The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Track and Field: A look at the 2020 signing class
02.08.2021 | Track & Field / Cross Country
Forty-one members of the Longhorns’ 2020 signing class are currently competing on the Forty Acres.
AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Track and Field/Cross Country program has 41 members of its 2020 signing class currently competing in the Burnt Orange and White this year. A look at each member of that group:
Rhasidat Adeleke | Sprints | Dublin, Ireland | Presentation College Terenure
2020-21 (Freshman)
INDOOR: Made her collegiate debut at the Wooo Pig Classic on Jan. 22 … finished 14th in the 200m after clocking a 24.46 … placed eighth in the 60-meter dash (7.49 prelim/7.54 final) and third in the 4x400-meter relay at the Charlie Thomas Invitational.
HIGH SCHOOL: Won the national 200m indoor title in 2019 … European U18 200m champion in 2018 … won the European youth Olympic title in the 100m and 200m in 2019 … holds personal bests of 11.60 (100m), 23.52 (200m) and 7.35 (60m) entering her collegiate career.
PERSONAL: Daughter of Ade and Prince Adeleke … has one brother, Abdullahi, and one sister, Latifah … the first member of her family to attend The University of Texas … first-generation college student-athlete … began track and field in primary school … has family that lives in Texas.
Abraham Avila-Martinez | Distance | Austin, Texas | San Juan Diego Catholic
2020-21 (Freshman)
INDOOR: Made his indoor debut in the 3000m at the Wooo Pig Classic on Jan. 22 … clocked an 8:17.43 to finish sixth in the event … placed second in the 5000m (14:19.38) at the Charlie Thomas Invitational.
CROSS COUNTRY: Raced in two meets … made his UT debut at the Arturo Barrios Invitational on Oct. 17, clocking a 23:58.0 on the 8K course to finish in second place … placed 37th individual at the Big 12 Championship in October.
HIGH SCHOOL: Back-to-back TAPPS State Cross Country Champion … defended his TAPPS 2A state championship with a course-record 15:37.5 at the state meet on Oct. 21, 2019, in Waco, Texas … captured sixth place in the 3,200 meters at the 92nd Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays with a personal-best 9:17.8 … won the Texas 2A state title in the 1,600 meters (4:25.83 – PR) and 3,200 meters … weeks later broke the TTFCA meet record in the 3,200 meters with a time of 9:31.00 … finished third at Friday Night Lights at The Woodlands, second at the Southlake Carroll Invitational and won the Moulton Invitational in the fall of 2019.
Sam Bass | Distance | Oklahoma City, Okla. | Casady
2020-21 (Freshman)
INDOOR: Has not competed.
CROSS COUNTRY: Raced in both fall meets … made his collegiate debut with a 14th-place finish (24:33.0 – 8K) at the Arturo Barrios Invitational on Oct. 17 … finished 34th at the Big 12 Championship in October.
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in cross country and track all four years … named the Gatorade Oklahoma Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year in 2018-19 … earned All-Southwest Preparatory Conference honors for cross country as a junior and senior … also did so in track as a sophomore (honorable mention) and junior … named the Casady Cross Country MVP in 11th and 12th grade, and the Track and Field MVP in 10th and 11th grade.
PERSONAL: Son of Mike and Paige Bass … has one sister, Sarah … his great grandfather, Nolan Horton, is a Texas Ex … earned the Archibald Cason Edwards Sr. Award at Casady High School, which is given to the rising junior boy who shows talent in studio arts … a National Spanish Exam Bronze Medalist … made the Casady Honor Roll in seven semesters … graduated cum laude … also received the AP Scholar Award … competed in his first track met at age 11 … also played basketball, baseball, soccer and tennis growing up … enjoys fishing, playing golf and baking.
Yusuf Bizimana | Distance | London, England | Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets
2020-21 (Freshman)
INDOOR: Arrived at Texas as a mid-year enrollee … made his debut in the 800m (DNF) at the Charlie Thomas Invitational on Feb. 6.
CROSS COUNTRY: Did not compete.
BEFORE TEXAS: Picked up four wins in the 800-meter dash during the 2020 season … won his most recent outing with a personal-best 1:46.93 at the BMC Gold Standard in September … also won at the Bromley Twilight Meet, the BMC Gold Standard Races in August and in the second heat of the Muller British Championships … finished third in the 800-meter final at the Muller British Championships.
Kristine Blazevica | Combined Events | Riga, Latvia | Riga Classical Gymnasium
2020-21 (Freshman)
INDOOR: Began her collegiate career by competing in the 60m Hurdles, high jump, shot put and 4x400m relay at the Texas Tech Corky Classic … finished sixth in the hurdles (8.82) and eighth in the shot put (12.26m/40-2.75) … jumped a personal-best 6.14m/20-1.75 in the long jump at the Wooo Pig Classic on Jan. 22 … completed her first collegiate pentathlon at the Texas Tech Invitational on Jan. 29 … finished second in Lubbock after scoring 4,057 points … made her the No. 2 performer in school history in the event, trailing only 2019 NCAA Outdoor heptathlon champion Ashtin Zamzow (Mahler).
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended the Riga Classical Gymnasium … the Latvian U18 national-record holder in the heptathlon (5,629) … won the pentathlon (4,140), 60m hurdles (8.65) and long jump (6.04m) at the U20 National Championships in 2020 … won the pentathlon crown at the International Junior match in Minsk in 2020 … placed second in the heptathlon (5629) at the U18 European Championships … also took sixth in the long jump … finished fifth in the 100m hurdles at the European Youth Olympic Festival.
PERSONAL: Daughter of Jelena and Jurijs Blazevica … has one sister, Margarita … the first member of her family to attend UT … first-generation college student-athlete … began competing in track and field at age 13 … her mother, Jelena, was a triple jumper who placed seventh at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta … enjoys cooking and making things by hand when away from competition.
Chanel Brissett | Sprints/Hurdles | Philadelphia, Pa. | Cheltenham/USC
2020-21 (Senior)
INDOOR: Made her Texas debut on Jan. 22 at the Wooo Pig Classic as a competitor in the 60-meter hurdles … won her semifinal heat in 8.13 and then won the final in 8.07 … her 8.07 tied her with Morgan Snow (Goodwin) for No. 5 on UT's top performers list in the event … won the 60m hurdles in 8.10 at the Charlie Thomas Invitational, and also ran her personal-best 200m (24.29).
