Tech Athletes Ranked Among Nation's Best After First Meet
January 15, 2012 | Track and Field
The Texas Tech track and field team has seven athletes ranked in the Top 15 nationally.
Jan. 15, 2012
LUBBOCK, Texas - After the first meet of the indoor season, the Texas Tech track and field team is well represented in the national rankings, with seven athletes recording marks that rank among the Top 15 nationally.
Meanwhile, the No. 8 Lady Raiders 4x400 meter relay team, comprised of Taylor Evans, Erica Alexander, Olivia Lewis and Candace Jackson ranks fourth in the country after running a time of 3:38.67 to win the event on Saturday afternoon at the Texas Tech Open.
"They showed a lot of courage," head coach Wes Kittley said of the relay team. "I see a lot of good things for the future with them."
Representing the men's team Brandon Tucker, Shane Brathwaite, Kyal Meyers and Dellon Williams all rank among the Top-15 men's national rankings in their respective events.
The Lady Raiders have three athletes ranking in the national Top 15 including Katie Grimes who's time of 8.33 in the 60m hurdles after conversions ranks No. 8 in the country. Grimes ran in the 55m hurdles at the Texas Tech Open and set a school record with a time of 7.74. All-American Kelly Closse had an impressive weekend in the field events, and currently ranks No. 6 in the shot put with a mark of 53'-0.25", and No. 14 in the weight throw with a throw of 63' 7.75".
Senior transfer Precious Nwokey is also ranked in the Top 15 nationally after jumping 20' 0.25" in the long jump. The jump was the third longest indoor jump in school history. The Texas Tech track and field team will return to action Friday when they host the Texas Tech Open at the Athletic Training Facility.
Top 15 Athletes
Men's
Athlete (Natl Rnk) Event Time/Distance/Height
Dellon Williams (7) Long Jump 24' 11.25"
Brandon Tucker (8) 60m Hurdles 7.86
Kyal Meyers (11) Pole Vault 17' 0.75"
Shane Brathwaite (13) 60m Hurdles 7.91
Women's
Athlete (Natl Rnk) Event Time/Distance/Height
Kelly Closse (6) Shot Put 16.16m
Katie Grimes (8) 55m Hurdles 8.33
Precious Nwokey (13) Long Jump 20' .25"
Kelly Closse (14) Weight Throw 19.40m
Players Mentioned
