FORT WORTH, TEXAS – The UT Tyler track and field program turned in a strong all-around performance at this year's TCU Alumni Invitational, highlighted by multiple event wins and several podium finishes against top Division I competition.
The Patriots opened competition on Friday with a standout showing in the men's hammer throw as Hunter Rivet placed fifth with a mark of 52.57 meters, the top finish among Division II competitors in the field.
Saturday's action saw UT Tyler continue to build momentum across a variety of events. In the field events, Jada Owens (13.25m) and Kaden Adams (15.39m) each recorded ninth-place finishes in the shot put, while Maren Ware added another ninth-place mark in the triple jump with a leap of 11.55 meters.
The distance squad delivered one of the top highlights of the meet in the women's 5000 meters, as Gracie Ladner led the way with a third-place finish in 18:14.51. She was closely followed by Finley Hunting in fourth (18:32.86) and Adison Richard in fifth (18:35.88), giving the Patriots three top-five finishers in the event. On the men's side, Kevin Velazquez placed 10th with a time of 15:42.87.
The men's 4x100 relay team of Ashton Bates, Landon Smith, Jackson Crysup, and Stephon Nickerson earned a third-place finish with a time of 40.66, trailing only host TCU and North Texas.
In the hurdles, Dameon Smith Jr. led the way in the 110m hurdles with a fifth-place time of 14.51, followed closely by Brandon Arenas in sixth (14.53) and Odey Jeffs in 10th (15.06). Jeremiah Evans added a fifth-place finish in the 400m hurdles (55.27), while Hannah Lakin placed fourth in the women's 400m hurdles (1:01.47) and Zakaiya Hunte finished ninth (1:04.51).
Aerin Thompson delivered one of the premier performances of the meet in the women's 400 meters, capturing first place with a time of 53.87. Competing just one week after claiming a national title during the indoor season, Thompson topped a loaded field that included athletes from UT Arlington, TCU, Oklahoma, Baylor, and SMU.
In the men's 400 meters, Dakalon Tyler placed sixth (48.34) and Jackson Crisp finished ninth (48.42).
Middle distance events saw Nina Allmark take fifth in the women's 800 meters with a time of 2:14.81, while Brandon Jimenez (1:54.57) and Chris Kopecky (1:56.17) placed seventh and 10th, respectively, in the men's race.
Freshman Addison Truly added another marquee moment for the Patriots, winning the women's 2000-meter steeplechase with a time of 7:44.45, finishing ahead of two Lone Star Conference competitors from DBU.
The women's 4x400 relay team of Aerin Thompson, Hannah Lakin, Zakaiya Hunte, and Kymia Woodard capped the meet with a third-place finish in 3:44.46, trailing only TCU and Oklahoma.
UT Tyler will look to carry this momentum into their next meet hosted by Angelo State.
