BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — West Alabama opened its inaugural indoor track and field season with several strong performances at the Birmingham CrossPlex Icebreaker, highlighted by a first-place finish and personal best from Dedric Hicks.

Men's Highlights

Dedric Hicks set the tone for the Tigers in the throws, winning the shot put with a personal-best mark of 16.64 meters which also serves as a new School Record. His performance secured UWA's first event victory of the indoor era.

In the 3000-meter run, UWA placed two athletes inside the top 10.

    •    Gary Mata crossed in 8:50.08, earning 3rd place.

    •    Julian Council followed closely, running 8:55.49 to finish 10th.

Sprinter Kenneth Beck turned in a strong showing as well, placing 8th in the 200 meters with a time of 22.32 seconds.

Women's Highlights

Freshman sprinter Adria Burrell made her indoor debut with a 16th-place finish in the 200 meters, running 25.59.

In the 400 meters, Kilaya Lucien clocked 59.44, earning a 10th-place finish in her first indoor competition as a Tiger.

West Alabama returns to the Birmingham CrossPlex on January 17 for the Samford Open, with events beginning at 8 a.m.