BEFORE TEXAS: Won two NCAA individual titles, five All-America honors and four Pac-12 titles during a three-year stint at USC … competed three times during the shortened 2020 indoor season, highlighted by a second-place finish in the 60m hurdles at the Pac-12 Championships … won the 2019 NCAA Indoor 60m hurdles title, placed second in the 100m hurdles at the NCAA Outdoor Championships and won the Pac-12 100m hurdles title as a sophomore … logged a personal-best 12.52 (+0.6) to finish runner-up in the 100m hurdles at the NCAA Outdoor meet … moved her into second place on USC's all-time list in the event … helped the Trojans set a school record en route to winning the 4x100m title at the NCAA Outdoor meet, her second individual NCAA title … placed second in the hurdles at the NACAC U23s over the summer and ninth at the USATF Championships … also took silver in the hurdles at the Pan AM Games and ran leadoff for Team USA's bronze-medal 4x100m team … won her first collegiate race in 2018, conquering the 100m hurdles in 13.10 at the Trojan Invitational … next won the hurdles at the Pac-12 Championships, clocking a then-PR 12.75 to win the title as a freshman … finished 12th at the NCAA Championships … went on to place third in the 100m hurdles at the USATF Junior Championships … finished fourth in the 60m hurdles indoors at the Pac-12 Championships and ninth at the NCAA Indoor meet.
HIGH SCHOOL: Graduated from Cheltenham High School in 2017 … began competing in the hurdles during her junior season … had a personal-best of 12.95 in the 100m hurdles, which she ran at the 2016 Olympic Trials after her junior campaign … that mark tied the Pennsylvania high school girls record and ranks third on the all-time high school hurdler list … won the 100m hurdles title at the 2016 New Balance Nationals with a time of 13.01 … named to the USA Today All-USA Girls Track and Field second team … lettered three times (2015-17) in track … a nine-time Pennsylvania state champion.
PERSONAL: Daughter of Delroy Brissett and Sheryl Baxter … has one brother, Christian, who was a sprinter at Iowa.
Lotavia Brown | Hurdles/Jumps | Glasgow District, Watt Town P.O., St. Ann, Jamaica | Edwin Allen
2020-21 (Freshman)
INDOOR: Made her collegiate debut in the triple jump and 4x400m relay at the Corky Classic … jumped 12.33m/40-5.5 to finish sixth in Lubbock … improved her mark to 12.35m/40-6.25 at the Wooo Pig Classic one week later … finished eighth in the triple jump (12.03m) at the Charlie Thomas Invitational.
HIGH SCHOOL: Competed at Edwin Allen High School … posted personal-bests of 6.05m in the long jump and 13.22m in the triple jump … competed at the Carifta Games from 2017-19 … also appeared at the 2017 World U18 Championships in Kenya, the 2018 World U20 Championships in Finland and the 2019 Pan American Games in Costa Rica.
PERSONAL: Daughter of Owen and Marlene Brown … has two brothers, Kerron and Odane … also has three sisters, Shannette, Pinnock and Teerasha … the first member of her family to attend UT … began track and field when she was eight years old … enjoys playing netball, reading novels and listening to music.
Emelia Chatfield | Hurdles | Hollywood, Fla. | St. Thomas Aquinas
2020-21 (Freshman)
INDOOR: Made her collegiate debut in the 200m at the Corky Classic on Jan. 16, finishing third with a 23.97 … ran an 8.41 and 8.44 to place seventh in the 60-meter hurdles at the Wooo Pig Classic the following week … competed in the 200m, 60m hurdles and 4x400m at the Charlie Thomas Invitational.
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered four times at St. Thomas Aquinas … set personal bests of 13.50 in the 100m hurdles and 41.98 in the 300m hurdles … earned Track and Field MVP honors as a junior … clocked a 13.99 in the 100m hurdles at the Brooks PR Invitational in June 2019.
PERSONAL: Daughter of Ketelie Chatfield … has one brother, Andrew, and one sister, Britney … the first member of her family to attend UT … was born in Miami … made the St. Thomas Aquinas Academic Honor Roll as a junior and senior … wants to become a physical therapist after her track career concludes.
Stacy Brown Jr. | Jumps | Killeen, Texas | Killeen
2020-21 (Freshman)
INDOOR: Competed in the long and triple jumps at the Texas Tech Corky Classic and Wooo Pig Classic … finished second in the triple (14.93m/48-11.75) and fourth in the long jump (7.08m/23-2.75) at the Corky Classic … jumped 14.04m/46-0.75 in the triple jump and 6.96m/22-10 in the long jump at the Wooo Pig Classic … jumped a personal-best 7.34m/24-1 en route to a fourth-place finish in the long jump at the Charlie Thomas Invitational … also finished fifth in the triple jump at 14.25m/46-9.
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in football and track four times at Ellison High School … also lettered once in baseball as a freshman … a state champion in the triple jump … competed in the long and triple jump at AAU meets … was an all-district jumper in high school.
PERSONAL: Son of Stacy Brown Sr. and Patricia Williams … has six siblings – two brothers and four sisters … his brothers are Derel Walker and Darius Brown … sisters are Ashley Johnson, Brettney Walker, Haley and Alivia Brown … has a sister that also attends UT … father, Stacy, played football and ran track at Abilene Christian … brother, Derel, played football at Texas A&M … began competing in track and field around the age of five … earliest memory of track and field is competing for the "Hillsboro Flyers," a team his father created when he was six years old.
Blaze Brownlow | Sprints | Colleyville, Texas | Fort Worth Christian/Abilene Christian
2020-21 (Senior)
INDOOR: Has not competed.
BEFORE TEXAS: Ran for four seasons at Abilene Christian … a four-time Southland Conference champion in the 4x400m relay, winning the indoor title in 2019 and 2020, and the outdoor title in both 2018 and 2019 … an NCAA Outdoor West Regional Qualifier in the 400m and 4x400m in 2018 as a sophomore … qualified for Outdoor regionals again in the 4x400m in 2019 … was a two-time team captain at ACU.
