LIVINGSTON, Ala. - The University of West Alabama track and field teams opens the 2026 outdoor season this Saturday, March 7, at the Mississippi College Open in Clinton, Mississippi, marking the first opportunity for the Tigers to transition their indoor success to the outdoor stage. The meet is set to begin at 8:00 a.m. 

UWA carries momentum into the spring after an impressive indoor conference championship performance that showcased multiple podium finishes, including a gold medal in the women's 4x400-meter relay. Now shifting to the outdoor slate, the Tigers will focus on posting strong early marks and continuing to build toward the championship portion of the season.  

The indoor success extended beyond the conference meet this season, as Dedric Hicks set a school record in the shot put, Mathis Breton and Gary Mata posted record-breaking performances in the distance events, and J'Da Williams established herself as one of the conference's top sprinters. With proven strength in the throws, distance, and sprint events, UWA enters the outdoor season with depth and experience across the lineup.  

The Mississippi College open provides an early-season test as the Tigers adjust to outdoor conditions and a full event lineup. Competition begins at 8:00 a.m. Saturday in Clinton, Mississippi, as UWA looks to open the spring season on a strong note.