ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO – The University of the Incarnate Word track and field teams competed against some of the best collegiate and professional talent in the United States this weekend at the Cherry & Silver Invitational hosted by University of New Mexico at the Albuquerque Convention Center on Friday and Saturday. (Results)

The UIW men were led by middle distance runners Deion Hardy (Temple/Temple HS) and Garett Cortez (Schertz/Steele HS).  Hardy won his heat in the 800 meters with a personal record time of 1:54.44 which converted to the fourth fastest time in school history.  Cortez posted the third fastest time in school history in the mile with a time of 4:25.39.  Robert Allen (San Antonio/Brackenridge HS) triple jumped over 47 feet for the second straight meet with a leap of 47-0.75.

"Our second meet of the season was a strong, improved effort," said UIW head coach Derek Riedel.  "We did some good things both days that should lead to where we want to be at Southland Championships.  Deion Hardy had another strong meet and Clint Cole (Temple/Temple HS) was impressive.  I was equally impressed with the progress the men's throwers continue to make."

Sarea Alexander (San Antonio/MacArthur HS) broke her own school record in the women's triple jump for the second straight week with a mark of 39-7.75 to start things for the Cardinals women.

The Cardinals had three athletes win their heat on Saturday.  Ashley Joyner (San Antonio/O'Connor HS) ran a time of 58.87 in the 400 meters while Dominique Allen (Converse/Judson HS) won her heat of the 800 meters and finished in fifth place overall with a time of 2:20.03.  Rainy Castaneda (Laredo/United South HS) won her heat of the mile and finished in sixth place with a time of 5:15.04.

"Sarea Alexander was the women's team MVP this weekend," said Riedel.  "Her performance in both jumps was outstanding and she now sits number one in the conference in the long and fourth in the triple. Her focus has been very good so far this spring. Rainy overcame a rough 3K on Friday to set a big mile personal record and move herself into the top six of the conference rankings."

"We will continue to work hard next week, regroup, and come back ready to perform well at University of Houston in our final tune-up prior to conference," added Riedel.
####
pr16035smm