CARROLLTON, Ga./TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The UT Southern track and field teams continued to test themselves against elite competition over the past two weeks, turning in standout performances at the UGA Legends Meet, hosted by the University of West Georgia, and the Crimson Tide Invitational, hosted by the University of Alabama.
Facing fields loaded with NCAA Division II and Division I programs, the Firehawks delivered a series of high-level performances, particularly in the distance events where UT Southern established itself among the top competitors at both meets.
UT Southern opened the stretch in Carrollton at the UGA Legends Meet with a dominant showing from Frankline Kipruto. The sophomore captured titles in both the 800 meters and 1500 meters, leading the Firehawks against a deep and competitive field.
Kipruto's performance was complemented by a strong showing from Bruno Villazon, who finished runner-up in the 1500 meters to secure a 1-2 finish for UT Southern. Martin Van Hamme added a scoring finish, while Luca Neumeister provided additional depth in the event.
Daniel Sanchez contributed in the middle-distance events with solid performances across both races.
On the women's side, Emma Vizina led the Firehawks with a runner-up finish in the 1500 meters while also turning in a top-five finish in the 5000 meters. Claire Deaton followed with a strong showing in both events, adding another top-five finish in the 5000 meters.
Lou-Anne Bernard contributed in the middle-distance events, while the Firehawks' depth in the women's 5000 meters was on full display with multiple strong finishes from the UT Southern lineup.
In the sprints, Jack Wall paced UT Southern in the 200 meters, with AJ Ganzer and Isaiah Varela also competing. Ganzer led the Firehawks in the 400 meters, with Wall and Varela rounding out the group.
The Firehawks carried that momentum into Tuscaloosa at the Crimson Tide Invitational, where UT Southern competed against one of the nation's premier NCAA Division I fields. Kipruto once again highlighted the weekend with another strong showing against elite competition.
Vizina added to her impressive two-week stretch with another competitive performance, while Deaton and the Firehawks' distance group continued to show depth and consistency against top-tier NCAA competition.
Across both meets, UT Southern consistently competed shoulder-to-shoulder with NCAA Division I and II programs, showcasing continued growth as the outdoor season progresses. The Firehawks' distance group, in particular, emerged as a strength, highlighted by multiple event victories, a 1-2 finish, and numerous strong performances against elite competition.
Next Event
UT Southern will turn its focus to the SSAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships as the Firehawks look to carry their momentum into postseason competition.
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