, the school took a tour of the grounds, where the team was showered with “congratulations” throughout the day, from the elevators to the youngsters that were in awe of the hardware the team carried around all day.

One of those admirers was CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodriguez, who made his way through security to come and offer congratulations to the athletes.

“We are so proud of you,” he said, flanked by Medgar Evers College President Dr. Patricia Ramsey, the latter spending the afternoon with the team.

As a coach, Reid has won 25 CUNYAC titles at various schools, but had never received an invitation to be celebrated on any platform like this.

“I’m honored. I’m humbled,” said Reid. “This is a life-changing type of day.”

And now the party comes to our house.

On April 3 at 11:30 a.m., the Department of Athletics and Department of Student Success is throwing a “Celebration of Champions” event in the Bedford Lobby, complete with free food, entertainment and a special guest that we believe you’ll want to take a selfie with.

Just another opportunity to showcase the championship mindset of a Medgar Evers College student — and our footprint is getting bigger by the day.