The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
UTSA Invitational
Track & Field caps UTSA Invitational with strong final-day performances
03.21.2026 | Track & Field / Cross Country
Longhorns claim multiple event wins and podium finishes to close out opening outdoor meet.
SAN ANTONIO – Texas Track & Field wrapped up the second and final day of the UTSA Invitational on Saturday at Park West Athletics Complex, highlighted by multiple event victories and several top-three finishes.
On the track, Texas dominated the men's sprints, led by Jayden Jones, who opened his outdoor season with a win in the 100 meters (10.12) before leading a 1-2-3 sweep in the 200 meters. Jones clocked 20.40 for the victory, followed by Kody Blackwood (20.49) and John Rutledge (20.71). Chris Brinkley Jr. added a runner-up finish in the 400 meters with a time of 47.43, while Neo Modibe placed sixth (48.47).
Rejoice Sule paced the Longhorn women's sprint group with a pair of second-place finishes, taking runner-up honors in the 100 meters (11.17) and 200 meters (22.77).
In the middle-distance events, Texas impressed with multiple top-three finishes. On the women's side, Grace Kowalski led a strong showing in the 800 meters with a third-place finish (2:08.19), while the Longhorns placed five runners inside the top eight. In the 1,500 meters, Elizabeth Pickett and Sophie Atkinson delivered a 1-2 finish, crossing in 4:22.34 and 4:25.22, respectively.
The men's distance crew matched that success in the 1,500 meters, where Hudson Bennett (3:49.87) and Aidan Torres (3:49.92) secured the top two spots, with three additional Longhorns finishing inside the top 10. Sihle Mahlangu added a second-place finish in the 800 meters (1:53.13).
In the hurdles, Mia Mason led the women with a sixth-place finish in the 100-meter hurdles (13.93), while Jonathan Hertwig-Odegaard placed ninth in the men's 110-meter hurdles (14.53).
In the field events, Sophia Kowalski placed second in the women's pole vault with a clearance of 3.95 meters (12-11.5). Sam Abati recorded a clearance of 4.95 meters (16-3) in the men's pole vault, marking the fourth-best result of the competition.
Texas also saw strong performances in the high jump, where Osawese Agbonkonkon (2.10m/6-10.75) and Brandon Gorski (2.05m/6-8.75) finished second and third, respectively, in the men's competition. On the women's side, Caroline Peterson tied for fourth (1.70m/5-7), while Iana Ahetz-Etcheber tied for 12th (1.60m/5-3).
The Longhorns will return to action Saturday, March 28, at the Clyde Hart Classic hosted by Baylor University at the Baylor-Clyde Hart Track & Field Stadium.
Players Mentioned
