UTEP posted five first-place finishes to open the 2023 outdoor campaign, while multiple Miners set personal bests on day one at the Willie Williams Classic in Roy P. Drachman Stadium on Friday night.
Via UTEP Athletics
Titus Cheruiyot won the men’s 5000-meter race, turning in a personal-best 14:24.26. His previous best was a 14:34.50 at the 2021 Texas Relays, while it was Cheruiyot’s first win in the event since March 2021 at the UTSA Invitational.
Roosa Yloenen won her first event in two years, taking first place in the javelin. She heaved a 51.40-meter toss (168-7) for a first-place finish. Yloenen’s last victory, prior to Friday, came on May 1, 2021 at the Desert Heat Classic in Tucson.
Belik, following his gold-medal performance at the indoor championships high jump, opened the outdoor season with a personal-best 2.10-meter leap (6-10.75) and a first-place finish. The sophomore’s previous best was a 2.02m (6-7.5) last year’s Sun Angel.
Victor Kibiego, competing in his first outdoor season, placed first in the men’s 3000-meter steeplechase, clocking in a 9:15.10. He blew by the competition, as GCU’s Jacob Pringle (9:38.62) and Mesa CC’s Greyson Akers (9:53.82) rounded out the top three finishers.
Daniel Bernal won the 1500-meter race, clocking in a 3:51.43 and edging out teammate Kenneth Talavera, who placed second at 3:51.98. For Bernal, it was his first career victory in the 1500.
Ruth Jerubet finished in second place in the 5000-meter event, clocking in a 17:04.39.
Saturday’s events will start at 11 a.m. MT.
LIVE RESULTS & SCHEDULE: https://finishedresults.com/meets/4375.
2023 UTEP OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD SCHEDULE
Mar. 24-25 Willie Williams Classic Tucson, Ariz.
Apr. 6 New Mexico Spring Invitational Albuquerque, N.M.
Apr. 12-15 Mt. SAC Relays Walnut, Calif.
Apr. 13-15 Bryan Clay Classic Azusa, Calif.
Apr. 20 Don Kirby Tailwind Open Albuquerque, N.M.
Apr. 29 Desert Heat Classic Tucson, Ariz.
May 11-14 C-USA OTF Championships Denton, Texas
May 24-27 NCAA OTF Championships First Round Sacramento, Calif.
Jun. 7-10 NCAA OTF Championships Austin, Texas
