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NASHVILLE – The UAB Track & Field team delivered a strong performance at the Music City Invite this weekend, achieving numerous personal bests and climbing the program’s all-time record lists. The Blazers competed against approximately 50 other teams in Nashville, Tennessee, showcasing significant gains across multiple events.
Leading the charge was senior Victory George, who continued her impressive form in the long jump. George leaped 5.85 meters, a new personal best and the seventh-best mark in UAB history. This achievement marks the second consecutive week she has improved her personal record and the second time this season she’s surpassed the 5.8-meter mark. She also qualified for the 60-meter dash semifinals, clocking a time of 7.71 seconds in the prelims.
The weekend wasn’t just about George’s success. A wave of Blazers stepped up, setting new personal records and making their mark on the UAB record books. The team’s performance signals a strong trajectory as they prepare for the upcoming American Conference Indoor Championships.
George Leads the Way in Nashville
Victory George’s performance was a highlight of the meet. In addition to her long jump success, she qualified for the 60m semifinals with a preliminary time of 7.71 seconds. Jordyn Dortch also impressed in the 60m, qualifying for the semifinals with a time of 7.72 seconds, finishing closely behind her teammate. George’s consistent improvement is a key factor for the Blazers as the season progresses.
Freshman Standouts and Record-Breaking Performances
UAB’s freshman class made a significant impact at the Music City Invite. Sarah Hopkins, a true freshman from Bonita Springs, Florida, continued her breakout season with a personal best in the weight throw, extending her third-best mark in program history with a throw of 15.71m. Kelly Hughes, another freshman, shattered the school record in the 600m, finishing in a time of 1:35.05, building on her previous third-best ranking from the previous week.
Katie Keur and Kenlie Nelson also achieved personal bests in the distance events. Keur smashed her previous indoor 5k record, finishing in 17:04.51, while Nelson improved her time by nearly 40 seconds, completing the race in 17:22.31. Lidia Longo and Keur also competed in the 3000m, finishing eighth and ninth respectively out of 65 competitors, with times of 9:53.34 and 9:55.30.
Middle Distance and Relay Success
Sangie Lincoln-Velez continued her strong recent form, placing third in the 800m with a time of 2:12.29, a personal best. Lia Castillo finished just behind her teammate in fifth place at 2:12.37. Both athletes now rank in the top 10 in UAB history for the 800m. Jasmine Dereje also delivered a strong performance in the 400m, finishing fourth with a time of 57.31, while Dezire Gee set a season-best time of 58.20. The UAB 4×400 team of Jasmine Dereje, Leticia Quingostas, Gabby Washington, and Jordyn Dortch also achieved a season-best time of 3:48.25, ranking tenth all-time in school history.
Additional personal bests were achieved by Emma Kate Alexander (600m), Brenna Dutcher (shot put with a mark of 11.97m), and Fiona Eastman and Noelle Hambrick, who tied for fourth in the pole vault with identical marks of 3.72m.
The Blazers will have a week off before hosting the American Conference Indoor Championships at the Birmingham Crossplex. Details regarding the championships, including schedules and meet information, will be released by the conference office at a later date. Follow @UAB_TF_XC on X and @UAB_TF_XC on Instagram for updates.
The team’s continued success highlights the dedication of the athletes and coaching staff, and fans can support UAB Athletics through sport gift accounts, contributing to the program’s competitive edge.
