Men's Track and Field Welcomes 15 in Class of 2029
August 20, 2025 | Men's Cross Country, Men's Track and Field
PRINCETON, N.J. – The Princeton men's track and field program welcomes 15 newcomers in its Class of 2029, as the reigning Ivy League Triple Crown winners return to Princeton for the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year.
After an extraordinarily successful 2024-25 season, which saw the Tigers win their second-consecutive Triple Crown and boast multiple All-Americans, the program is excited to announce its talented new class of athletes who will help it chase more titles this year.
Read on to meet the Princeton Men's Track and Field Class of 2029!
Thomas Arender
PRs: 1600 - 4:08, 800 - 1:54, 5k - 15:16
Before Princeton: Sumner County Track Athlete of the Year 2024 and 2025; school record holder in 800, 1600, 3200, and 5k XC.
Why Princeton: “I chose to come to Princeton because of the outstanding academic experience, the close-knit team culture I experienced on my visit, and the opportunity to maximize my athletic potential.”
Jaylen Bennett
PRs: 100m - 10.65, 200m - 21.29, 300m - 33.91, 400m - 47.32, 500m - 1:02.68, 600m - 1:21.05
Before Princeton: Competed at the World Athletics U20 Championships representing St. Kitts & Nevis; three-time All-American at Nike Outdoor Nationals (2025); Carifta Games silver medalist; named New Hampshire State Gatorade Track & Field Player of the Year (2025).
Why Princeton: “I chose Princeton because I know that it is a once in a lifetime experience that offers the perfect combination of world-class academics and world-class athletics. I know the next four years at Princeton will provide unmatched opportunities for growth and exploration. I’m extremely excited to be a part of a tightly knit team and compete as a Tiger.”
Hayden Boaz
PRs: 5K - 14:13, 3200m - 8:50, Mile - 4:11
Before Princeton: 2nd at NBNI in the 5k; 10th in the 3k at NON outdoors.
Why Princeton: “When I visited Princeton, I felt like I had found my people. Everyone had the same mindset of improving, both academically and athletically, and seemed genuinely interested in the experience.”
Quentin Braithwaite
PRs: 100m - 10.49, 200m - 21.19, 60m - 6.75
Before Princeton: Three-time Maryland 4A state champion; two-time Adidas Outdoor Track National; set an AAU National Record for the 4x100 meter relay when club team, The House, ran 39.92 seconds last summer.
Why Princeton: “I chose to come to Princeton because of its prestige and outstanding job preparation, as well as the amazing track and field team, especially the sprint crew.”
Isaiah Bright
PRs: 110mH - 13.73, 300mH - 37.50, 400m dash - 48.75, 100m dash - 10.64
Before Princeton: USATF All-American; CIF SS Masters champion; CIF state finalist.
Why Princeton: “Princeton’s emphasis on support and family, especially within the track team, immediately made it feel like home. Once I experienced the team’s bond, I knew this was a place where we can make great things happen in a like-minded and driven community. I deeply appreciated Coach Abdullah’s warm welcome to the team and loved seeing athletes’ progression during this past season. I’m beyond excited to both train with and compete alongside high caliber athletes, and more importantly to be a part of the future of Princeton track & field.”
Clayton Gary
PRs: LJ - 24'01.75", TJ - 48'10"
Before Princeton: Two-time New Balance Nationals All-American (long jump); 2025 District of Columbia State Athletic Association (DCSAA) Outdoor Championships Male Field MVP.
Why Princeton: “For me, Princeton has the triple crown: stellar academics and the opportunities to run track and play football. Its strong focus on undergraduate teaching and learning stood out to me. I also appreciate the strong relationship between the football and track coaching staff as well as their attention to detail. Their making me feel wanted and valued confirmed my decision to choose Princeton.”
Joey Goodenow
PRs: Shot Put - 63'4", Discus - 190'1"
Before Princeton: Two-time Kansas State Discus Champion; discus school record holder; two-time Kansas Shot Put State Champion.
Why Princeton: “I chose Princeton because it provides world-class opportunities to meet and compete with the best, both academically and athletically.”
Hudson Haley
PRs: 5k - 14:35
Before Princeton: Texas UIL 6A State Cross Country runner-up; 2023 NXN 30th place.
Why Princeton: “Princeton encapsulated everything I could possibly ask of a college. I made my decision the second I stepped foot on campus.”
Sebi Hume
PRs: 1600 - 4:06, 3200 - 8:56, 5k - 14:53
Before Princeton: Five-time individual DCSAA champion; 2023 Gatorade DC XC Runner of the Year; Washington Post All-Met Runner of the Year.
Why Princeton: “I chose Princeton because it had everything I was looking for in a program and more. Top-notch academic resources, a history of success, and a team committed to achieving at the highest level made my decision to come to Princeton a no-brainer. I saw myself fitting right in on the team, and I believed Princeton to be the perfect environment for me to realize my goals.”
Tsedeke Jakovics
PRs: 800 - 1:48.42, 1000 - 2:24.08, 1600 - 4:09.53, Mile - 4:11.53 , 3200 - 9:15.38
Before Princeton: 10-time Maryland State Champion; three-time All American.
Why Princeton: “For me, choosing Princeton is quite simple. It’s close to home, has great weather, and most importantly, it offers top-tier academics and a tight-knit community environment. On both my visits, I felt genuinely welcomed, which is something I can’t say about the other schools I visited. Coach Vigilante, Coach Abdullah, and the guys on the team made it feel like a place I could really see myself for the next four years. Outside of sports, I’m excited for the challenge in the classroom and the chance to learn from people with totally different backgrounds and experiences. I want to soak it all up, forge life long friendships and grow as much as I can.”
Anthony Liakhnovich
PRs: Shot Put - 66’ 3.75”, Discus - 183’ 6”
Before Princeton: 2025 New Balance Indoor Shot Put National Champion; New Jersey All-State Performer in Track and Field and Football.
James McLeay
PRs: 800 - 1:53.4, 1500 - 3:45.12
Before Princeton: 2024 World U20 1500m finalist; 2025 Australian U20 1500m Champion.
Why Princeton: "I chose Princeton for its top-notch academic and athletic opportunities as well as the supportive team culture that embodies everything I value in a university.”
Kobeyeh Riley II
PRs: 300 - 34.85, 400 - 48.56, 500 - 1.04.63
Robert Ruffini
PRs: HJ - 2.15m, LJ - 7.43m, 60m - 6.95s
Before Princeton: European U20 championships bronze medalist in high jump; two-time Slovakia Republic National Indoor Champion; Slovakia Republic National Outdoor Champion.
Why Princeton: “I chose Princeton because it has always been my dream to study at a top-notch academic institution and continue doing high jump at the same time. Princeton was simply the perfect fit. The opportunity to develop both as a student and as an athlete is unmatched at Princeton and that played a huge role in my decision to become a Tiger.”
Tristan Yoder
PRs: 1600 - 4:06; 3200 - 8:52; 5000 (XC) - 14:56
Before Princeton: VA Gatorade XC Player of the Year (2024); VA 3A State Champ in XC, indoor 3200, outdoor 1600 and 3200; WHSV 3 Student Athlete of the Year.
Why Princeton: “I chose to come to Princeton because of the combined academic and athletic excellence, as I wanted to challenge myself in both ways. The team atmosphere also felt so positive and encouraging, which was another reason why it felt right.”