McWhorter, Riner smash school records at Texas Relays

AUSTIN, Texas – Pole vaulter Zach McWhorter and javelin thrower Ashton Riner both broke BYU records in their respective events at the Texas Relays held at the Mike A. Myers Track and Soccer Stadium.

McWhorter cleared 5.70m/18-8.25 in the men’s pole vault to break the school record by 10 centimeters. Former Cougar and national champion Robison Pratt set the previous record of 5.60m/18-4.5 in 2006.

McWhorter now holds the indoor and outdoor records at BYU, breaking previous records both set by Pratt. The All-American broke the indoor record twice this past indoor season, with the current record of 5.80m/19-0.25 coming in his national runner-up performance at the NCAA Indoor Championships.

On Thursday, Riner shattered the previous BYU women’s javelin record by more than 4 meters with a throw of 57.31m/188-0. The All-American’s throw ranks as the 25th best performance in collegiate history.

Until this week, Riner had been No. 2 on the BYU Top 10 list with marks of 52.36m/171-9 (2018 Robison Invitational) and 52.91m/173-7 (2021 UNLV Spring Opener). All-American Lindsay Johnson set the previous school record of 53.16m/174-5 in 2002.

Caleb Witsken made his outdoor season debut in the men’s pole vault after taking sixth place at the NCAA Indoor Championships on March 13. The All-American opened this season with a clearance of 5.40m/17-8.5.

In the men’s javelin, Cameron Bates had the best toss of the three BYU athletes competing in the event with a mark of 67.88m/222-8. Michael Whittaker threw a career-best 63.88m/209-7 and Jacob Barnes finished with 62.44m/204-10.

Complete Results

The BYU track and field team will next compete April 2-3 at the Hayward Premiere and UVU Invite.