Track Makes their Mark at 2022 Red Raider Open

LUBBOCK—The Westerner Track and Field teams made their marks at the Texas Tech Raider Open on Friday, January 21, 2022.

Ethan Smith, Antonio Blair, and Lee Steward scored three top-ten finishes in the 400m. The Open marks the second weekend in a row Blair finished top ten in the 400m. For Smith and Steward, Friday was the first time the men ran the 400m this season.

Niesha Burgher placed 7th in the 200m on her second outing this spring. The sophomore placed in the top eight in the 200m the past two weekends. 

Sophomore Shadae Findley placed 8th in the 600-yard. Her performance qualified her for Indoor Nationals in the event, and she currently sits at #3 in the U.S. 

Freshmen Rogelio Vazquez and Trenton Blackerby ran lifetime personal bests in the 1 mile. 

Sancia Smith placed 7th in the 800m. She improved off her last 800m performance and now ranks #2 in the U.S. The freshman moved past her teammate Shadae Findley in the National Rankings. This is Smith’s second time placing in the top eight in a meet for the 800m.

Below are the Top-10 finishes for the weekend. 

The WTC athletes competed against numerous universities and colleges, including Abilene Christian University, University of Arkansas, Barton Community College, University of Houston, University of Kentucky, Louisiana State University, New Mexico Junior College, Oklahoma State University, Southern Methodist University, South Plains College, Texas Southern University, Texas Tech University, University of Texas, and the University of Southern California. 

Top 10 Finishes 

Niesha Burgher: 200m, 7th place

Ethan Smith: 400m, 8th place

Antonio Blair: 400m, 9th place

Lee Steward: 400m, 10th place

Shadae Findley: 600 yard, 8th place

Sancia Smith: 800m, 7th place