T&F opens outdoor season with a bang | University of Alaska Anchorage

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – Elena Cano was a busy woman for the University of Alaska Anchorage in her first meet of the outdoor track and field season, the Hornet Invite hosted by Sacramento State.

Cano won the 400 hurdles in an NCAA Provisional Qualifying time of 1:00.86, the second-fastest time ever at UAA and eighth-best in GNAC history. She finished fifth in the 100 hurdles (14.76) and fifth in the long jump (18-5.25) before running a leg of the 4×400 relay that placed second in 4:03.16.

Joshua Wagner ran a blistering 14.37 to win the 110 hurdles but unfortunately did not have a legal wind. He finished second in the 400 hurdles (54.23).

Mette Van der Meer established a school-record in the pole vault with a clear at 10-11.75. She finished seventh in the 100 hurdles (14.86) and helped the 4×100 relay to a seventh-place finish (50.66).

“Great start to the outdoor season,” said head coach Ryan McWilliams. “A couple of really strong opening national qualifying marks and good solid performances around those. We have room to grow and the potential and promise of that growth was shown today.”

Collin Sample placed fifth in the long jump (22-7.25) and ninth in the triple jump (41-2.5). Both marks rank sixth all-time at UAA.

Adrian Velasco finished seventh in the 110 hurdles (15.60) and eighth in the 400 hurdles (55.87), the ninth-best time in program history.

Alfin Nyamasyo placed fourth in the steeplechase (11:34.63), and the men’s 4×100 relay was seventh (43.34).

UAA had several Seawolves compete at the Doris Heritage Track Festival in Seattle.

Tylantiss Atlas won the 200 (25.38) and was second in the 400 (58.35).

Joei Vidad was fourth in the 400 (59.79) and fifth in the 200 (26.15).

Akor Maywin won the high jump (5-1.25) with the seventh-best mark in UAA history.

Felix Robertson was third in the triple jump (40-0.75), with the sixth-best mark in program history.

UAA will compete at the Aztec Invite in San Diego March 25-26.