LUBBOCK, Texas – Competing amongst a handful of top ranked teams in the nation, the University of the Incarnate Word men's and women's track & field teams put up a strong performance at the Red Raider Invitational on Friday.  
 
THE MEN'S SQUAD
Freshman Richard Kuykendoll set a new program record in his 400-meter debut, crossing the finish line in 47.83 seconds. In the final 100 meters of the race, Jevon O'Bryant of Barton County Community College inched near to him right until the end, but Kuykendoll leaned in as he crossed the finish line to take the gold.
 
Ryan Garza also took first in the 3000-meter race, crossing the finish line in 9:07.60, three seconds ahead of the runner-up.
 
Nathan Perez finished sixth in the mile, clocking in a 4:25.79 time.
 
The men's 4x400 meter relay of Marquis Watson, Quadyr Tindal, Jordan Cherin and Kuykendoll finished second in their heat and sixth overall. Heading into the final leg of the relay, the Cardinals were in fourth, but a 46.87 anchor split by Kuykendoll moved them up two spots.  
 
THE WOMEN'S SQUAD
Sophomore distance duo Alia Henderson and Ivette Alcantar-Herrera finished back-to-back in the mile race, coming in seventh and eighth, respectively.
 
Klaire Bentley, a sophomore, recorded a 50-8 fourth-place finish in the weight throw, which ranks among the top ten performances in program history.
 
QUOTING COACH RIEDEL
On the women…
"I'm pleased with the women's performance today. We are still a little short-handed with a few key contributors out, but the women we travelled with had a strong meet. They competed hard and improved in some key areas we focused on after the opening meet at A&M. They continue to move in the right direction. Keira had a strong day. Alia and Ivette also had strong mile races. Antwanisha put together a great string of throws to start us off this morning. Overall, the women got better today, and I'm pleased!"

On the men…
"Richard Kuykendoll planted his flag today and alerted the conference he's ready to have some fun. His school record 400m run was fun to watch, and then he led the 4x4 with a 46.8 anchor split! Jordan and Matthew both had strong 800 races and relay splits. Once the men get to full strength by our next competition February 14th, we'll be ready to come together in time for conference. The men had a great day!"
 
 
UP NEXT
The Cardinals return to Lubbock for the Texas Tech Shootout on Feb. 14 and 15.
 
STAY TUNED
For the most up to date information on UIW Athletics, visit uiwcardinals.com, follow the Cardinals on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like UIW Athletics on Facebook. 
 
Follow the team on Twitter @UIWTrackXC and on Instagram @uiwtrackxc.