The UT Dallas track & field teams achieved a remarkable weekend at the TCU Alumni Invite, breaking a total of 16 school records – 14 on Saturday alone. The Comet women set nine new marks, while the men established five new records.
Women’s Performances
Sophomore Alexia Callahan surpassed a three-year-classic record in the 5,000 meters, finishing ninth with a time of 19:01.37 – 51.03 seconds faster than the previous record. The team of Tia Billingsly, Michelle Bakare, Faith Lacey, and Mariah Gibson set a new 4×100 relay record of 47.69 seconds, winning their heat. Freshman Grace Pritchard broke records in both the 100-meter hurdles (15.50 seconds) and the triple jump (10.62 meters, or 34 ft.-10.25 in.).
Freshman E’Mon Mason recorded a time of 56.58 seconds in the 400, besting the previous record by 2.61 seconds. Michelle Bakare set new records in both the 100-meter dash (12.22 seconds) and the 200-meter dash (25.21 seconds). The 4×400 relay team – Nahia Kelley, Abby Ellisor, Catriona Walker, and Mason – finished with a time of 3:58.79, breaking the previous record by 6.63 seconds. Freshman Saniya Bosby, after breaking the high jump record on Friday, shattered the long jump record by 2 ft-7.5 in., clearing 5.45 meters (17 ft.-10.75 in.).
Additional strong performances from the Comet women included Bharvi Varu in the 1,500 meters (5:10.18), Lyla Nielsen in the 800 meters (2:34.80), Rowen Hughes in the 400-meter hurdles (1:08.46), and Chisom Mbah in the shot put (11.50 meters/37 ft.-8.75 in.).
Men’s Performances
Sophomore Alex Bozhilov finished second in the 5,000 meters, breaking the 2023 record by 6.61 seconds with a time of 14:54.49. The 4×100 relay team of Matthew Oksanen, Jay Hicks, Liam Simmons, and Blake Rippy placed fourth with a time of 41.22 seconds, breaking a three-year-old mark. Freshman Jay Hicks also broke records in the 100 (10.47 seconds) and 200 (21.37 seconds).
The 4×400 relay team of Rafe Premo, Blake Rippy, Franklin Perez, and Liam Simmons finished seventh with a record time of 3:17.21. Other notable performances included JD Koller in the javelin (46.19 meters/151 ft.-6 in.), Zachary Carroll in the long jump (6.29 meters/20 ft.-7.75 in.), David Vasquez in the 400-meter hurdles (7th place, 55.35 seconds), Andrew Hopkins in the 800 meters (1:58.81), Liam Simmons in the 400 meters (49.61), Matthew Kenney in the 110-meter hurdles (15.62), and Colton Dillard in the 1,500 meters (4:14.07).
The Comets will next compete at the David Noble Relays in San Angelo, Texas, beginning Thursday, March 26.
Frequently Asked Questions
What events did UT Dallas athletes break records in?
UT Dallas athletes broke records in the 5,000 meters, 4×100 relay, 100-meter hurdles, triple jump, 400, 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, 4×400 relay, long jump, javelin, long jump, 400-meter hurdles, 800 meters, and 1,500 meters.
How many records did the women’s team break?
The Comet women were responsible for nine new school records during the meet.
How many records did the men’s team break?
The Comet men set five new school records during the meet.
What does this impressive showing imply for the future of the UT Dallas track and field program?
