Houston,
11
January
2023
|
10:05 AM
America/Chicago

UST Track and Field Season Preview Excites

After an outstanding performance at last years SCAC Championships, the University of St. Thomas-Houston track and field is due for a strong 2023. With a majority of their student athletes returning, the team is using veteran leadership and 12 new additions to build advantage.

Men’s Track: Fighting to Finish

At last year’s conference meet, Matthew Hicks contributed to both of St. Thomas’ second-place finishes. In the high jump, Hicks was one of only two competitors to clear a height of 1.92 meters and contributed to the 4x4 team that finished second behind the conference champion Trinity Tigers.

Bryce McIntyre and Eduardo Waller fought to the end of the 400 meters placing in the top five individually. In addition, Jhancarlos Carpio, a sophomore dual runner from men’s cross country, added to the Celt’s score finishing sixth in the men’s 1500. With all scores combined, the Celts locked fourth place with 41 total points.

Women’s Track: Continuing in Stride

Last season, the women’s track was led by Christina Stinson, who was named to the all-region team. Stinson impressed at the SCAC meet winning the women’s 400-meter dash, and 4x100 with her teammates. One of those teammates is sophomore Ny’Ceirra Hinton, who individually finished second in the 100-meter dash behind Colorado College.

Sophia Delgado also showcased her speed for the Celts in the 100-Meter Hurdles finishing fifth place, and seventh in the 400-meter hurdles. Kaela Sawyers also returns for the Celts finishing fifth at the 100-meter dash and looking to beat her performance in 2022.

Leaping into 2023

Now that the Celts are full NCAA Division III members, track and field is eligible to send an individual or team to the national championships in 2023. The journey begins in the indoor season at the Leonard Hilton Invitational in Houston, Texas. At this meet, the Celts will jumpstart their season against Division I competition in preparation for the SCAC meet. After a slew of indoor meets, they will be able to represent St. Thomas at the NCAA Indoor Championships in Birmingham, Alabama. Then, having warmed up in the indoor season, the Celts will start their outdoor season on the road at the Trinity Invitational competing against other conference foes. All of this activity culminates in the SCAC Championships on April 23.

Director Ryan Dohner will lead Track and Field in his third season competing for the SCAC crown. He has been assisted by David Maris and Jarrick Wright. It is this group that was responsible for guiding St. Thomas track and field into the NCAA Division III. With their leadership, the Celts are now eligible for national meets and competition.

“Team expectations are high as we compete for the top spot in the SCAC,” Coach Jarrick Wright said. “We should definitely see St. Thomas compete on the national stage as we continue to grow and improve our team.”

For the full track schedule, click here: men’s women’s.