Red Raiders Open at Wes Kittley Invitational

Saturday, March 16

Abilene, Texas

Texas Tech Athletics

ACU Invite

Red Raiders Open at Wes Kittley Invitational

March 16, 2019 | Track and Field

Full Results

Tech begins outdoor with encouraging amount of personal records at Abilene Christian.

By: Jeremy O'Brien

LUBBOCK, Texas – Texas Tech concluded its spring opener at Abilene Christian with great performances from several on both the men's and women's squads at the Wes Kittley Invitational.

The Red Raiders looked very strong on the track, racking up personal bests across several events to begin the outdoor season. Rose Njoku (24.58) and Taylor Rockwell (24.62) led Tech in the 200m, each turning in PRs as they finished first and second, respectively. The men's 200m saw a PR from Josiah MacInnis in the form of a 21.44.

The 100m saw great performances as well. D'Jenne Egharevba picked up her first win of the outdoor season with a near-PR 11.46. She was followed closely by Peyton Ricks, whose 11.81 counted as a collegiate best. The men's race was highlighted by long jumper Justin Hall, who hopped in the 100m for the first time since his freshman year and ran a personal-best 10.51 to win it. Behind him was Phillip Green III with an 11.01.

Lexye Price ran her first career 400m hurdles in 1:01.85 for the win. Later on, she teamed up with Jadsia Warden, Damajahnee Birch and Egharevba for the 4x400m. The relay team turned in a 3:41.39 to take home the win. The men's relay was run by Derrius Rodgers, Norman Grimes, Josiah MacInnis and Isaac Marquez, and they placed second with a 3:10.52.

The women's field was led by Chloe Wall, who pole vaulted a big outdoor PR at 13'-5.25" (4.10m) for the win. Logan Fraley led Tech in the men's vault, topping at 15'-11" (4.85m) to place fourth. Also clearing 15'-11" was fellow freshman Luke Williams.

The men's jumps team also opened its outdoor season Saturday. They were led by Jack Scarborough in the high jump. The freshman topped at 6'-9.75" (2.08m) to place second in his first collegiate outdoor meet. Also going over two meters was Jequan Hogan, whose highest height was 6'-8" as he finished fourth.

Though the women did not have anyone in the high jump, they did have two triple jump. Chelsey Cole was top among collegiate competitors with a 40'-10.5" (12.46m). She was followed by Brianna Johnson, who was right on her heels with a PR-worthy 40'-10.25" (12.45m).

Saturday's action began with Tech wins in the men's and women's steeplechases. Nokuthula Dlamini, competing in her first steeple, ran a 10:58.83 to finish in first. The men's winner was Cornelius Kiprotich, who was also running the event for the first time. He won with a time of 9:33.45.

The distance crew also had several in the 1500m. They were highlighted by Jessica Gallardo, who placed sixth with a 4:56.33. Closely behind her was Binta Ka, who took eighth.

Tech will return to Lubbock for its first home meet of the spring. The Fearless Champion will be held March 22-23 at the Fuller Track & Field.