Kent State men’s and women’s track and field teams each won by more than 30 points on Friday’s matchup with Akron.

The men’s team won 87-55, and the women’s team won 83-62.

Last season, the men’s team won by one point, and the women’s team won by 37.

“Last year, they were catching us on our men’s side and women on the outdoor conference,” coach Nathan Fanger said.  “So it’s nice to come back and show the dominance we’ve got right now.”

Fanger noted the energy that comes with a rivalry meet. 

“When you go head to head against Akron, you get that special energy. Especially when you are at home,” Fanger said. “It just takes it to the next level. It’s really exciting to see.” 

Freshman Sean Callahan Jr. was a standout for the men’s team. He won the 60-meter dash with a time of 6.67 and the 200-meter dash in 21.47 seconds.

“Sean Callahan has been an absolute monster. He has come in and killed the 60-meter dash two weeks in a row,” Fanger said. “He is doing a phenomenal job.” 

In both meets this season, Callahan has come in first place in the 60-meter dash.

Other top performers for the men included sophomore Ayden Bath and senior Kristian Kneffler. 

Bath won the 60-meter hurdles with a personal best time of 7.97, which is fifth all-time in KSU history. 

He also won the high jump with a height of 6’-7.50.

Kneffler went 17’-3.50 to win the men’s pole vault, second all-time in program history indoors. 

Looking at the women’s team, senior Azsah Bradley and sophomore Svenia De Coninck shined. 

Bradley placed second in the 60-meter dash with a time of 7.61. 

“Azsah Bradley did a phenomenal job in her opener in the 60-meter dash,” Fanger said.

In the women’s high jump, De Coninck placed first by clearing 5’-09.75. 

“Svenia in the high jump ended up going 5’-09.75 and is top four in our history,” Fanger said. 

Graduate students Gabby Bailey and Grace Luther won their throwing events for the second meet in a row. 

Bailey recorded a throw of 50’ in the shot put, and Luther won the weight toss, achieving a throw of 61’-5”.

The Flashes will host the Doug Raymond Invitational on Jan. 26-27. 

Robyn Taylor is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].