By Lindsay Cash
Reporter
The track and field squad dove into the record books again last weekend at the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays in Austin. Seniors Tiffany Townsend and Nick Lyons and junior Woodrow Randall set three university records Saturday.
“We had an outstanding weekend,” head coach Todd Harbour said. “Breaking three school records in one day is outstanding. Our sprinters were amazing and both relays were solid.
Townsend, Baylor’s all-time honors leader, held the 100-meter record before setting a new one. As a consistent and driven senior, Townsend hit her career best with a time of 11.09.
“Tiffany is one of our most consistent athletes. She’s hungry, she wants more. And she isn’t finished yet,” Harbour said.
Not to be outdone, Randall landed a time tied with Baylor’s Michael Johnson, a four-time Olympic gold medalists. The Southwest Mississippi Community College transfer, running in just his third meet as a Baylor Bear, dashed to a 100-meters time of 10.13.
“Woodrow came out strong and tied the record, but has his sights set on breaking it,” Harbour said.
The two record-breakers also contributed to their 4-x-100 relay teams. Townsend joined her team of freshman Tiffani McReynolds (named outdoor Big 12 Athlete of the Week), senior Brittany Bruce and junior Diamond Richardson to win their heat and qualify eighth overall. Randall and his team of senior Marcus Boyd, junior Whitney Prevost and sophomore Zwede Hewitt tied their season best time of 39.79 and qualified sixth overall.
“Both the relays were solid, and their performances are up there with the best. Finishing right behind A&M, who is definitely up there, said a lot about our performance,” Harbour said.
In the women’s 4-x-400, junior Brittany OgunMokun, Townsend, Bruce and Richardson combined efforts for their season best at 3:36.94.
Lyons had a series of six throws over 220 feet in the javelin. He saved his best for last when he slung at 248-1.5, propelling him in the NCAA’s top five. He broke his last record by over 8 feet.
Lyons entered Austin with a win on his mind.
“I’d been talking to my family before, knowing they’d all be there,” Lyons said.
Although he set a new record, his sights are set on first place.
“I can’t be too unhappy, because I hit my personal best. Getting second will only keep me driving on for the rest of the year toward my goals. I want to stay consistent,and be an all-American,” Lyons said.
Harbour said he is pleased with Lyons’ consistent work ethic.
“Nick is a hard-working young man with a true passion to be really good. His event requires him to put a lot of work in on his own, and he does,” Harbour said.
Baylor women’s 4-x-800 relay team finished fourth. Sophomore Lizzy Whitney, freshman Mariah Kelly, junior Leigh Ann Ganzar and OgunMokun now hold the sixth all-time best finish at Baylor in the event. The women turned in a time of 8:47.43.
The next event for the Bears is April 23 at the Waco home track. The Michael Johnson/Dr Pepper Classic will feature big rivals, including A&M and TCU. Johnson will be present at the meet, along with other Olympic gold medalists, with designated autograph times during the meet.
“It’s really going to be a special occasion,” Harbour said.
