Texas track and field athletes set 3 new program records at Tiger Paw Invite

Robert Gonsoulin, Sports Reporter

The Texas Longhorns’ men’s and women’s track & field teams were in full swing this weekend as they competed in the Tiger Paw Invite, hosted by Clemson University in South Carolina. Current season bests and school records were broken across many different events in running and field. The competition took place all day Friday and Saturday in the indoor Rock Norman Track & Field Complex.

In the women’s triple jump, freshman Ackelia Smith finished second in with a mark of 13.94 meters behind Adidas competitor Kimberly Williams. Smith’s jump broke a 36-year Texas record previously held by Terri Turner and was good for third place among all Division I competitors this indoor season.

In the 800 meter dash, junior Johnathan Jones ran a time of 1:46.93, placing first and claiming the current top spot in the NCAA. His time also beat a Texas record that previously stood for thirteen years.


Meanwhile in the women’s 800 meters, junior Brooke Jaworski had herself a day, running a time of 2:04.22 and beating Liz Diaz’s school record of 2:04.38 which was set March 11, 2000.

Shot putter Trip Piperi was dominant this weekend, as he placed first once again, this time with a throw of 21.44 meters. Piperi’s toss was the furthest ever thrown at Clemson’s indoor track & field complex.

In the women’s 4×400 meter relay, the Longhorns ran a time of 3:28.05, earning a silver medal and the current No. 2 spot in the NCAA this indoor season. The team of Stacey-Ann Williams, Rhasidat Adeleke, Davicia Patterson and Kennedy Simon also notched the fourth-fastest time in program history in the event. The men’s 4×400 meter relay team did not have their time recorded due to disqualification.

Both Texas men’s and women’s teams finished this weekend with impressive times and marks that earned their teams points across the many events. With the Big 12 Championships approaching in late February, every competitor will look to perform at their best since the start of the season in order to advance to have a shot at qualifying for the NCAA Indoor Championships.

The Longhorns will be back in action at the Arkansas Qualifier on February 18 in Fayetteville, Arkansas and the Alex Wilson Invitational on February 19 in South Bend, Indiana.