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Fort Worth Christian … was a TAPPS 4A state champion in the 400m in both 2015 and 2016 … also was an all-state quarterback in football.
PERSONAL: Son of Stephanie and Andrew Brownlow … has one brother, Beaux … the first member of his family to attend The University of Texas … his great uncle, Barry Harper, played basketball and ran track at Abilene Christian … began competing in track and field at the age of 13 … enjoys golfing, hunting and fishing when away from the track … was a member of the Latin Club in high school.
Paramveer Chohan | Sprints/Hurdles | Fresno, Calif. | Buchanan/California
2020-21 (Senior)
INDOOR: Made his Texas debut by running in the 400m and 4x400m at the Charlie Thomas Invitational on Feb. 6.
BEFORE TEXAS: Competed at the University of California for three seasons, earning honorable mention All-America honors as a 400-meter hurdler at the 2019 NCAA Outdoor Championships in Austin .. ranks fifth all-time in Cal history in the quarter-mile hurdles, and placed second at last year's Pac-12 Championships … holds the Cal school record for the 400-meter dash indoors (46.78) … has received academic recognition from the MPSF, Pac-12 and USTFCCCA during his collegiate career … notched a 15th-place finish in the 400-meter hurdles at the 2017 USATF Junior Championships.
HIGH SCHOOL: Was a four-year letterwinner in track at Buchanan High School in Clovis, Calif. … also was a two-year letterwinner in football … named the team's Most Valuable Athlete during his scholastic career
PERSONAL: Studied business administration at Cal … parents are Gurdeep and Nirmaljit … has one older brother, Karunveer, who is a student-athlete at UC Davis … hobbies include playing NBA 2K and listening to music.
Chloe Davis | Jumps | New Boston, Texas | New Boston
2020-21 (Freshman)
INDOOR: Has not competed.
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered four times in track and field at New Boston … also earned four letters in basketball, three in volleyball and once in tennis … cleared a personal-best 5-7 in the high jump … a district and area champion in the high jump in 2018 and '19 … won the regional high jump title in 2019 and qualified for state in both 2018 and '19 … took second at the Class 3A meet in 2019 … a three-time district champion, two-time area champion and three-time regional qualifier in the 100m hurdles … earned all-district honors three times in basketball and once in Volleyball.
PERSONAL: Daughter of Lynn and Denise Davis … has one brother, Trip, and one sister, Addison … her grandfather was a graduate of UT Law, class of 1971 … brother, Trip, graduated from the Moody College of Communication in 2019 … her aunt, Jill, played basketball at Lamar … began track and field at age 13 … plans to pursue a career in child psychology … enjoys playing with her dog, Fitz, and fishing with her dad and sister when away from the track … also enjoys singing, sewing and arts & crafts.
Kevona Davis | Sprints | Lilliput District P.O., Little River, St. James, Jamaica | Edwin Allen
2020-21 (Freshman)
INDOOR: Made her collegiate debut at the Corky Classic on Jan. 16 … false started in the 60m, but helped Texas place fourth in the 4x400m relay … took second place in the 200m (23.26) at the Wooo Pig Classic the following week … her 200m mark is the fifth-fastest in the NCAA this season … clocked a 7.34 to finish fourth in the 60m at the Charlie Thomas Invitational.
HIGH SCHOOL: Competed at Edwin Allen High School … posted personal-bests of 11.16 in the 100m and 22.72 in the 200m … took part in the 2017 Carifta Games and the 2017 IAAF World Youth Games, running the 100m at both.
PERSONAL: Daughter of Selvin Davis and Michelle Johnson … has two brothers, Kevon and Kevanie … also has one sister, Kishana … first member of her family to attend UT … began track and field at age 9 … wants to pursue a career in psychology after track.
Riley Foreman | Jumps | Cypress, Texas | Langham Creek
2020-21 (Freshman)
INDOOR: Made his collegiate debut in the high jump at the Texas Tech Invitational … cleared 2.02m/6-7.5 to finish in ninth place … improved his mark to 2.04m/6-8.25 and a fourth-place finish at the Charlie Thomas Invitational.
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in track all four years at Langham Creek High School … also played basketball and football, lettering twice in the former as a sophomore and junior … was the basketball team captain as a junior … high jumped 6-10 in four meets as a high school competitor … a National Honor Society member.
PERSONAL: Son of Tracy Foreman and Craig Hebel … has one brother, Andrew Hebel, and one sister, Whitney … born in Modesto, California … started track and field at age 14 … enjoys playing basketball, rock climbing, fishing and swimming when away from the track.
Reid Foster | Jumps | College Station, Texas | A&M Consolidated
2020-21 (Freshman)
INDOOR: Placed 10th in his collegiate pole vault debut, clearing 4.61m/15-1.5 at the Charlie Thomas Invitational on Feb. 6.
HIGH SCHOOL: Improved his pole vault personal-best from 9-6 as a freshman to 15-6 as a senior during his high school career at A&M Consolidated … led his district with a 15-foot clearance at the College Station Relays in 2020 before the season was shut down due to COVID-19 … placed ninth at the 2019 Texas UIL 5A State Championships with a mark of 14-6 … started off his 2020 season with two wins in pole vault competition, including hitting his personal best (15-6), before the season was halted.
Nathan Franco | Hurdles | Fort Worth, Texas | Chisholm Trail
2020-21 (Freshman)
INDOOR: Made his collegiate debut at the Wooo Pig Classic on Jan. 22 … placed 10th in the preliminary rounds of the 60m Hurdles (8.38).
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered four years in track at Chisholm Trail … holds personal bests of 7.89 (60mH), 14.04 (110mH) and 38.85 (300mH) coming out of high school … placed eighth in the 110m hurdles at the 2019 AAU Nationals … took seventh in the same event at the 2019 USATF National Championships.
PERSONAL: Son of Rigo and Sofie Franco … has one brother, Rigo Jr., and one sister, Jocelyn … started track and field at age 13 … wants to pursue a career in physical therapy.
