Texas Tech University Athletics
Tech Track & Field Wraps Up Masked Rider Open
January 31, 2015 | Track and Field
LUBBOCK, Texas -- The sprints and throws took center stage for the No. 13 men's and No. 19 women's Texas Tech track and field teams on the final day of the Masked Rider Open, on Saturday, at the Athletic Training Center.
A total of 461 fans watched as Joseph Richards III continued his incredible start to 2015, winning the 400 meter dash in a blazing personal-best 46.48, which is currently the No. 3 time in the nation. Steven Champlin was not far behind, taking third place, finishing in 47.41, good enough for 24th in the nation.
In the men's weight throw, Kole Weldon won for the second-straight meet, launching the weight 19.80m/64-11.5. He has won each event in which he was entered this season.
In the men's mile, Tech freshman Miguel Bautista came all the way from fourth on the final lap to win the event, with a time of 4:20.96.
On the women's side, Gionna Jackson took home the triple jump title for the second-straight week, leaping a collegiate-best 12.51m/41-0.5.
In the women's pole vault, Reece Timmons won the event while setting a new collegiate best for the third-straight meet, as she cleared 3.87m/12-8.25. She has won the pole vault at all three meets this season.
Tech had second places from Evans Tuitoek in the men's 3,000 meters (8:29.34), and Sharlene Nickle in the women's 3,000 meters (10:21.51). Montenae Speight finished third in the women's 200 meter dash, with a time of 24.30.
"I like the consistency with which we are competing," Texas Tech head coach Wes Kittley said. "In the indoor season, we're chasing marks, so if we continue to compete at a high level, we'll hit those marks. Some of the athletes already have, which is so huge from a confidence standpoint. It relieves some of that added pressure and you can go out and have fun. I was really happy with how we competed as a team this weekend."
The Red Raiders will be back in action next weekend, March 6-7, at the New Mexico Classic, in Albuquerque, N.M.
Players Mentioned
