The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
Razorback Invitational
Women’s DMR wins, Briscoe fifth in pentathlon at Razorback Invitational
01.31.2014 | Track & Field / Cross Country
Distance medey relay unit posts fourth-best time in the nation, No. 5 in school history; Irvin fourth after opening day of the heptathlon
Razorback Invitational
• When: Friday-Saturday, Jan. 31-Feb. 1
• Where: Fayetteville, Ark. (Randal Tyson Track Center)
• Live Results: Click here
• Video Streaming: Click here (Subscription)
Bill Bergan Invitational
• When: Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 30-Feb. 1
• Where: Ames, Iowa (Lied Recreation Athletic Center)
• Live Results: Click here
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - The second-ranked Texas women's track and field team received an impressive performance from its distance medley relay unit, senior Shanay Briscoe finished fifth in the pentathlon and redshirt freshman Chris Irvin was in fourth place in the heptathlon after Friday's opening-day action at the Razorback Invitational, a two-day meet being held at the University of Arkansas.
Marielle Hall, Nia Dorner, Mary Beth Hamilton and Sara Sutherland combined to win the distance medley relay in 11 minutes, 22.16 seconds, a time that currently ranks No. 3 on the 2014 national performance list and is fifth best in school history.
"It was a nice effort by the DMR," head coach Mario Sategna said. "Marielle took the lead on the first leg and it was great to see Sara close it out."
Briscoe posted the top marks in the high jump and shot put during the one-day, five-event competition en route to 3,890 points, a total that is tied for 12th on the 2014 national performers list. She was fourth at the Big 12 Indoor Championships and 12th at nationals in the pentathlon last season.
Irvin, taking part in his first collegiate multi-event competition for the 19th-ranked men's team, compiled 2,762 points over the first four of the seven events. Wolf Mahler, a true freshman, is sixth with a total 2,684.
Arkansas' Kevin Lazas, the defending NCAA champion, leads the heptathlon with 3,277 points, but just 124 separates second through sixth places. Saturday's final three events begin at noon Central with the 60-meter hurdles.
The Texas men's and women's team split into two groups this weekend, with one also heading to Ames, Iowa. A group of sprinters and quarter-milers traveled to the Bergan Invitational, which began Thursday, though the Longhorn contingent begins competing Saturday at Lied Recreation Center, site of next month's Big 12 Indoor Championships.
"These are good meets to see where we are at," Sategna said. "There is some good competition at both places and the group in Ames gets to run where the conference meet will be held. We are putting the pieces together. We'll have a couple more weekends of competition before we have to solidify the travel team for the Big 12 meet."
Sophomore Melissa Gonzalez, competing in her first career multi-event, finished seventh in the pentathlon with 3,517 points. A hurdler and horizontal jumper as a freshman, Gonzalez had her best showing in the 60-meter hurdles, clocking a time of 8.72 to finish fourth in the 10-woman field and collect 969 points.
"That was first time in a multi-event for Melissa and she did a nice job," Sategna said.
Briscoe had her best effort of the year in the high jump, winning the pentathlon event with a clearance of 5 feet, 11 1/2 inches (1.82), a mark which ties for eighth on the 2014 national performers list. She also entered the open high jump Friday evening, but did not clear a height. Briscoe passed until the bar reached 6 feet, but missed all three attempts.
Irvin and Mahler had their best effort in the 60 meters, the opening event of the day. Irvin was first in 7.01 to claim 879 points, while Mahler was second in 7.03, earning 872.
"It was a solid first day for both Chris and Wolf," Sategna said. " It was the first time out for both of those guys.
In other action at Arkansas, freshman Logan Brittain matched his season best in the high jump by clearing 6-9 (2.06m) to finish tied for third.
Senior Ryan Dohner will make his season debut Saturday at the Razorback Invitational. The three-time All-American will be one of six Longhorns competing in the 3,000 meters.
All-Americans Briana Nelson, Morgan Snow, Ashley Spencer and Christy Udoh will compete at the Bill Bergan Invitational. Zack Bilderback and Jake Wohlford are among those in action the men. The competition in Ames gets underway at noon.
TEXAS RESULTS – Razorback Invitational
Fayetteville, Ark. • Randal Tyson Track Center • All Times Central
Friday, Jan. 31
Women
• 60-Meter Hurdles (Pentathlon): 4. Melissa Gonzalez, 8.72 (969); 9. Shanay Briscoe, 9.18 (873)
• High Jump (Pentathlon): 1. Shanay Briscoe, 5-11.50/1.82m (1003); 7. Melissa Gonzalez, 5-1/1.55m (678)
• Shot Put (Pentathlon): 1. Shanay Briscoe, 40-7/12.37m (686); 7. Melissa Gonzalez, 32-0/9.75m (513)
• Long Jump (Pentathlon): 5. Shanay Briscoe, 17-9.75/5.43m (680); 8. Melissa Gonzalez, 17-6.25/5.34m (654)
• 800 Meters (Pentathlon): 5. Melissa Gonzalez, 2:29.16 (703); 8. Shanay Briscoe, 2:33.66 (648)
• Pentathlon (Five Events): 5. Shanay Briscoe, 3890; 7. Melissa Gonzalez, 3517
• High Jump: -- Shanay Briscoe, NH
• Distance Medley Relay: 1. Marielle Hall, Nia Dorner, Mary Beth Hamilton, Sara Sutherland, 11:22.16
Men
• 60 Meters (Heptathlon): 1. Chris Irvin, 7.01 (879); 2. Wolf Mahler, 7.03 (872)
• Long Jump (Heptathlon): 5. Wolf Mahler, 20-9/6.32m (657); 6. Chris Irvin, 20-2.25/6.15m (619)
• Shot Put (Heptathlon): 4. Chris Irvin, 39-7.25/12.07m (611); 6. Wolf Mahler, 35-1.75/10.71m (528)
• High Jump (Heptathlon): 3. Chris Irvin, 6-0/1.83m (653); 6. Wolf Mahler, 5-10.75/1.80m (627)
• Heptathlon – Through Four Events: 4. Chris Irvin, 2762; 6. Wolf Mahler, 2684
• High Jump: t3. Logan Brittain, 6-9 (2.06m); t5. Spencer McCloud, 6-7 (2.01m)
• Distance Medley Relay: 4. Brady Turnbull, Derrell Manhertz, Robert Uhr, Nate Moore, 10:01.38