Daniel Garland | Sprints | Lubbock, Texas | Frenship
2020-21 (Freshman)
INDOOR: Made his collegiate debut in the 60m and 200m at the Corky Classic on Jan. 16 … placed seventh in the 200m at 21.68 … finished 14th in the semifinal heats of the 70m at 7.06 … clocked a pair of 6.89 times to finish fifth in the 60m at the Wooo Pig Classic … also placed sixth in the 200m at 21.72.
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered three times in track and twice in football at Frenship … set the school record in the 200m and 4x200m … a district champion in the 100m, 200m, 4x100m and 4x200m during his high school career … also an area champion in the 200m, 4x100m and 4x200m.
PERSONAL: Son of Donte Garland Sr. and Monique Tiggs … has one brother, Donte Jr., and two sisters, Latifah Kelly and Erica Tiggs … the first member of his family to attend The University of Texas … began competing in track at age 11.
Madison Gawthorp | Jumps | Georgetown, Texas | Gateway College Prep
2020-21 (Freshman)
INDOOR: Cleared 3.83m/12-6.75 in the pole vault to tie for second place in her collegiate debut at the Charlie Thomas Invitational.
HIGH SCHOOL: lettered four times in track and field and four times in cheer at Georgetown Gateway … cleared a personal-best 12-7 in the pole vault … took third at the UIL State meet and was Gateway's Track and Field MVP.
PERSONAL: Daughter of Leslie and Monte Gawthorp … has two brothers, Layton and Landon … first member of her family to attend UT … was born in Austin … began track and field at age 12 … was convinced to join the track team by her 7th grade teacher … wants to become a professional sports agent … enjoys drawing, painting and modeling outside of competing … a member of National Honor Society.
Michelle Graham | Jumps | Katy, Texas | Cinco Ranch
2020-21 (Freshman)
INDOOR: Made her collegiate debut at the Corky Classic on Jan. 16 … competed in both the long and triple jumps … jumped 12.27m/40-3.25 to finish seventh in the triple jump and 5.19m/17-0.5 to place 13th in the long jump … posted a seventh-place finish in the triple jump at the Wooo Pig Classic after jumping 12.16m/39-10.75.
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered four times in track and field at Cinco Ranch High School … also earned three letters as a varsity cheerleader … set personal bests of 41-3 and 19-0.75 in the triple and long jumps, respectively … earned MVP honors from her team for her success as a jumper … a two-time cheerleading All-American … also earned the program's leadership award and was the junior varsity cheer captain.
PERSONAL: Daughter of Philippa and Billy Graham … has one brother, Cody, and one sister, Danielle … first member of her family to attend UT … first-generation college student-athlete … born in Portharcourt, Nigeria … a member of National Honor Society and was a High Honors Graduate at Cinco Ranch High School … planning to major in psychology lists Keturah Orji as her track and field inspiration.
Blake Harris | Jumps | Missouri City, Texas | Strake Jesuit
2020-21 (Freshman)
INDOOR: Made his collegiate debut in the triple jump at the Wooo Pig Classic on Jan. 22 … jumped 14.57m/47-9.75 to finish in fourth place … improved his mark to 14.75m48-4.75 and a third-place finish at the Charlie Thomas Invitational.
HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year letterman in track and field at Strake Jesuit … ranked No. 10 nationally in the outdoor triple jump and No. 23 in the long jump … holds personal bests of 48-9 and 23-5.75 in his two events, respectively.
PERSONAL: Son of Cord and Toi Harris … has one sister, Morgan … grandfather played baseball and ran track at Oklahoma State … made the Strake Jesuit honor roll three times … began competing in track and field at seven years old.
Monica Hebner | Distance | Allendale, N.J. | Northern Highlands/UCLA
2020-21 (Junior)
INDOOR: Has not competed.
CROSS COUNTRY: Did not compete.
BEFORE TEXAS: Competed at UCLA for one season after a year a Duke … finished 99th overall at the Pac-12 Championships, going 22:21.7 in the 6k ... notched her fastest 6k time of the season at the Highlander Invitational, clocking 22:02.9 for 32nd place … made her collegiate debut at Duke in the Joe Piane Notre Dame Invitational (9/28), finishing third for the Blue Devils with a 5K time of 17:41.52 as part of a fifth-place team finish for the Blue Devils ... made her postseason debut at the ACC Championships, placing 48th (21:43.0) ... took 31st at the NCAA Southeast Region Championships with a collegiate-best time of 20:51.6 ... in track & field, won on the 10K at the Raleigh Relays (34:20.90) ... PR'ed in the 5000m at the Penn Relays with a time of 16:45.62 ... placed seventh in the 10K at the ACC Championships and later took 11th in the NCAA East Region prelims with a collegiate-best time of 33:52.83.
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Northern Highlands High School in Allendale, N.J. … 2017 New Jersey Cross Country Gatorade Athlete of the Year … 2017 New Jersey State Cross Country Champion in the 5K … three-time All-American in the 5000m (2017 indoor, 2018 indoor & outdoor) … Darlington County Park Course Record Holder (2017) … earned a first-place finish at the 2017 NJSIAAA Meet of Champions to cap off her senior cross country season … member of the National Honor Society, while also being a four-year honor roll recipient.
PERSONAL: Daughter of Tom and Ro Hebner … has four brothers, Thomas, Tate, Tyler and Kai, and one sister, Isabel … sister, Isabel, is also a women's distance runner at Texas.
Caleb Hulbin | Sprints | Corinth, Texas | Guyer
2020-21 (Freshman)
INDOOR: Opened his collegiate career by competing in the 60m, 200m and 4x400m at the Corky Classic on Jan. 16 … finished 10th in the semifinal heats of the 60m (7.03) and fourth in the 200m (21.48) … also helped the Horns take second place in the 4x400m relay … ran a 6.95 to place fifth in the 60m at the Wooo Pig Classic on Jan. 22 … competed in the 60m, 200m and 4x400m at the Charlie Thomas Invitational .. ran a personal-best 21.29 in the 200m to finish sixth.
HIGH SCHOOL: Ran personal-bests of 10.55m and 21.11 in the 100m and 200m, respectively … competed at the 2019 AAU Junior Olympics, where he ran the 4x100m.
