Austin Peay and UAB Track & Field Teams Prepare for Spring Invite

News Summary

Austin Peay State University track and field team is gearing up for the UAB Spring Invite in Birmingham. The Governors are coming off strong performances in their first outdoor meet, with multiple athletes earning Top 3 finishes. Meanwhile, UAB Blazers look to continue their momentum from a successful previous competition, with notable personal bests and achievements. The two-day event promises to be a showcase of collegiate athletics with fierce competition from rival teams and celebrations for senior athletes.

Austin Peay and UAB Track & Field Teams Gear Up for Spring Invites!

Exciting times are ahead in Alabama as the Austin Peay State University track and field team gets ready to compete in the highly anticipated UAB Spring Invite! Taking place at the pristine UAB Track and Field Facility in Birmingham, this event promises to be a thrilling two-day showcase of talent and athletics.

Looking Back at Previous Success!

Austin Peay recently had a fantastic start to their outdoor season, securing an impressive three Top 3 finishes in their very first meet. Among the star performers was Madelyn Kocik, who shone bright with third-place finishes in both the long jump and the triple jump. Meanwhile, teammates Alexis Arnett, Busiwa Asinga, Mia McGee, and Taylin Segree also claimed bronze medals in their respective events. With such strong performances, it’s clear that the Governors are ready to take on their next challenge under the guidance of team captain and second-year head coach, Asha Gibson-Smith.

Earlier in the season, the team made a successful trip to Birmingham for the 2024-25 indoor season at the Birmingham Indoor Icebreaker, laying the groundwork for their confidence heading into the Spring Invite. They also achieved an exciting victory at the season-opening meet with their 4×400-meter relay team taking home a well-deserved win!

What to Expect at the UAB Spring Invite!

The UAB Spring Invite will gather multiple teams, including rivals Jacksonville State, Alabama State, and Arkansas State. Kicking off on Friday at 1 p.m. and continuing on Saturday starting at 9 a.m., this event is set to be a spotlight for collegiate athletics.

On Saturday, be sure to stick around for a special moment as UAB honors their seven seniors during the Senior Day celebrations. It’s all about showing appreciation for the hard work and dedication these athletes have put into their craft!

UAB Shines Bright!

The UAB Blazers are equally eager to showcase their talent, coming off a recent meet where ten of their athletes set a new personal best at the Yellow Jacket Invitational in Atlanta. With 13 top 10 finishes under their belt, including a notable win in the 400m hurdles and steeplechase, the Blazers are certainly heating up as we move further into the season.

Last year’s Spring Invite was filled with memorable moments for UAB, highlighted by Gabby Washington winning the 200-meter event and Mya McDanal finishing second in the Javelin Throw with an impressive mark of 39.98m. The team also performed remarkably well in the 4x200m relay, with Christiana Mudd, Hannah Malone, Jasmine Dereje, and Gabby Washington leading the pack to victory with a stellar time of 1:38.23. Katie Keur added to the team’s success, finishing third in the 3000m race with a notable time of 10:48.71!

Additionally, the achievements continue with Victoria Freeland setting a new season-best in Pole Vault and Birthe Franck-Petersen making headlines by not only setting a new school record in Shot Put with an impressive 13.75m but also claiming fourth place in Hammer Throw with a distance of 47.55m during her final home meet. What a way to leave a mark!

What’s Next for UAB?

The UAB Track & Field team is looking forward to their next challenge at the Florida Relays, hosted by the University of Florida. Fans can stay updated on all the action by checking for live results and additional meet information at uabsports.com/sports/womens-track-and-field.

As the spring season heats up, both Austin Peay and UAB’s track and field teams are set to leave it all on the field, showcasing their hard work, determination, and passion for the sport. Let’s cheer them on as they compete in what promises to be an unforgettable UAB Spring Invite!