HOUSTON, TX- The University of St. Thomas Men's and Women's track and field teams stayed local in Houston, Texas to compete in the Howie Ryan Invitational, closing out their indoor season on a high note. With multiple school records, personal bests, and all-time program marks falling throughout the meet, the Celts carry strong momentum as they shift their focus toward the outdoor season.
The Lady Celts delivered a dominant showing on the track, highlighted by several record-breaking performances. In the 60 meters,
Quadetra Wilburn continued her historic season by breaking her own school record with a blazing 7.69, a mark that now ranks her 20th in the NCAA. She later returned in the 200 meters with
Trinity Provost who reset her own school record, running 25.31. Wilburn and
Eslie Ngoran followed closely with times of 25.49 and 25.75, moving into second and third all-time in program history.
In the 600-yard run, Elyssa Rodarte added another record to her name, clocking 1:31.49 to break the school record and finish ninth overall. The momentum continued in the 400 meters as
Eslie Ngoran lowered the school record once again, running 58.38. Teammates
Lexie Allred Rojas and
Nelsy Vera also turned in strong performances, earning personal bests of 1:01.92 and 1:02.24.
The men's squad matched the women's intensity with strong finishes and historic marks of their own. In the 3,000 meters, Chris Lopez captured the B section title with a winning time of 8:57.60, while Dominic Arriaga followed closely behind, crossing the line in 9:04.19.
The sprint group made significant moves in the record books in the 60 meters.
Chris Releford ran 7.08, moving him to third all-time in program history, while
Adrian Thomas posted another personal best of 7.10, placing him fifth all-time.
In the 600-yard run,
Juan Silva impressed in his indoor debut, breaking his own school record with a time of 1:17.36 to earn a third-place finish. Dominic Arriaga doubled back with a strong showing, placing fifth overall in 1:21.58.
Distance standout Paxton Ritchey added a victory to the day, winning the 1,000 meters in 2:52.59. In the 200 meters,
Terrence Jackson lowered his personal best to 22.58, moving him to fifth all-time in program history.
As indoor season competition completes, the Celts showcased both discipline and record-setting speed at this Houston invitational, now turning their attention to the upcoming outdoor season, with more opportunities for personal bests and new record breaking times for the program.
Up Next
UST looks to make their first outdoor meet appearance as they travel to Georgetown, TX for the Southwestern Invite. Tune in on Saturday, March 7th. For more updates, follow @ustxctf on Instagram and visit ustcelts.com.
