Northwestern State Track Stars Shine at Pepsi Florida Relays

Rushana Dwyer and Will Achee record top national times in the 400-meter dash

Apr. 6, 2026 at 3:54pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the motion and energy of a 400-meter track race, with overlapping geometric shapes and planes in the vibrant colors of Northwestern State University.The dynamic, geometric style captures the energy and intensity of the top national performances by Northwestern State track stars at the Pepsi Florida Relays.Gainesville Today

Northwestern State track and field athletes Rushana Dwyer and Will Achee recorded top national times in the 400-meter dash during the Pepsi Florida Relays this weekend. Dwyer's time of 51.59 seconds ranks as the second-fastest in program history and stands in the top 10 nationally, while Achee's career-best 46.07 seconds is currently the top mark in the Southland Conference and ranks in the top 10 in the country.

Why it matters

The strong performances by Dwyer and Achee, as well as several other Demons and Lady Demons, have increased the visibility of the Northwestern State track and field program among high schools and other universities. The team's success at the prestigious Pepsi Florida Relays showcases the depth and talent of the program.

The details

Dwyer finished second in the 400-meter dash out of 46 competitors, besting her previous personal record by more than a half-second. Margaret Conteh also recorded a personal best in the 400-meter dash, finishing in 52.76 seconds, which ranks in the top 20 nationally. On the men's side, Achee's mark of 46.07 leads the Southland Conference this season, and the team had four athletes run in the 46-second range in the 400-meter. In other events, Keontae Gaines finished ninth in the 100-meter dash, Tarajh Hudson won the men's discus, and Shakera Kirk took second place in the women's discus.

  • The Pepsi Florida Relays took place this weekend on the campus of the University of Florida in Gainesville.
  • Northwestern State will take a one-week break from competition before traveling to California on April 17 for the Mt. San Antonio College Relays and the Bryan Clay Invitational.

The players

Rushana Dwyer

A track and field athlete for Northwestern State University who recorded a top national time of 51.59 seconds in the 400-meter dash at the Pepsi Florida Relays, which ranks as the second-fastest in program history and stands in the top 10 nationally.

Will Achee

A track and field athlete for Northwestern State University who recorded a career-best time of 46.07 seconds in the 400-meter dash at the Pepsi Florida Relays, which is currently the top mark in the Southland Conference and ranks in the top 10 in the country.

Mike Heimerman

The head coach of the Northwestern State track and field team, who noted the significance of the performances by Dwyer and Conteh and discussed the consistency of the men's 400-meter group.

Margaret Conteh

A track and field athlete for Northwestern State University who recorded a personal best time of 52.76 seconds in the 400-meter dash at the Pepsi Florida Relays, which ranks in the top 20 nationally.

Tarajh Hudson

A track and field athlete for Northwestern State University who won the men's discus event at the Pepsi Florida Relays with a throw of 179-2.

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What they’re saying

“Rushana lead the way on the women's side. That's a all-time PR for her so 52 is a phenomenal time. I think she was the fastest collegiate today at the meet which was very impressive so that's I think that is No. 2 all-time here, only behind Megan, so it was phenomenal day by her.”

— Mike Heimerman, Head Coach, Northwestern State Track and Field

“Will was just a tick away from being under 46 and into the 45 range and that's a PR for him. It was a very impressive run and then have a personal best by Duncan and then to have two other guys run 46 with Jones and then Bartholomew.”

— Mike Heimerman, Head Coach, Northwestern State Track and Field

What’s next

Northwestern State will take a one-week break from competition before traveling to California on April 17 for the Mt. San Antonio College Relays and the Bryan Clay Invitational.

The takeaway

The strong performances by Northwestern State's track and field athletes at the prestigious Pepsi Florida Relays have increased the visibility and recognition of the program, showcasing the depth of talent and the hard work of the coaches and athletes. This success will likely lead to greater recruitment opportunities and continued growth for the program.