Academy of Art University Athletics

Academy of Art track & field's first weekend of action in 2024 was led by Shareez Hamm as he secured a trio of NCAA Division II Indoor Nationals qualifications in the Spokane Indoor Challenge.

Throughout the day on Jan. 13, Hamm was in prime form, first turning in a new 400m personal record of 47.47 to elevate him to fourth in the country as well as fifth in ART U history. Just his second 200m race in the last two years was a memorable one as he delivered a new lifetime best of 21.47 to match teammate Ajani Ince's time from the prior day as not only ninth in NCAA DII, but also fourth in program history.

Finally, Hamm opened the men's 4x400m relay with one of two sub-48.00 legs before Ince and Josh Marlin closed out a strong 3:12.33 mark with NCAA Division I opponents like San Jose State and Montana in tow. The quartet placed first of 13 overall and gave Academy of Art its second Indoor Nationals provisional qualification among the top five in the country. 

"Shareez had a really impressive weekend with personal bests in both the 200m and 400m as well as top 10 national performances in both events," said Director of Track & Field/Cross Country Kevin LaSure. "As our leader, Shareez really set the tone for the men's team this weekend."