ARLINGTON – A pair of top-5 program records, individual wins in the 5k races and numerous personal bests highlighted the opening day of the UT Arlington Invitational on Friday for the Mavericks' men's and women's outdoor track and field teams.
 
On a relatively light first day which featured UTA team members competing in the hammer and javelin throws and the 5000m run, the Mavs still turned in some of the best performances the programs have ever witnessed.
 
Justin Domangue capped a sweep in the 5ks for the men and women with the 5th-best time in program history of 14:27.64 to win the nightcap by 14 seconds over his closest competitor. The senior now owns two of the top-5 times in the program's 5000m history.
 
The other top-5 program mark on Friday came courtesy of Marisa Fleck who shattered her previous PR in the javelin by more than 20 feet as the senior's throw of 40.38m (132-05) ranks as the 5th-best all-time. The Norman, Okla., native delivered that performance on her sixth, and final, attempt of the day; however, any of her first five efforts would have established a PR in convincing fashion as well. Fleck finished 2nd in the event.
 
Back to the women's 5000m race, Valeria Diaz shaved nearly a full minute off her former best time with a clocking of 18:00.70 as she won the race going away by exactly 21 seconds. The sophomore's previous PR was 18:58.22.
 
On the men's side of the javelin, Brycen Ellis also registered a PR with a mark of 48.97m (160-07) – 14 feet better than the freshman's previous best.
 
To begin the day, Abigail Flores established a PR in the hammer throw with a mark of 47.23m (154-11) – more than three feet further than she had before in a collegiate meet.
 
Saturday's slate is much more comprehensive with field events commencing at 10 a.m. and continuing throughout the day at Maverick Stadium. Running events will get underway on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and go through the 4x400m relays at 4:30 p.m.
 
As a reminder, general-admission spectators are permitted to attend the meet; however, COVID-19 protocols are in place. For more information and the full schedule of events, visit utamavs.us/invite21. Live results will be available via NTX Timing as well by clicking here.
 
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