UH hosted the Tellez Invitational on Friday and Saturday at the Lewis Tellez Track Complex, and the Cougars used the opportunity to set and improve on seven regional qualifying marks.
Junior hurdler Seun Adigun had a first place finish in the 100-meter hurdles. Her time of 13.55 seconds is currently the fastest time in Conference USA and an improvement on her regional qualifying mark.
"Considering there were only three of us competing in the event, it was kind of hard to find that adrenaline to run fast," Adigun said. "I just had to dig deep and run. I did that and I ended up dropping time.
"I noticed that I relaxed a little in the middle of the race instead of trying to go faster, so my finish was not as strong. Knowing that, I am also very confident that I will achieve my goal in the hurdles as well."
Freshman Kalyn Floyd finished first in the 400-meter in 54.59 seconds. Her time is the third fastest in C-USA and her first win of the outdoor season.
Freshman Quin’shundolyn McPherson continued her excellent outdoor season, running 23.70 seconds in the 200 for a second place finish. Sophomore Ashley Bryant threw her hat into the regional qualifying ring by throwing her discus 49.98 meters (164).
Senior Caresir Hamilton jumped 12.56 meters (41 feet, 2 1/2 inches) in the triple jump and placed third.
The women’s 4×100 relay team rounded the regional qualifying finishes with a first place finish in a season-best 45.41 seconds.
"Everything has been a work in progress, and as a team we are definitely starting to feel the ‘progress’ part," Adigun said. "We had some slight mistakes this weekend which can account for almost a whole second, and we were still able to drop time. I have faith in my team. I know we will make it to the NCAA Championships."
On the men’s side, senior sprinter Tremaine Smith set his qualifying mark of 21.29 seconds in the 200 with a first place finish. In the 400, freshman Lazarus Crumedy finished in first in 48.43 seconds.
The freshmen on the jumping team continued performing well. Ed Turner won the long jump with a leap of 7.11 meters (23-4). Chris Carter also took the gold when he cleared 14.98 meters (49-1 3/4 inches) in the triple jump.
The men’s 4×100 relay team posted the second fastest mark in C-USA this season as it crossed the finish line first in a season-best 40.68 seconds.
The Cougars will compete Friday and Saturday at the Brutus Hamilton Invitational in Berkley, Calif.
