ROCHESTER, NY - Arianna McClendon (Rome, NY/New York Mills) of the Utica University women's outdoor track and field team has been named this week's Empire 8 Track Athlete of the Week, as announced by the league on Monday. 

McClendon delivered a record-breaking performance to lead the Pioneers at the RPI Capital District Classic, as the sophomore turned in a runner-up finish in the 800m while rewriting the program record books. McClendon crossed in 2:19.29, setting a new all-time mark and finishing second overall against a competitive field that included Division I talent. 

McClendon and the Pioneers return to action this weekend as the team travels to Rochester, NY to take on the 2026 Empire 8 Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Start time on Friday, May 1 is set for 2pm.