BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The University of West Alabama men's and women's track and field teams continued their indoor season Saturday at the Samford Open inside the Birmingham CrossPlex, turning in multiple personal records and top-10 finishes against a strong field.
Men's Highlights
The Tigers saw success in both the throws and distance events, highlighted by several personal-best performances.
Dedric Hicks recorded another strong showing in the shot put, placing fifth overall with a personal-best throw of 16.88 meters. Jamar Bankhead added a 12th-place finish in the shot put with a mark of 14.67 meters, while also competing in the weight throw, where he finished 11th at 15.58 meters.
In the 5,000 meters, Mathis Breton paced the Tigers with a fifth-place finish, crossing in 15:28.46, while Jonathan Phillips followed with a personal-record time of 15:44.88 to place ninth.
Middle-distance standout Gary Mata posted an eighth-place finish in the mile with a time of 4:16.56, while Sha'Kenye Darden finished 12th in the 800 meters after clocking 1:57.40.
On the track, Kenneth Beck turned in a personal-best performance in the 200 meters, finishing eighth with a time of 21.93. Tyrese Pitts also recorded a PR in the 400 meters, crossing in 50.93.
Women's Highlights
On the women's side, Rita Walker delivered one of UWA's top finishes of the meet, placing seventh in the 5,000 meters with a time of 19:20.57.
Sprinter J'Da Williams continued her strong indoor debut, earning a sixth-place finish in the 60 meters while setting a personal record of 7.65.
In the 200 meters, Adria Burrell ran 25.71 to finish 13th, followed closely by Jocelyn Randle, who placed 15th with a time of 25.75.
West Alabama returns to action on Saturday, February 7, competing at the UAB Green & White Invite in Birmingham, Alabama.
