The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
Cardinal Classic
Track & Field returns to Louisville for Cardinal Classic
01.12.2023 | Track & Field / Cross Country
Texas Men's & Women's Track & Field
Meet 2: Cardinal Classic
Jan. 13-14, 2023 – Louisville, Ky.
Live stats: https://hookem.at/CC
Location: The two-day meet will be hosted at the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center from 5 pm – 7:30 pm on Friday and 10 am – 12:45 pm on Saturday.
Returning to Louisville: The Longhorns made a statement in their first meet of the season at the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center for the Commonwealth College Opener. Brian Herron's winning time of 59.87 in the 500m ranks second behind Abdalelah Haroun's record of 58.83. Kennedy Simon made it a Longhorn sweep after winning the 500m with a time of 1:08.59 and the set the second-fastest time in collegiate history. Ackelia Smith joined in on the success after setting the world-leading long jump mark on her first attempt at 6.73m (22-1.00). The mark ranked as the second-best in Texas history behind Tara Davis.
Longhorn Debuts: Two former Pac-12 student-athletes are set to make their Longhorn debuts in Louisville. Lanae-Tava Thomas, formerly with USC, will compete in both the 200m and the 4x400, while Ezinne Abba (CAL) will go to work in the 60m, 200m and the 4x400. On the men's side, Rajay Morris from Jamaica will debut in the 4x400 relay to close out the event.
Early Accolades: The Longhorns made an early start to this season's awards following the opening meet in December. After their success, Brian Herron and Kennedy Simon were both tabbed with USTFCCCA National Athletes of the Week. It was the fourth time in program history a male athlete had won the award during the indoor season for Texas and second on the women's side since 2020.
Julien Alfred also made the news with her first-ever appearance on the Bowerman Preseason Watch List. It's the fourth time Alfred has made the watch list and 43rd time a female Longhorn has made the prestigious list.
All-American Returns: The Longhorns return 11 First Team All-Americans from last year's squad.
Players Mentioned
