GULF SHORES, Ala. – The UT Southern track and field teams delivered a historic performance at the 2026 SSAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships, highlighted by multiple individual titles, a clean sweep of the men's 5,000-meter podium, and record-setting team finishes on both sides.
Leading the way was Frankline Kipruto, who was named the meet's Most Valuable Performer after scoring 30 points across three individual conference titles. The sophomore dominated the distance events, winning the 10,000 meters, 5,000 meters, and 1500 meters to pace the Firehawks.
Kipruto's efforts were part of a historic showing in the men's 5,000 meters, where UT Southern swept the podium. Kipruto claimed the title (14:59.83), followed by Bruno Villazon as the runner-up (15:10.16), and Martin Van Hamme in third (15:14.04), showcasing the Firehawks' depth in distance running.
Villazon added to his standout meet with a conference championship in the 3,000-meter steeplechase (9:39.80) and runner-up finishes in both the 1500 meters and 5,000 meters, while Amon Rotich secured a second-place finish in the steeplechase (9:49.71) to give UT Southern another 1-2 finish.
In the field events, Jacob Sanchez delivered a record-setting performance in the javelin, earning a conference championship, setting a conference record, and qualifying for nationals to highlight the Firehawks' success beyond the track.
Daniel Sanchez contributed in the middle-distance events, while the men's relays added valuable team points, including a scoring finish in the 4x100 relay and additional efforts in the 4x400 and 4x800 relays.
On the women's side, UT Southern continued to build momentum with multiple All-Conference performances. Emma Vizina earned First-Team All-Conference honors in the 1500 meters with a third-place finish, while also contributing points in the 5,000 meters.
The Firehawks' distance depth was on full display in the women's 5,000 meters, as Alyssa Andrea placed fourth (18:56.03), Vizina followed in sixth (19:07.75), and Claire Deaton finished seventh (19:11.47). Deaton also added a scoring performance in the 10,000 meters, finishing fifth (40:10.26), while Amelia Worsley contributed additional points with an eighth-place finish.
UT Southern's women's 4x800-meter relay team of Lou-Anne Bernard, Claire Deaton, Emma Vizina, and Alyssa Andrea earned Third-Team All-Conference honors with a third-place finish, further highlighting the program's strength in distance events.
As a team, the Firehawk men scored 101 points to finish fourth overall—marking the highest point total and best finish in program history at the conference championship. The women's team also achieved a program-best finish, placing seventh with 29 points.
Across the board, UT Southern showcased its growth and depth, with multiple individual champions, All-Conference selections, and historic team results capping a breakthrough performance at the SSAC Championships.
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