Red Raider Relays Make Huge Marks At Texas Tech Open
January 17, 2015 | Track and Field
Jan. 17, 2015
"It was what you expect from day two of a meet," Texas Tech head coach Wes Kittley said. "A lot of our kids were sore and tired, but they competed. That's what you look for on a day like this. I'm happy with how we competed today."
The Red Raider men's 4 x 400 meter relay team of Steven Champlin, Kyle Collins, Joseph Richards III and Charles Jones finished the meet with a bang, flying down the track in 3:09.40, which is currently the top time in the NCAA.
Not to be outdone, the Tech women's 4 x 400 meter relay squad of Lygia Forman, Cierra White, Le'Tristan Pledger and Montenae Roye-Speight won its event, blazing down the track in 3:40.04, which currently stands as the No. 4 time in the nation.
Natalie Thompson started the day off for the Lady Raiders, winning the high jump on a personal-best clearance of 1.71m/5-07.25. Shanice Stewart took eighth, clearing 1.61m/5-03.25.
Sharlene Nickle picked up another Tech event win in the 800 meters, finishing in 2:16.03.
Adria Parker followed that up with a strong second-place performance in the 400 meter dash, running a personal-best 57.97, good enough for second place.
In the women's mile, Madeline Livergood (5:20.84) placed third, and Maggy Mulholland (5:34.13) took fourth. Alexis Lewis turned in a nice performance in the weight throw, launching the weight 14.71m/48-03.25, good enough for third place.
On the men's side, Kyle Thompson had a huge personal best in the pole vault, clearing 5.18m/17-0 to win the event. That mark currently ranks 19th in the nation.
Trevor Mackey just missed out on the win in the 200 meter dash, running a 21.58. His actual time of 21.5737 was short of the win by .0013 seconds.
Kory Mauritsen placed fourth in the men's mile, finishing with a time of 4:30.29.
"You never know what to expect on the opening weekend of the season," Kittley said. "That being said, I think we outperformed what I expected from us this weekend. I'm most proud of the effort and fight our athletes showed. I'm excited for this indoor season."
Texas Tech track & field will be back in action next Saturday, Jan. 24, at the Texas A&M Triangular, in College Station, Texas.
Players Mentioned