PERSONAL: Son of Antonio and Michelle Hulbin … has three brothers, Jaden, Gabriel and Emanuel … also has one sister, Hailey … first member of his family to attend UT … his brother, Emanuel, played soccer at UTSA in 2018 … was born at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas … started track and field at age 6 … wants to major in information technology and become a network engineer … enjoys playing computer games … said he did not make his middle school track team because he was "too slow."
Grace Johnson | Distance | Edwards, Colo. | Battle Mountain
2020-21 (Freshman)
INDOOR: Has not competed.
CROSS COUNTRY: Made her collegiate debut at the Arturo Barrios Invitational on Oct. 17 … clocked a 22:51.2 on the 6K course and finished 42nd overall.
HIGH SCHOOL: Won three times during the 2019 Cross Country season at Battle Mountain High School, doing so at the Cheyenne Mountain Stampede, the St. Vrain Invitational and the Warrior Lincoln Park Classic … ran a personal-best 5K (17:42.5) at the CHSAA 4A Region 1 Cross Country Championships, where she placed second … finished eighth at the CHSAA Class 4A State Cross Country Championships on Oct. 26, 2019 … Competed at the 2017 and 2018 NXN Nike Cross Nationals.
Aasia Laurencin | Sprints/Hurdles | Southfield, Mich. | Oak Park
2020-21 (Freshman)
INDOOR: Made her collegiate debut at the Wooo Pig Classic on Jan. 22, competing in the 200m, 60m Hurdles and 4x400m … finished 16th in the 200m (24.98) and 11th in the hurdles (8.47) … finished sixth in the 60m hurdles (8.38) at the Charlie Thomas Invitational.
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered four times in track and field at Oak Park High School … also did competitive cheer, power tumbling and gymnastics prior to her time on the track … holds personal bests of 8.25 in the 60m hurdles, 13.43 in the 100m hurdles and 24.20 in the 200m coming out of high school … was the third-fastest 60m hurdler in her class, and seventh in the 100m hurdles … a former Michigan state champion in the 200m … an 18-time Michigan All-State honoree … a 12-time AAU All-American … a seven-time New Balance All-American … also a three-time state champion in the 60m hurdles … placed third in the 100m hurdles at the 2018 Brooks PR Invitational … the AAU club national-record holder in the 17-18 100m hurdles … won the sprint medley relay at the 2018 New Balance Nationals … finished third in the hurdles at the 2019 New Balance Nationals, both indoors and outdoors … helped Oak Park win two team state championships in 2018 and 2019 … ranked No. 28 overall in MileSplit's Class of 2020 rankings … the third-fastest hurdler in the state of Michigan all-time … named the 2020 Gatorade Michigan Track and Field Player of the Year … also a two-time competitive cheerleading national champion (2014 and 2016)
PERSONAL: Daughter of Charita Herron and Omar Laurencin … the first member of her family to attend The University of Texas, and a first-generation collegiate student-athlete … born in Royal Oak, Michigan … began competing in track and field at age 12 when she was in seventh grade … in her first year competing as a seventh grader, she broke three school records in one day (100m, HJ, 4x200m) … broke all three records again the next year … enjoys drawing, painting and dancing when not competing … a large portion of her family is from St. Lucia … made the academic honor roll all four years of her high school career … served as National Honor Society President in 2019 and 2020.
Kiana Lowery | Throws | Tomball, Texas | Klein Cain
2020-21 (Freshman)
INDOOR: Made her collegiate debut in the shot put and weight throw at the Corky Classic on January 16 … placed second in the weight throw at 16.88m/55-4.75 and fifth in the shot put at 13.78m/45-2.5 … improved both her marks one week later at the Wooo Pig Classic … threw the weight 17.75m/58-3 to finish in seventh place … her mark pushed her to No. 4 on UT's top performers list … her shot put mark improved to 13.82m/45-4.25, another seventh-place effort … threw the shot put a personal-best 14.36m/47-1.5 to earn a fourth-place finish at the Chalie Thomas Invitational.
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered four times in track and field and twice in basketball as a junior and senior at Klein Cain High School … set personal bests of 46-5.5 in the shot put, 156-4 in the discus and 131-8 in the hammer coming out of high school … received the Culture of Commitment Outstanding Female Athlete award … earned first team All-District honors and the USATF Outstanding Athlete Award … a three-time USATF Junior Olympic All-American … finished third in the shot put at the 2018 USATF Junior Olympics, and followed it up with a silver medal in 2019 … also took fourth in the discus at the same meet in 2019 … won the shot put at the 2019 Texas Relays.
PERSONAL: Daughter of LaTanya and Michael Rhodes … has one brother, Michael Jr., and three sisters, Kiara, Kayla and Kacie … her uncle, Tony Jeffery, was a four-year letterman and wide receiver for the Texas Football program from 2001-04 … began competing in track and field at age 12 while in seventh grade … her two oldest sisters, mom and dad were all throwers growing up, so felt like she needed to follow suit … lists Longhorn Legend and 2016 Olympic shot put gold medalist Michelle Carter as her track and field inspiration … plans to study biochemistry and minor in African American Studies … wants to later earn her joins Ph.D/M.D. in order to become a biomedical scientist … enjoys reading fiction novels, volunteering in her community and yoga when not competing … graduated with honors from Klein Cain, finishing No. 7 in her class of 614 … also was an AP Scholar Award with Distinction recipient.
Nicholas Majerus | Distance | Kingwood, Texas | Kingwood
2020-21 (Freshman)
INDOOR: Has not competed.
CROSS COUNTRY: Raced in the season opener at the Arturo Barrios Invitational, placing 33rd (25:14.0 – 8K) in his collegiate debut.
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in cross country and track all four years … ran the 800m, 1500m, 1600m, 3000m and 3200m in high school … a three-time Team MVP and a two-time All-State performer in cross country … also earned track Team MVP honors.
PERSONAL: Son of Lee and Kimberly Majerus … has one sister, Katie … his sister also attends The University of Texas … the first member of his family to compete in athletics at the collegiate level … enjoys youth group, basketball and wakeboarding when away from the track.
Kevin McMillan | Jumps | Austin, Texas | Stony Point
2020-21 (Freshman)
INDOOR: Has not competed.
