Texas Tech scored in both javelin events and advanced several sprinters and hurdlers to finals on Day 1 of the Big 12 Outdoor Championships.
Texas Tech track and field opened the Big 12 Outdoor Championships with points in the javelin, breakthrough sprint performances and a few serious statement runs in Tucson.
The Red Raiders got on the board early at Roy P. Drachman Stadium, with freshman Isaac Woodward finishing sixth in the men’s javelin at 65.21 meters, or 213 feet, 11 inches.
Leah Howard added more points on the women’s side, placing fifth with a throw of 47.99 meters, or 157 feet, 5 inches.
That gave Texas Tech a solid start on a day when only three of 21 events were scored.
The bigger momentum came on the track. Kimarlie Stewart led Texas Tech’s 200-meter group into Saturday’s final, winning his heat in a personal-best 20.41 seconds.
Shaemar Uter also posted a personal best at 20.43, while Johnathan Crawford grabbed the final qualifying spot with a 20.50.
Texas Tech also flashed major upside in the 400-meter hurdles. Sean Dixon earned an automatic qualifying spot on the men’s side, finishing second in his heat in 50.93.
For the women, Lovina Ewusi and Vanessa Balde delivered two of the best hurdle races in program history. Ewusi won her heat in 56.66, while Balde took hers in 56.82.
Those times now rank No. 3 and No. 4 all-time at Texas Tech, and they were two of only three women in the field to break 57 seconds.
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Victor Kipkoech closed the night with a strong run in the 10,000 meters, placing fourth in 29:35.76 after entering the meet ranked 16th in the Big 12.
Texas Tech will return Friday for Day 2, beginning with the men’s shot put and long jump. The Red Raiders already have points, finalists and momentum heading deeper into championship weekend.
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