WTC Track Sets New Meet Record, New Personal Bests at Texas Tech Jarvis Open
LUBBOCK—The WTC Track and Field teams set a new meet record and athletes set new personal records at the Texas Tech Jarvis Open on February 18, 2022. The Westerners finished the day with fifteen personal records, eleven top-8 finishes, and a new meet record in the 600 yard.
Niesha Burgher started the meet off with a personal record and a 7th place finish in the 60 meters. Javari Thomas placed 5th and ran a personal record in the 60 meters
Freshman Rushell Johnson took down the Western Texas College school record in the 1 mile that stood for the last 2 seasons (previously held by Brooke Rauch). Her performance also lead her to a personal record, an 8th place finish, and a national qualifying mark. More athletes also achieved personal records in the 1 mile: Teresa Gallegos, Wesley Wright, and Rogelio Vazquez.
Sophomore Shadae Findley ran a personal record for the 400 meter and placed 6th overall. In the same event, Antonio Blair was able to walk away with a personal record, a 4th place finish, and a national qualifying mark. Jamal Walton ran the 400 meters for the first time this season and qualified for nationals.
Sophomore Ethan Smith won the men’s 600 yard and set a new meet record. His winning time was 1:09.74. His performance also moved him up to #3 in the NJCAA.
Freshman Sancia Smith took 2nd place in the 600 yard. She ran a personal record in the event and moved up the #3 in the NJCAA. Miguel Nicholas placed 3rd in the 600 yard and qualified for nationals.
Niesha Burgher and Javari Thomas came back in the 200 meters. Burgher placed 2nd overall, ran a personal record, and now ranks #7 in the NJCAA. Thomas placed 4th overall and now sits at #7 in the NJCAA.
The Westerners had four freshmen run personal records in the 800 meters: Teresa Gallegos, Rushell Johnson, Rogelio Vazquez, and Ivan Marquez.
The men’s 4 x 400 m relay finished off the meet with a 1st place finish. The team ran 3:10.55 and the legs were in this order: Miguel Nicholas, Antonio Blair, Lee Steward, and Ethan Smith. They currently sit #2 in the NJCAA.
Top 8 Finishes
60m: Niesha Burgher, Javari Thomas
200m: Niesha Burgher, Javari Thomas
400m: Shadae Findley, Antonio Blair
600y: Sancia Smith, Miguel Nicholas
Event Winners
600y: Ethan Smith
4x400m Relay: Miguel Nicholas, Antonio Blair, Lee Steward, Ethan Smith