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered four times in track and field, twice in football and once in wresting at Stony Point high school … his wrestling letter came as a junior, and his football letters during his junior and senior years … holds personal bests of 49-0.5 and 22-6.25 in the triple and long jumps, respectively, coming out of high school.
PERSONAL: Son of Kevin and Shirelle McMillan … has four brothers, Micah, Matthias and Matthew McMillan, and Affiong Harris … his cousin, Cliffton Styles, played football at San Diego State … was born in Oceanside, California … began competing in track and field at five years old … a chunk of his family, including his father, are dedicated Longhorn fans … aspires to become an entrepreneur … enjoys anime, entrepreneurial videos and video games in his free time.
Caroline Morris | Distance | Spring, Texas | The Woodlands
2020-21 (Freshman)
INDOOR: Has not competed.
CROSS COUNTRY: Did not compete.
HIGH SCHOOL: Took eighth place with a 26.30 time in the 200 meters at the 32nd Annual Northwest Flyers Track Meet on May 25, 2019 … later placed ninth at the USATF Gulf Association Junior Olympic Championships … finished second in the 400m at the USATF Gulf Association Junior Olympic Championships … placed fifth in the event at the USATF Region 12 Junior Olympic Championships … qualified for the 2019 USATF National Junior Olympic Championships in the 400 meters
Gracie Morris | Distance | Aledo, Texas | Aledo
2020-21 (Freshman)
INDOOR: Won the mile at the Charlie Thomas Invitational in her collegiate debut, clocking 4:51.97.
CROSS COUNTRY: Ran in both fall meets … made her collegiate debut at the Arturo Barrios Invitational on Oct. 17 … placed ninth after completed the 6K course in 21:14.4 … earned All-Big 12 honors with a 15th-place finish at the Big 12 Championships two weeks later (21:35.4).
HIGH SCHOOL: Won the Texas state title as a freshman at Aledo … finished runner-up at the state meet in the 1600m during her freshman season and took fifth in 2019 … placed second at the state meet during the 2019 cross country season after finishing third as a sophomore and fifth as a freshman … missed the 2018 track season due to a foot injury she suffered while attempting to qualify for the Foot Locker Nationals.
PERSONAL: Brother, Graydon, also signed with Texas in the 2020 class.
Graydon Morris | Distance | Aledo, Texas | Aledo
2020-21 (Freshman)
INDOOR: Opened his collegiate indoor career at the Wooo Pig Classic on Jan. 22 … won the 3000m in 8:01.30 … his mark made him the No. 5 performer on UT record in the event … clocked a 4:02.08 in his first collegiate mile at the Charlie Thomas Invitational on Feb. 6 … placed second in the event behind teammate Cruz Gomez.
CROSS COUNTRY: Raced in both fall meets … made his collegiate debut at the Arturo Barrios Invitational on Oct. 17 … placed sixth overall and completed the 8K course in 24:07.4 … improved his mark and placed 17th at the Big 12 Championship after completed the course in 24:06.8.
HIGH SCHOOL: Only the second male to qualify for the Foot Locker Cross Country Championships four times … won three state titles in track at Mike A. Myers Stadium (2019 800m, 2018 1600m and 2018 3200m) … finished second at the state meet in the 3200m in 2019 … won three consecutive cross country state championships after finishing third as a freshman.
PERSONAL: Sister, Gracie, also signed with Texas in the 2020 class.
Leo Neugebauer | Combined Events | Leinfeldene-Echterdingen, German | LG Leinfelden-Echterdingen
2020-21 (Sophomore)
INDOOR: Has competed in three meets … opened his season by competing in the 60m, long jump and shot put at the Texas Tech Corky Classic … finished second in the long jump behind his collegiate-best mark (7.59m/24-11) … cleared a collegiate-best 5.05m/16-6.75 en route to a third-place finish in the pole vault at the Wooo Pig Classic … took the NCAA lead in the heptathlon with a score of 5,960 at the Texas Tech Invitational … won four of seven events (LJ, SP, HJ, PV) and set personal bests in three (60m, SP, HJ) … his heptathlon mark made him the No. 3 performer in Texas history in the event, and was the best score by a Longhorn since Donovan Kilmartin at the 2006 NCAA Championships.
2019-20 (Freshman)
OUTDOOR: 2020 season canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic.
INDOOR: Competed twice during his first collegiate season … was a mid-year enrollee at UT … debuted at the Tiger Paw Invitational in Clemson, S.C. on Valentine's Day weekend … competed in the 60m, 60m hurdles, 4x400m and pole vault … completed his first collegiate heptathlon at the Big 12 Indoor Championships … scored 5,848 points en route to winning the Big 12 title … his score made him the fifth-best performer in school history in the heptathlon … won the pole vault (4.97m/16-3.5), shot put (15.34m/50-4) and the long jump (7.31m/23-11.75) competitions … placed second in the high jump (2.02m/6-7.5) … took fifth in the 60m hurdles (8.47) … raced to an eighth-place finish in the 60m (7.12) and 10th in the 1000m (2:54.56) … was 157 points clear of his closest competitor in the event.
BEFORE TEXAS: Was the top-ranked under-20 decathlete in the world in 2019, scoring a personal-best 7,886 … set five personal bests in individual events en route to his U20 world-leading decathlon mark at the U20 Mehrkampf-Meeting … ran the 100m in 11.08, 400m in 49.82, posted marks of 2.07m in the high jump, 7.59 in the long jump and 16.38m in the shot put … won the decathlon at the 2019 German U20 CE Championships in Ulm with a score of 7,792 … placed fourth at the 2019 European U20 Championships with a 7,669-point tally.
Matt Nortje | Sprints | Pretoria, South Africa | Garsfontein
2020-21 (Freshman)
INDOOR: Made his collegiate debut at the Wooo Pig Classic on Jan. 22 … competed in the 400-meter dash and 4x400m relay … placed ninth in the 400m at 48.23 … part of the Longhorns' third-place 4x400m team that clocked a 3:09.62 – the 25th-fastest time in school history … finished eighth in the 400m at the Charlie Thomas Invitational on Feb. 6.
