Mid-Distance Leads Way in Season Opener

Friday, January 17

Lubbock, Texas

3:00 P.M.

Texas Tech Athletics

Corky Classic

Mid-Distance Leads Way in Season Opener

January 17, 2020 | Track and Field

Day One Results Texas Tech Performance List Follow @TexasTechTF on Twitter Follow @texastechtf on Instagram

Kittley pleased with middle distance group as indoor campaign begins.

By: Jeremy O'Brien

LUBBOCK, Texas – Texas Tech kicked off its indoor season Friday with the Corky Classic. Director of Track & Field/Cross Country Wes Kittley's middle distance group led the way on a light opening day of action.

"We didn't have too many athletes competing tonight," Kittley said. "But, for the ones who did, I was really happy to see them get their first races on their belts."

It was Kittley's middle distance group that led the way Friday evening, with nine of the 10 competing Red Raiders running in the 600-yard, 800m or 1000m. Alfred Chawonza turned in an exciting collegiate debut, running the 1000m in 2:31.29 to win the event. He was followed by Grant LaSelle, who turned in a 2:32.72 in his first indoor race since returning from injury.

A perfect dip by Chawonza. ??

His W (our first of the year!) comes with a time of 2:31.29.

??#WreckEm?? pic.twitter.com/X5Xm1ZM2Su
— Texas Tech Track & Field (@TexasTechTF) January 18, 2020

The day's lone personal best came from Chancellor Stephenson in the 600-yard —by just one one-hundredth of a second. Despite being spiked by an opposing runner on the second lap, Stephenson powered through to a 1:11.0 and sixth-place finish. Sven Cepus was just ahead of him, placing fifth with a time of 1:10.78. Reece Skinner made his Tech debut in the 600-yard, running 1:15.15 and placing 10^th.

Personal best for Chance! ??

In his first 600y of the season, @chance_step PRs by ?????? ??????-?????????????????? of a second at 1:11.0.

??#WreckEm?? pic.twitter.com/A0oO4Kqx1e
— Texas Tech Track & Field (@TexasTechTF) January 18, 2020

The women's 600-yard also saw three Tech runners compete. Lexye Price, who last year scored in the event at the Big 12 Championships, led the way with a second-place 1:23.88. She was trailed by Damajahnee Birch, who opened her senior season with a fourth-place 1:24.90. Susanne Sides rounded out the top-five with a 1:26.63 in her first time running the event.

Lexye takes ??

All-Big 12 600y runner @PriceLexye leads Tech in her season debut, going 1:23.88.

??#WreckEm?? pic.twitter.com/z4IRWPkXeM
— Texas Tech Track & Field (@TexasTechTF) January 18, 2020

Tech's Saturday lineup is stacked. Highlighting the second day's events will be several returning All-Big 12 and All-American Red Raiders. The day's events are set to begin at noon and will be streamed live on TexasTechTV.

"I'm really excited for tomorrow," Kittley said. "I'm really anxious to see some of our new people. Our veterans will take care of business, but I really want to see who is going to come in there who we haven't seen before and is going to step up."