Results
ARLINGTON, Texas – Deion Hardy broke the school record in the 800m and
Keila Rodriguez came close to rewriting the record books in the 1500m, as the UIW track and field teams competed at the UT Arlington Bobby Lane Invitational on Saturday.
LEADERS
Deion Hardy earned a second-place finish in the men's 800m with a school-record time of 1:51.88. On the flip side,
Dominique Allen placed fifth overall with a time of 2:15.77.
Keila Rodriguez earned a third-place finish in the women's 1500m, beating an Oklahoma Sooner en route to a PR 4:36.34. That mark was only four seconds off of the school record.
The Cardinal steeplechasers had a very successful day, beginning with
Cesar Moreno finishing second overall with a time of 9:51.77.
Rainy Castaneda also reached the podium with a time of 11:10.08.
The men's 4x100 relay team – consisting of
Andrew Leuthner,
Clinton Cole,
Kentonie Thomas, and
Uchenna Nnaji – placed second overall with a time of 40.63.
Ashley Joyner continued her success in the high jump, as she placed fourth overall with a leap of 1.65m/5.50.
Gracen Odendahl set a new PR in the women's 200m, as she finished eighth with a 25.93 clocking. She later set a season best in the 400m hurdles with a time of 1:06.55.
Jasmine Williams just missed a Top 10 finish in the women's 200m, as she placed 13th with 26.14. In the men's race,
Isaac Cole earned a Top 15 finish as he ran a 22.79.
Tiffani Mays finished eighth overall in the women's 400m with a season-best 56.26.
In the women's pole vault,
McKenna Moses earned a Top 10 finish with a mark of 3.20m/10-6.0.
Nnaji and C. Cole finished 7-8 in the men's 100m dash, each with times of 10.62, which are not only PRs by both men, but the time is in the Top 10 in school history. Later, Nnaji placed ninth in the men's 200m with a 21.39 showing.
Danielle Martinez placed fourth in the 5000m with a time of 18:10.78, while on the flip side,
Garett Cortez crossed the finish line in seventh place with a 15:04.40 clocking. The women's 4x400 relay team, featuring Mays,
Victoria Jackson,
Jane Arinze, and Joyner, placed fifth with a mark of 3:51.99.
QUOTES
Head Coach Derek Riedel on the men:
"What started out as a windy, cool day ended up being a beautiful day for track and field and the men took advantage of it. Our 4x1 started us out in a fantastic way with their runner-up finish and season best time of 40.63. They'll continue to drop their time as we progress through the season. Deion Hardy ran a strong 800 in his first outdoor foray in the event. We had numerous other strong outings and that's encouraging heading into Texas Relays and the real start of the outdoor season."
Riedel on the women:
"Tiffani Mays had a fantastic day for the Cardinals! She ran a 200m PR, a season best in the 400, and a strong opening leg of the 4x4. Keila Rodriguez's third place finish and PR in the 1500 was an excellent effort in very windy conditions! We are a little banged up right now coming off a loading week of practice. With an easier upcoming week, I think the women will be ready to compete at their best heading into April."
UP NEXT
UIW will compete in two meets next week, beginning with the historic Texas Relays from March 29-April 1, and the Texas State Bobcat Invitational March 30-April 1.
STAY TUNED
The Cardinals return to Benson Stadium to host their annual UIW Invitational from April 7-8. On April 8, the team's five seniors will be recognized.
For the most up-to-date information on UIW Athletics visit uiwcardinals.com. Be sure to follow UIW Athletics on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like UIW Athletics on Facebook at UIW Athletics.
