Dominant Sprint Performances Highlight Wes Kittley Invitational
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The Texas Tech Wes Kittley High School Invitational showcased exceptional performances, with athletes delivering national-leading marks and record-setting achievements. From blazing sprints to impressive field events, the meet reaffirmed its reputation as one of the premier indoor competitions of the season.
Boys Shine with Record-Breaking Performances
The boys' events were headlined by Ja'Shaun Lloyd, who delivered a sensational performance in the 60m dash with a U.S. #1 time of 6.65, taking over the national lead by 0.02 seconds. Justin Stewart followed with a U.S. #6 time of 6.69, while Jayden Finley ran a U.S. #8 time of 6.71. Jonathan Simms and Braylin Byrd also impressed, clocking 6.74 seconds, just shy of the national top ten.
The 200m was the fastest race of the season, with five of the top ten national times recorded. Jonathan Simms took the win in a U.S. #2 time of 20.95, ranking 20th all-time indoors. Braylin Byrd finished second in 20.99, a U.S. #3 mark and 23rd all-time. Tate Taylor clocked 21.09 for U.S. #5, with Andrew Wright (21.31) and Lynnox Newton (21.32) finishing with U.S. #7 and U.S. #8 times, respectively.
Jordan Riggs excelled in the 400m, running a U.S. #3 time of 46.48 and becoming the fourth boy this season to dip under 47 seconds. Jaelan Hunter followed with a U.S. #8 time of 47.48. In the 60m hurdles, Ja'Shaun Lloyd secured his second win of the meet with a U.S. #1 time of 7.59, overtaking the national lead from Jasiah Rivera.
The Texas Athletic Performance Ranch team of Adam Averett, Vincent James, Carson Caldwell, and Jonathan Simms set a new U.S. #1 time of 3:12.76 in the 4x400m relay, ranking #2 all-time indoors and finishing nearly four seconds ahead of the competition. The San Antonio Swift Track Club quartet of Elijah Clark, Tate Taylor, Andrew Wright, and Christopher Harris delivered a U.S. #2 time of 3:22.92 in the sprint medley relay, ranking #2 all-time and narrowly missing the national record set last weekend.
Girls Deliver National-Leading Marks
On the girls' side, Mia Maxwell delivered a standout performance in the 60m dash, running a U.S. #2 time of 7.38. Taylor Nunez and Caitlyn Cavitt followed with identical times of 7.43, tying for U.S. #10. Mariah Maxwell ran a stellar 23.34 in the 200m dash, earning the U.S. #2 spot. Nia Trammell followed with a U.S. #6 time of 23.61, while Taylor Nunez clocked 23.69 for U.S. #8.
Brooke Lloyd claimed the national lead in the 400m, running a U.S. #1 time of 53.45, while Skylar Brazzell finished with a U.S. #6 time of 54.46. The H-Town Hurricanes team of Cailey Duren, Phoenix Phillips, Amai Newman, and Brooke Lloyd ran a U.S. #2 time of 3:41.09 in the 4x400m relay.
In the field events, Brianna Rivers, Jillene Wetteland, and Cali Bryant tied for the U.S. #2 mark in the high jump, each clearing 5' 9". Samantha Ennin tied the U.S. #1 mark in the triple jump with a leap of 42' 2.75", reclaiming her spot at the top of the national leaderboard.
The Texas Tech Wes Kittley Invitational lived up to its reputation, with athletes delivering incredible performances that reshaped the national rankings and added to the indoor all-time lists.