Giuseffi and Calhoun Lead Hawks at Season Opener in Naperville

Naperville, IL: The Hawks men's track and field team opened their 2026 indoor campaign at the Pat Heenan Invitational, hosted by North Central College on January 17th, with several early-season highlights and national qualifying marks. With roughly half the roster in competition, the Hawks showed depth and promise across the sprints, jumps, and throws, setting the tone for what looks to be an exciting season ahead.

Freshman Dominic Giuseffi wasted no time making his mark in his Harper debut, turning in a breakout performance in the sprints. Giuseffi set indoor personal bests in both the 60m (6.93) and 200m (22.85). His 60m time established a new Harper College indoor record, while his 200m ranks second all-time in program history and met the national qualifying standard.

Sophomore Jaylen Calhoun also stood out, winning the high jump with a new indoor personal best of 6' 4.75", a mark that easily cleared the national qualifying standard. Calhoun also competed in the long jump, where he posted a solid 20' 3" to open his season.

The Hawks had two athletes meet the national qualifying standard in the shot put — sophomore Vladyslav Nakhim and freshman Jake Cody. Nakhim, in particular, showed remarkable improvement, adding seven feet to his previous indoor PR in the shot put and 18 feet to his weight throw best. Freshman Joaquin Aguilar made his debut in both throwing events, gaining valuable experience for the season ahead.

The jumps group was active throughout the day, with Ryan Cipra and Shahwaiz Jan competing in the long jump, Jan also in the triple jump, and Stefanos Nomikoudis and Stephen Osei taking on the pole vault. Osei matched his indoor personal best from last season and hit the national qualifying standard, giving the Hawks another early qualifier.

In the distance events, all seven Hawks entered the mile, providing a strong early-season showing. The group included Ryan Golden, Sebastian Welc, Michael Johnson, Nate Larsen, Jerome Graessle, RJ Moniri, and Sean Burke, each putting in a solid effort to kick off their indoor campaigns.

With a strong mix of veteran leadership and promising newcomers, the Hawks' season is off to a fast start. Harper will return to action on January 31st at the Dr. Conrad Worrill Track & Field Center at Gately Park in Chicago for their next meet.

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Players Mentioned

Jaylen Calhoun: HJ / LJ / 100m / 200m; Sophomore; High Jump / Long Jump / 100m / 200m

Ryan Golden: 1500m / 5k / 10k; Sophomore; 1500 / 5k

Jerome Graessle: 5k / 10k; Sophomore; 5k, 10k

Michael Johnson: Steeple; Sophomore; Steeplechase

Nate Larsen: 800m / 1500m; Sophomore; 800m / 1500m

Shahwaiz Jan: TJ; Freshman; Triple Jump

RJ Moniri: 5k / 10k; Sophomore; 5k / 10k

Vladyslav Nakhim: Throws; Sophomore; Shot Put / Hammer / Discus / Javelin

Stephen Osei: PV; Sophomore; Pole Vault

Joaquin Aguilar: Throws; Freshman; Shot Put / Hammer / Discus / Javelin

Sean Burke: 1500m; Freshman; 1500m

Ryan Cipra: LJ / 200m / 400m; Freshman; 200m / 400m / Long Jump

Players Mentioned

Jaylen Calhoun
: Sophomore; High Jump / Long Jump / 100m / 200m
: HJ / LJ / 100m / 200m

Ryan Golden
: Sophomore; 1500 / 5k
: 1500m / 5k / 10k

Jerome Graessle
: Sophomore; 5k, 10k
: 5k / 10k

Michael Johnson
: Sophomore; Steeplechase
: Steeple

Nate Larsen
: Sophomore; 800m / 1500m
: 800m / 1500m

Shahwaiz Jan
: Freshman; Triple Jump
: TJ

RJ Moniri
: Sophomore; 5k / 10k
: 5k / 10k

Vladyslav Nakhim
: Sophomore; Shot Put / Hammer / Discus / Javelin
: Throws

Stephen Osei
: Sophomore; Pole Vault
: PV

Joaquin Aguilar
: Freshman; Shot Put / Hammer / Discus / Javelin
: Throws

Sean Burke
: Freshman; 1500m
: 1500m

Ryan Cipra
: Freshman; 200m / 400m / Long Jump
: LJ / 200m / 400m