NORMAN, Okla. – The men's and women's UT Arlington track and field teams kicked off their indoor season in grand fashion at the Owen Hewett Invitational hosted by Oklahoma on Friday, Jan. 17, with 14 podium finishes throughout the meet.
 
Nine members of the men's team reached the podium while five members of the women's squad made podium appearances. UTA finished with six first place finishes, five second place finishes and three third place finishes. 
 
Randon Gray jumpstarted the meet for UTA, picking up right where he left off a season ago when he set the school record while winning the conference by finishing first in the men's pole vault with a vault of 5.15m.
 
The reigning Western Athletic Conference Indoor Freshman of the Year, Winnie Kipsang, clocked in with a time of 5:00.32 for a first-place finish in the women's mile run.
 
Daniel Armstrong picked up a first-place finish in the men's 800m with a time of 1L54.45.
 
In the women's 60m hurdles, Zaire Moore ran an 8.64 to claim the top spot on the podium with newcomer Indyia Walton placing third with a time of 8.92.
 
Adam Herrera won the season opening men's 400m for the Mavericks, clocking in with a time of 49.15 while newcomer Ayden Nyanasimeibi finished right behind him in second with a time of 50.25.
 
Eli England took the top spot in the men's 200m with a time of 22.14 with newcomer Malachi Barendilla not far behind, placing third with a time of 23.08.
 
"The sprinters led the way to a fantastic opening meet, both male and female," said head coach John Sauerhage. "Big highlights for pole vault and shot put on the men's side also."
 
Desmond Frazier picked up a second-place finish in the men's shot put with an indoor personal record throw of 17.61m.
 
With a time of 58.05 in the women's 400m, Alexis Cain picked up a second-place finish while Esther Shaba also earned a second-place finish but in the women's 200m with a time of 25.13.
 
In the men's mile run, Alex Kalmar placed second with a time of 4:13.48. 
 
To close out the meet for the Mavs was the men's 3000m where Brandon Wilk finished third with a time of 8:59.75.
 
NEXT UP
The UTA men's and women's track and field teams return to action next weekend in Bryan – College Station for the two-day Ted Nelson Invitational hosted by Texas A&M from Friday, Jan. 24, to Saturday, Jan. 25.
   
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