UVI’s Track and Field team hit the ground running in South Florida at the Shark Invitational

Miramar, Florida, March 28, 2026 – The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) men's track and field team opened its outdoor season on Saturday at the Shark Invitational held at the Ansin Sports Complex in Miramar, competing against a field that included eight NCAA Division II and NAIA programs from South Florida.

The Buccaneers brought a limited roster to the season opener, with only three of the team's six men's athletes competing. Even with the reduced lineup, UVI turned in several notable early-season performances at the meet hosted by Nova Southeastern University.

Sophomore Sprinter Gabriel Elcock clocked 11.56 in the 100m to post a new personal best and lead the Buccaneers in the sprint events. Ahsan Ambo followed closely in 11.67, finishing just behind his teammate. In the 200m, Ambo placed second in his heat with a time of 23.78. Ambo, V'Andre Rochester, and Elcock finished 36th, 37th, and 40th, respectively.

Rochester also posted a 55.10 in the 400-meter race, giving the Buccaneers another solid mark in their first competition of the spring. The meet served as an opening test for the small UVI group, which used the event to establish early times against experienced regional competition.

The Buccaneers will continue the outdoor season April 2-5 at the Embry-Riddle Running Elements Classic in Daytona Beach, Florida. Freshmen Lance Latare and Zahir Mbengue are both expected to make their collegiate debuts there. Latare is scheduled to compete in the men's 1500 and javelin, while Mbengue will focus on the javelin.