LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama men's and women's outdoor track & field teams put together an impressive all-around performance on their home track Saturday at the UWA Invitational, collecting multiple event wins and showcasing depth across both squads.
The Tigers were dominant in several areas, particularly in the sprints, distance events, and field competitions.
On the women's side, J'Da Williams led a clean sweep in the 100-meter dash, claiming first with a time of 11.62. Adria Burrell followed in second (11.99), while Jocelyn Randle took third (12.04), giving UWA a commanding presence in the event.
The trio also played a key role in the women's 4x100-meter relay, as Williams, Randle, D'Kota Hudson, and Burrell raced to a first-place finish in 45.97, a mark that ranks among the top times in Division II this season.
In the middle-distance and distance events, the Tigers continued to shine. Mercy Lomuria captured the women's 5000 meters title (19:17.85) and added a third-place finish in the 800 meters (2:20.99). Rita Walker placed second in the 5000 meters (19:31.03) before winning the javelin throw with a mark of 37.98 meters.
Julia Gosline added another victory in the women's 3000 meters (11:41.26), while Abigail Vega secured a runner-up finish in the 1500 meters (5:19.62). In the hurdles, Kiona McCallister placed second in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 1:07.75.
On the men's side, the Tigers dominated the 800-meter run, sweeping the top four spots. ShaKenye Darden led the way with a first-place finish (1:57.09), followed closely by Gary Mata (1:57.13), Ray Englebert (1:57.90), and Avante Mackey(1:59.16).
In distance events, Lorenzo Pelusi claimed gold in the 3000 meters with a time of 9:07.65, while Wilbur Valencia-Navaplaced third in the 5000 meters (16:39.95).
The Tigers were equally dominant in the field events. Dedric Hicks continued his stellar season with a first-place finish in the shot put (17.20m), while Avery Peterson secured wins in both the discus throw (42.54m) and hammer throw(39.31m), and added a runner-up finish in the shot put (14.67m).
Jaxson Lovelace turned in one of the most versatile performances of the day, winning the high jump (1.80m), long jump(6.56m), and javelin throw (52.99m). Sammie Jordan followed with a second-place finish in the javelin (49.58m), while Caleb Vann added a runner-up finish in the high jump (1.80m).
On the track, Landon Laphand placed second in the men's 400 meters (48.76), while Michael Harris finished fourth (50.73). In the sprints, Braxton Williams led the Tigers with a runner-up finish in the 200 meters (22.23), while Lawrence Walker added a fifth-place finish (22.58). In the 100 meters, Walker (3rd, 11.11) and Williams (4th, 11.12) both placed in the top five.
With a dominant showing at home, the Tigers built strong momentum as they continue their outdoor campaign, combining event wins, top finishes, and standout relay performances in front of their home crowd.
