Two weeks ago, Baylor track and field started off strong in College Station during their first meet of 2016. The Bears earned four event titles and shattered personal and school records. However, head coach Todd Harbour said there was still room for improvement.
This weekend, the Bears improved in nearly all aspects as they won five event titles and had several top five finishes in Lexington, Ky., during the Rod McCarvy Memorial Meet.
The meet began Friday as senior pentathlete Jenna Pfieffer gained 3,862 points, the second-most points she’s ever earned in her career and the fifth-most points in school history. Coming into the weekend, these points would have ranked No. 5 in the country for the current indoor season.
The Bears also had three top-five finishes in the 600-yard run. Junior Brandon Moore produced a third-place finish with a time of 1:11.47 for the men, while sophomore Kiana Hawn ran a 1:24.80 and freshman Amanda Dillon finished in 1:25.24 to be fourth and fifth, respectively, for the women.
On Saturday, the improvements continued to show for the Bears. Junior Cion Hicks, who finished third last week at College Station with a throw of 53-1.5, broke her personal-best with a throw of 54-2.75 to win the shot put title.
Former Bear Trayvon Bromell, competed at the meet individually. Seeking an Olympic career, Bromell ran the fastest time in the world for the 60-meter dash with a time of 6.55 seconds and improved in finals with a time of 6.54 seconds.
The men’s side sealed Baylor’s victorious weekend as junior George Caddick won the 400-meter run with a personal-best of 46.54 seconds, which is currently the best time in the country.
Senior Felix Obi won the triple-jump title with a jump of 53-4.25. Senior Bryce Grace won the 60m-hurdles with a time of 7.79 seconds, a personal-best and the ninth-best time in school history.
“Bryce looked great in the hurdles. He banged a few hurdles in the prelims and then cleaned that up in the finals. Cion threw great in the shot and Felix had a fantastic triple jump opening up his season.” – Head coach Todd Harbour
The 4×4 team of Wil London, Richard Gary, Brandon Moore and Caddick closed the day and recorded the best time since 2011 NCAA Championships with 3.05.90.
“Overall, we had some people step up pretty big [Sunday]. The entire relay group did a great job hanging right with Florida and to break 3:06 this early in the season is outstanding.” – Head coach Todd Harbour.
The Bears will return to College Station in two weeks for the Charlie Thomas Invitational.
