LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama track and field program gears up for the WashU Distance Carnival in St. Louis, Missouri, on Thursday.
West Alabama will take its distance athletes to Missouri for a meet that will exclusively feature distance runners.
On the men's side, Gary Mata and Mathis Breton lead the way for the Tigers. Mata enters the weekend following a standout performance at the Ole Miss Relays. The senior competed in the 3000m and recorded a time of 9:01.20, which currently stands as the fastest in the GSC this outdoor season.
Breton also impressed at Ole Miss, recording the fourth-best time in the GSC in the 3000m this past weekend. The graduate student crossed the finish line at 9:10.51 and looks to build on that performance in Missouri.
Sha'Kenye Darden is UWA's fastest 800m runner and is slated to compete in the event to kick off the meet on Thursday. Darden set a new personal record at Ole Miss last weekend with a time of 1:56.93. Jonathan Phillips will compete in the 1500m after setting a personal best of 4:05.72 at the Ole Miss Relays.
On the women's side, Mercy Lomuria leads the charge. The sophomore is expected to compete in both the 800m and 1500m this weekend. Lomuria enters the meet with personal bests of 2:20.61 in the 800m and 4:43.73 in the 1500m.
Rita Walker is also having a solid season for West Alabama and is slated to compete this weekend. The junior is one of the top distance runners on the Tigers' roster and recently set a personal record in the 5000m at the Falcon Classic with a time of 18:47.50.
West Alabama heads to St. Louis with an opportunity to build on an already strong season. The first event is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. EST.
