Tech Track Starts Season in Top 20
January 06, 2011 | Track and Field
Jan. 6, 2011
LUBBOCK, Texas - The Texas Tech track and field teams start the upcoming season not only returning 19 All-Americans - in either track or cross country - but also start the season ranked in the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association with a No. 7 for the Red Raiders and a No. 18 ranking for the Lady Raiders.
The Red Raiders are the second-highest team ranked from the Big 12. On the heels of an All-American freshman campaign, sophomore jumper Bryce Lamb returns will open the season with the best mark following the 2010 season in the long jump at 8.14M (26'-8.50"). Lamb, along with teammate Darrell Roddick, are both in the top five of the triple jump marks as Lamb sits No. 2 and Roddick at No. 5. The men's 4x400M is also ranked highly at No. 7.
The Lady Raiders, at No. 18, are the fifth-ranked team from the Big 12 to start the season. The women are a well-rounded group with points coming from the sprints, throws and sprints. Defending Big 12 Champion Shade Weygandt returns for her sophomore season in the pole vault and is the No. 4 returner. Kittley will also look to the distance medley relay, 4x400M relay as well as Caroline Karunde, Purity Biwott and Kelsey Lloyd are all looking to play a major role in the team's success.
"I am excited that people are ranking us this high this early, said head coach Wes Kittley. I feel honored that our program has achieved this status and we are looking forward to the season."
Tech will open the season at home with the annual Texas Tech Invitational to be held at the Athletic Training Center on Fri., Jan. 14 and the meet will conclude on Sat., Jan. 15.
Players Mentioned
