The Cornell Big Red men’s and women’s track and field teams will start their outdoor season at the UCF Knights Invite in Orlando, Florida, beginning March 27. The two-day meet marks the first outdoor competition for both squads after a winter indoor campaign that saw several program records.
This opening event is significant as it gives athletes a chance to test themselves against new competition and adapt to different conditions outdoors. For many team members, it follows a historic indoor season where numerous top-10 all-time performances were set.
Cornell is sending sprinters, hurdlers, jumpers, and throwers to compete in Orlando while distance runners remain in Ithaca for training. Notable achievements from the recent indoor season include Pierre Attiogbe’s Ivy League record mile (3:52.44), Francine Stevens’ school-best times in the women’s 400m (53.69) and 300m (38.81), as well as Sophia Comfere’s freshman record in the women’s 500m (1:10.51). Additional highlights feature strong showings across events such as pole vault, shot put, weight throw, hurdles, relays, jumps, pentathlon, and more on both men’s and women’s sides.
The transition from indoor to outdoor introduces new challenges like weather changes and additional events not contested indoors. This weekend’s meet serves as an early indicator of form for Cornell’s athletes heading into the spring schedule.
Competition begins Friday in Orlando with events continuing through Saturday. Live results will be available online.