BEFORE TEXAS: Took third place in the 400-meter dash (46.99) at the 2019 U18 African Championships … also part of South African's medley relay team that set the African record and won gold with a time of 1:49.50 … has personal bests of 46.56 in the 400-meter dash and 21.19 (+2.0) in the 200-meter dash, according to World Athletics … clocked both marks at the Bestmed Tuks Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa in 2020 … ran his 200-meter time on Feb. 7 and his 400-meter mark on March 14.
Davicia Patterson | Sprints | Lisburn, Northern Ireland | Hunter House College/Iowa
2020-21 (Sophomore)
INDOOR: Made her Texas debut at the Corky Classic on Jan. 16 … took fifth in the 200m (24.51) and helped the Horns place second in the 4x400m (3:35.98) … finished ninth in the 400m (54.18) and fourth in the 4x400m (3:41.35) at the Wooo Pig Classic the following weekend … took fifth individually in the 400m and helped Texas win the 4x400m at the Charlie Thomas Invitational.
BEFORE TEXAS: Ran for one season at Iowa, primarily featuring in the 400m and 4x400m relay … won the 600m with a time of 1:34.01 at the Hawkeye Invitational in her collegiate debut … also helped Iowa take second in the 4x400m that day … took seventh in the 400m with a 55.99 at the 2020 Frank Sevigne Husker Invitational in February 2020 … also ran in the 4x400m team that took second at the same meet … was a Dean's List student.
PERSONAL: Daughter of David Patterson and Alicia Heaney … first member of her family to attend UT … first-generation collegiate student-athlete.
Ava Peeples | Distance | Dallas, Texas | Lake Highlands/Florida State
2020-21 (Sophomore)
INDOOR: Placed second in the 3000m in her indoor debut at the Charlie Thomas Invitational, finishing the race in 9:57.22.
CROSS COUNTRY: Made her Texas debut at the Arturo Barrios Invitational on Oct. 17 … finished sixth overall (fourth for Texas) after completing the 6K course in 21:01.9 … earned All-Big 12 honors at the Big 12 Championships behind a 12th-place finish (second for Texas) … completed the 6K course in 21:28.0.
2019-20 (Freshman)
OUTDOOR: 2020 season canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic.
INDOOR: Transferred to Texas … did not compete.
CROSS COUNTRY: Raced four times as a freshman at Florida State … placed 14th in her FSU debut at the Covered Bridge Open … finished eighth in the Open division at the Joe Piane Notre Dame Invitational, covering the 5K course in 17:33.8 … followed it up with a sixth-place finish at the Blazer Classic in her 6K debut … was the Seminoles' No. 7 finisher at the ACC Championship.
HIGH SCHOOL: Entered the collegiate ranks with personal-bests on the track of 5:01.87 (1,600m), 10:34.47 (3,200m) and 17:03.23 (5,000m) … owns the Lake Highlands school record in all three events … was a seven-time UIL district champion between cross country and track … two-time state qualifier in both sports … wrapped a banner senior season with a fifth-place finish in the 3,200m at the UIL Championships … finished seventh at the Nike Cross Nationals South Regional and ninth at the Foot Locker South Regional … placed 19th in the 2018 Foot Locker Nationals in San Diego.
PERSONAL: Daughter of Caryn and Philip Peeples … was a two-year member of National Honor Society in high school … graduated in the top-10 percent of her class.
Rodger Rivera | Distance | El Paso, Texas | Hanks
2020-21 (Freshman)
INDOOR: Has not competed.
CROSS COUNTRY: Competed in both fall meets … finished ninth at the Arturo Barrios Invitational in his collegiate debut … clocked 24:18.1 on the 8K course … posted a 24:20.8 at the Big 12 Championship two weeks later to finish 24th individually.
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered four times in cross country and three times in track at Hanks … starred in the 5K, 1600m, 3200m and 800m in high school … an All-State cross country performer twice, finishing eighth as a junior and third as a senior at the state meet.
PERSONAL: Son of Rodger Rivera and Veronica Ahrendes … has one sister, Mia Rivera … a first-generation college student-athlete … began competing in track and field at age 14 … wants to attend medical school after his track and field career concludes … can play saxophone and is passionate about jazz music … also enjoys snowboarding … had a 4.0 GPA in high school.
Alexa Rodriguez | Distance | Laredo, Texas | J.W. Nixon/Western Colorado
2020-21 (Sophomore)
INDOOR: Has not competed.
CROSS COUNTRY: Ran in the season opener at the Arturo Barrios Invitational, placing sixth for Texas and 11th overall … clocked 21:18.3 on the 6K course … finished 29th at the Big 12 Championships and sixth for Texas with a time of 22:06.0.
BEFORE TEXAS: Helped Western Colorado's women's cross country team take fourth at the NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships as a true freshman … placed 63rd overall at the meet with a time of 21:18.7 … posted her best finish as a n individual in September 2019, taking fourth at the Mountaineer/Cowboy Invite after clocking 18:40.0 on the 5K course … ran her best 6K at Western Colorado one month later at the RMAC Cross Country Championships, crossing the line in 14th place at 21:01.8.
HIGH SCHOOL: The first Laredoan, male or female, to win a regional cross country and track title in two classifications during her senior year when Nixon moved from 5A to 6A in 2018-19 … also the first female to earn a medal at the state cross country meet, placing 10th in her senior season … holds the Laredo record in the 3,200-meter run and broke her own record in that race with a 10:49.59 at the Border Olympics as a senior … also holds the city record in the 1,600-meter race, clocking 5:06.71 at the District 29-6A … broke a nearly 30-year-old record in that race previously held by Nancy Torres.
Trinity Tomlinson | Combined Events/Jumps | Early, Texas | Early
2020-21 (Freshman)
INDOOR: Made her collegiate debut at the Corky Classic on Jan. 16 … cleared 1.63m/5-4.25 to finish in third place … improved her mark to 1.69m/5-6.5 the following weekend at the Wooo Pig Classic … improved her mark to 1.70m/5-7 and earned a fifth-place finish at the Charlie Thomas Invitational.
