Women Take First, Men Second at Air Force Invite

Complete Results

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Zach McWhorter tied the NCAA leading mark in the pole vault as multiple records contributed to BYU track and field team’s strong performance at the Air Force Invitational Thursday through Saturday. 

The women’s team took first-place in a field that consisted of Colorado State, Wyoming, Colorado, Northern Colorado, Air Force and UC-Colorado Springs. The men came in second behind Air Force.

"We had some great performances this weekend," Track & Field Associate Head Coach Mark Robison said. "It's early in the season and we're learning, but we're pleased with how we're progressing. We have a big meet next weekend and think these past few days helped us get ready for New York."

Competition at the Air Force Invite opened with performances from the pentathletes and heptathletes. Caleb Witsken led the Cougars with a third-place finish overall in the heptathlon (4483 points). Witsken earned personal bests in the long jump (6.47m/21-2.75), the shot put (12.89m/42-3.50) and the pole vault with a mark of 5.15m/16-10.75. 

Day two was headlined by Sable Lohmeier’s personal-best toss of 17.63m/57-10.25 in the weight throw. This mark placed Lohmeier at No. 6 all-time in BYU history. Several Cougars also improved their weight throw personal records including Taegan Keep (16.20m/53-1.75), Alyssa Workman (15.22m/49-11.25) and Katelyn Foutz (13.61m/44-8.00). 

For his second meet in BYU uniform, McWhorter cleared 5.55m/18-2.50 to place him No. 2 all-time on the school record board. McWhorter’s mark also tied him for first in the NCAA. 

Kyndal Stewart-Pothier set a new career-high and took first place in the women’s pole vault after clearing 3.95m/12-11.50. 

In the men's 60m Andrew Stuart took first after clocking a career-best time of 6.89. Michael Bluth captured the 200m crown with a time of 21.61. 

Jaslyn Gardner displayed another strong performance to win the women’s 200m (24.38) and earned an indoor personal record. 

Team captain Rickey Fantroy Jr. won the men’s triple jump with a mark of 15.44m/50'8" and Jacob Peister placed second at 14.83m/48'8."

A career-best followed Jesus Serrano as he took first in the men's 60m hurdles with a time of 8.00. Freshman Chloe Taylor ran a personal-best 8.91 to take fifth in the women’s 60m hurdles. 

Sierra Freeland finished second in the women’s shot put with a mark of 14.44m (47-4.50). Addisyn Peacock placed fourth (12.89m/42'3.50") and Jessica Thompson was fifth (12.28m 40'3.50"). Sophomore Talin Mortensen came in fifth in the men’s shot put throwing 14.96m 49'1.”

Freshman Cierra Tidwell was the highest collegiate finisher in the women’s high jump as she cleared 1.76m/5'9.25" to place fourth overall. 

The Cougars will continue on the road next week in New York to compete at the Dr. Sanders Invitational at the Armory Track and Field Center. Live stats and meet information can be found on the BYU track and field schedule page two days before the meet.