LUBBOCK, Texas – Senior Erik Martinsson broke a 22-year-old record in the 800 meters and entered the nation's top 10 in the event on Saturday to highlight the UTA Mavericks' time at the prestigious Texas Tech Classic.
 
Martinsson crossed the line with a time of 1:48.45, which surpassed the old record of 1:48.50 set by Escoffrey Thomas in 1997. That mark was the oldest school standard in any individual running event.
 
In addition, the time converts to 1:48.14 due to altitude, making it the top time in the Sun Belt Conference by nearly five full seconds as well as the No. 9 time in the NCAA this season.
 
His previous best (1:49.11) set last year had been the third-best clocking in school history. It is Martinsson's first school record, as he ranks second in the outdoor 800m (1:48.53). He placed sixth in the race, which featured the nation's top three times and five of the six fastest efforts of 2018.
 
The Mavericks also found success in the mile, claiming two of the top three spots. Justin Domangue was runner up in 4:16.24, while Grayson Birka placed third in 4:16.39. When adjusted for the Lubbock track, the times rank first and second in the Sun Belt.
 
Alexus Henry logged her best high jump mark of the indoor season, placing third with a clearance of 5-9 ¾ (1.77m). She continues to lead the conference, and is now ranked 23rd nationally.
 
UTA also had two high finishes in distance events as Jared Lautenslager was fourth in the men's 3000m (8:47.39) and Madeleine Rowe was seventh in the women's event (10:24.49).
 
It capped a strong weekend that included efforts against 11 top-25 teams between the men's and women's fields. In addition to UTA and Texas Tech, other schools with competitors included: Abilene Christian, Arizona, Arizona State, Baylor, Florida State, Miami (Fla.), NC State, North Texas, Northern Arizona, Oklahoma, TCU, Texas A&M, Tulane, USC and ULM.
 
"We had some very strong performances this weekend against the best field in the country," UTA coach John Sauerhage said. "It gives us a lot of optimism on the men's side that we can compete for a conference title. And our women's team continues to grow and look like a contender as well. We need to continue to work hard these next three weeks and make sure we are ready to peak at the right time."
 
UTA will return to action next weekend at Texas A&M's Charlie Thomas Invitational in College Station. The Sun Belt Conference Championships are Feb. 18-19
 
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