ATLANTA, Ga. – The University of West Alabama track and field team continued its upward trajectory with a weekend of strong performances and record-setting efforts at the Georgia Tech Invitational. Facing a competitive field that included elite NCAA Division I programs and regional rivals, the Tigers rose to the occasion by delivering multiple personal bests and establishing new school records.

Friday's events were highlighted by standout efforts in both field and track competition. Dedric Hicks set a new UWA school record in the shot put with a throw of 16.29 meters, surpassing his previous personal best and earning a sixth-place finish. On the track, Gary Mata claimed the top spot in the UWA record book for the 1500-meter run, clocking in at 3:57.83.

Meanwhile, on the track, Balikis Yakubu placed sixth in the 100-meter dash with a time of 11.74, while Mercy Lomuria posted a solid effort in the 5000 meters, finishing in 17:41.37. Brayden Harris completed the 110-meter hurdles in 14.72, and Mikia Hutchings recorded a time of 12.12 in the 100 meters. In the men's 100-meter dash, Antonio Young finished in 10.77, while Nicholas Nash set a new personal best with a time of 11.20. In field events, Jaxson Lovelace placed eighth in the javelin, recording a mark of 52.94 meters.

The momentum carried into Saturday as the Tigers continued to shine. Antonio Young ran a 21.96 in the 200-meter dash, while Mikia Hutchings earned a new personal best in the same event, finishing in 24.82. In the 800 meters, Augusta Arnold crossed the line in 2:16.22, and Sha'Kenye Darden set a personal best in the men's 800 with a time of 1:54.79.

Up next, UWA will travel to Clinton, Miss., for the Mike McMillan Twilight Invitational hosted by Mississippi College on Friday, April 25, marking the team's final tune-up before postseason competition begins.