SAN ANGELO, TEXAS – The UT Tyler track and field program delivered another impressive weekend performance at the David Noble Relays, with the women's team finishing second overall with 112.50 points and the men placing third with 88 points. The Patriots saw multiple event victories and program records across both squads while competing against a strong field.
On the women's side, Aerin Thompson led a dominant sprint performance, capturing the 200-meter title in 24.09 while also winning the long jump with a mark of 5.87 meters. Kymia Woodard added another victory in the 800-meter invite section, clocking a 2:12.55, while Addison Truly finished runner-up in 2:19.15.
Gracie Ladner turned in one of the most dominant performances of the meet, winning the 1500 meters in 4:50.66 by a 15-second margin after advancing through the preliminary section of the 800 meters earlier in the day. Kamaria Carr added a second-place finish in the 400 meters (54.48), while Kaylee Monthie placed fourth in the 200 (25.28).
In the hurdles, Hannah Lakin highlighted the day with a program record in the 400-meter hurdles, finishing second in 1:01.20, while Isabel Jakobsen took third in the 100-meter hurdles (14.15). Lakin also added a fifth-place finish in the 100-meter hurdles (14.68).
Field event contributors included Alesha Jackson with a fourth-place finish in the high jump (1.55m) and Kaitlyn Johnson placing fourth in the hammer throw (48.57m), while Brandi Drake finished seventh in the 100 meters (12.25).
On the men's side, Dylan Bennett sprinted to a first-place finish in the 100 meters with a time of 10.46, leading a strong showing that also saw Ashton Bates place sixth (10.83). In the distance events, Chris Kopecky claimed the 1500-meter invite title in 3:57.10, while Gaige Gordey finished third (4:08.07).
The Patriots continued to excel in relays, as the 4x400-meter team of Dakalon Tyler, Preston Ayers, Caleb Williams, and Jakai Timmons captured first place while setting a new program record with a time of 3:08.16. The 4x100 relay team of Bates, Jackson Crysup, Landon Smith, and Bennett added a second-place finish in 40.04.
In the hurdles, Jeremiah Evans secured a runner-up finish in the 400-meter hurdles (53.12), while Odey Jeffs placed eighth in the 110-meter hurdles (15.17).
Middle-distance performances included Caleb Williams finishing fourth in the 800-meter invite (1:53.04) and Dakota Jimenez placing sixth (1:54.71).
In the field events, Hunter Rivet led the way with a second-place finish in the hammer throw (53.23m) and a sixth-place mark in the discus (45.47m), while Sutherland Singer added an eighth-place finish in the discus (44.00m). Kyshaun Otis chipped in with a fifth-place finish in the long jump (6.40m).
UT Tyler will split squads next weekend, competing at the Texas State Bobcat Invitational and the Texas Relays as they continue their outdoor season.