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered four times in volleyball and track … also lettered in basketball as a sophomore … set personal bests of 5-7.5 in the high jump, 14.5 in the 100m hurdles and 45.9 in the 300m hurdles … was the MVP of her track team all four years of high school … earned Newcomer of the Year honors as a freshman and Defensive MVP honors as a sophomore in basketball … named Offensive MVP as a freshman and Defensive MVP as a sophomore in volleyball … earned All-Around MVP recognition as a senior in volleyball.
PERSONAL: Daughter of Donna and Eddie Tomlinson … has two brothers, Luke and Mark James, and three sisters, Kealie, Megan and Bethany … both of her brothers attended UT … was born in Abilene, Texas … started track in sixth grade at age 11 … wants to pursue a career in dermatology … enjoys fishing, hunting, cooking and helping take care of the family's Longhorns … also enjoys arts and ceramics.
Kelsie Vicknair | Distance | Boerne, Texas | Boerne Champion
2020-21 (Freshman)
INDOOR: Made her indoor debut at the Wooo Pig Classic on Jan. 22, finishing 11th in the 3000m (10:18.74).
CROSS COUNTRY: Raced in both fall meets … placed 20th overall after completing the 6K course in 21:55.6 at the Arturo Barrios Invitational, her collegiate debut … finished 35th overall at the Big 12 Championships after completing the 6K course in 22:25.2.
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered all four years in cross country and track at Boerne Champion … rank personal-bests of 5:01.6 in the 1600m, 10:56.7 in the 3200m and 17:42 in the cross country 5K as a senior … named the 2019 San Antonio Cross Country Runner of the Year … took fifth at the 2019 State Cross Country Championships to earn "Elite 15" honors … 2019 Cross Country team state champions … finished runner-up as a team in 2018 … won the 2019 regional cross country title … a state qualifier in the 1600m in 2019.
PERSONAL: Daughter of Tonya and Toby Vicknair … has one brother, Camden … first member of her family to attend UT … her father, Toby, ran track at Centenary College in Louisiana … born in Bossier City, Louisiana … started competing in track and field at age 13 … wants to pursue a career in sports medicine … enjoys swimming, yoga, watching movies, cooking, listening to music and biking as some of her hobbies outside of track … listed tap dance as a skill most don't know she has.
Stacey Ann Williams | Sprints | Kingston, Jamaica | St. Elizabeth Tech/SUNO
2020-21 (Freshman)
INDOOR: Opened her season with a fourth-place finish in the 400m (53.27) and helping Texas win the 4x400m at the Charlie Thomas Invitational on Feb. 6.
2019-20 (Sophomore)
OUTDOOR: 2020 season canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic.
INDOOR: Transferred to Texas as a mid-year enrollee … competed on three occasions … made her UT debut at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Collegiate Invitational in January … finished fourth in the 400m (53.40) and 12th in the 200m (24.13 CB) … helped the Longhorns finish seventh in the 4x400m at the Tiger Paw Invitational … won her first conference title in the 4x400m at the Big 12 Indoor Championships … also took second in the 400m, finishing as the runner-up behind her teammate, Kennedy Simon … her personal-best 52.40 in the final helped her qualify for the NCAA Championships individually … earned All-America honors in the 400m and 4x400m as an NCAA qualifier during the pandemic-shortened season.
Tyra Wilson | Sprints/Hurdles | Columbia, Mo. | Rock Bridge
2020-21 (Freshman)
INDOOR: Has not competed.
HIGH SCHOOL: Ranked No. 6 on MileSplit's Class of 2021 national recruiting rankings at one point … finished her sophomore season in 2019 ranked No. 1 in the 100-meter hurdles and 300-meter hurdles, and was ranked second in the 400-meter hurdles … secured a career-best, wind-legal 100-meter hurdles time of 13.39 seconds at the USATF U20 Championships in 2019 … that time was part of five sub-14 performances on the year as she finished the season at No. 4 in the United States … clocked the No. 2 U.S. mark of 49.79 seconds in the 300-meter hurdles and No. 4 in the 400-meter hurdles at 58.33 as well … her 58.33 mark was one of two sub-60 efforts at the USATF U20 Championships … won four individual state championships in her first two season at Rock Bridge High School … won the 300-meter hurdles her freshman year, then won state titles in the triple jump, 100-meter hurdles and 300-meter hurdles as a sophomore … also finished second in the 200-meter dash in 2019.
Willington Wright | Jumps/Sprints | Knoxville, Tenn. | Hardin Valley Academy/Middle Tennessee State
2020-21 (Junior)
INDOOR: Made his Texas debut by competing in the 200m and 4x400m at the Charlie Thomas Invitational on Feb. 6.
BEFORE TEXAS: Named to the C-USA Third Team All-Conference in the 400m and second-team All-Conference in the 4x400m during the 2020 indoor season … part of the 4x400m team that claimed silver at the C-USA Championships with a time of 3:12.30 … finished third in the 400m and fourth in the 200m at the C-USA Championships … ran an outdoor personal-best 45.92 in the 400m at the 2019 NCAA D1 Regionals in the preliminary round … had five top-10 finishes at the C-USA Championships … has best individual finish was a fourth-place run in the 400m … placed third at the C-USA Championships with the 4x400m team … won the 4x400m title at the 2019 C-USA Indoor Championships … also took sixth in the 400m and third in the 200m … added a seventh-place finish in the triple jump away from sprints competition.
HIGH SCHOOL: Lettered in track and field twice … competed in the 100m, 200m, 400m, long jump and triple jump … a two-time track and field NBN All-American … six-time Tennessee state champion … competed in the 400m at the 2019 USATF U20 Championships.
PERSONAL: Son of Gomez and Charzet Wright … has two brothers, Winston and Weldon, and three sisters, Whitney, Wesleight and Winter … the first member of his family to attend UT … brother, Weldon, ran track at Tennessee … started running track when he was a junior in high school … also played soccer and ran AAU while growing up … originally wanted to join the soccer team in high school, but tried out for track after a comment about how fast he was at soccer tryouts … also wanted to break his brother's school records … enjoys singing, cooking, dancing, playing the piano, drums, guitar, bass, producing music and learning random facts in his free time … can also sing and dance … a Tennessee Science Olympiad state champion.
Players Mentioned
