The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Future, Former Longhorns Shine at Championship Events
03.14.2016 | Track & Field / Cross Country
Michelle Carter claims ninth USATF title
AUSTIN, Texas – While the Texas Longhorns were busy winning national titles at the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships, some future and former Longhorns were doing the same at their respective meets over the weekend.
A total of nine former Longhorns were in action at the USATF Indoor Championships and two came away with medals. Four future Longhorns joining the team this fall competed at the New Balance High School Nationals in New York City over the weekend as well. They combined to win one gold, silver and bronze medal among their five event entries.
Michelle Carter claimed her third indoor shot put title at the USATF Indoor Championships in Portland, Oregon. She dominated the field with a toss of 19.49 meters (63-11.50). It marks her ninth overall USATF crown combined among her indoor and outdoor titles. With her victory she ensures herself a spot on Team USA at this week's IAAF World Championships also hosted in Portland.
A silver medal went to Ashley Spencer in the 400 meters. She ran a season-best time of 51.29 seconds in the final after advancing through the prelims at 52.68. Three Texas Exes were in the women's 400 with Kendall Basiden and Kendra Chambers also advancing through to the final. Baisden finished fifth with a time of 52.90 and Chambers was sixth in 52.91.
At the New Balance High School Nationals incoming freshman Garek Bielacyzc crossed the line first in the boys' championship 2 mile run. He finished in 8:57.03 with his hand held high, flashing a Hook 'Em hand sign.
Hurdler Alexis Duncan ran one of the fastest times in New Balance Nationals history as she finished second in the girls 60 meter hurdles. Duncan crossed in 8.14 seconds to win silver in near-record time. The winner broke the meet record in 8.02 and the previous record was 8.11.
In the girls' championship shot put, incoming freshman Elena Bruckner finished third to take home bronze with her to San Jose, California. Bruckner posted a throw of 15.44 meters (50-8.00).
The other incoming freshman competing at New Balance Nationals was sprinter Serenity Douglas. She ran in both the 200 and 400 meters. She just missed making the final in the 400 finishing 11th with a time of 55.37. Douglas took 19th in the 200 at 24.51 seconds.
Back at the USATF Indoor Championships, another former Longhorn put together a stellar performance in the long jump. Marquise Goodwin finished third with his leap of 8.05 meters (26-5.00). His mark actually tied with the second place finisher but he came in third based on the tiebreaker, which is their second-best jump. Goodwin also finished 10th in the 60 meters, running 6.67 seconds in both the prelims and the semifinals.
Distance star Marielle Hall finished sixth in the 3,000 meters with her time of 9:01.32. Former Texas hurdler Morgan Snow finished 17th in the 60 meter hurdles, clocking in at 8.22 seconds.
Two former throwers competed in the men's shot put. Jacob Thormaehlen finished fifth with a mark of 19.37 meters (63-6.75) and Hayden Baillio was 11th at 18.27 meters (59-11.25).
The top two finishers at USATF Championship receive invitations from USATF to compete in the IAAF World Indoor Championships this weekend in Portland if they have posted the qualifying standard during the season. USATF will announce its official Team USA roster later this week.
Players Mentioned
