Wildcats Set New Personal Bests and Records on Senior Night

TUCSON, Ariz. – Arizona Track & Field wrapped up their last full team, regular season meet of the outdoor season, the Desert Heat Classic, on Saturday at Drachman Stadium. The meet featured some of the top ranked teams in the nation including Oregon, Tennessee, Alabama, Baylor, Iowa, Northern Arizona, and more.
 
The competition served as senior night for 12 Wildcats: Ava David, Lauryn Ford, Joseph Green, Logan Hasher, Tanner Kippes, Pierce LaCoste, Presley Money, Athena Montgomery, Jared O’Riley, Rylee Perkins, Jacob Samford, and Trayvion White-Austin.
 
“The 2024 edition of the Desert Heat Classic definitely proved to be one of the best competitions in the country this year,” said Head Coach Fred Harvey. “It’s really nice to be able to have these high level schools come in prior to our conference championships because that’s the type of competition we’re going to see in Colorado for the Pac-12 Championships. I’m really pleased where we’re at. We’re fast, strong, powerful, and healthy heading into the conference championships.”
 
TOP-THREE FINISHES
Sydnie Vanek – First, Women’s Long Jump, 21-5.5 (6.54m)
Emma Gates – Second, Women’s High Jump, 6-0 (1.83m)
Sam Hala’ufia – Second, Men’s Discus, 188-0 (57.32m)
Sir Jonathan Sims – Second, Men’s Triple Jump 49-6.25 (15.09m)
Tyson Tippett, Trayvion White-Austin, Brian Limage, James Onanubosi – Second, Men’s 4x100m, 39.19
Jared O’Riley – Third, Men’s Javelin, 228-10 (69.75m)
 
FIELD HIGHLIGHTS
Freshman Sydnie Vanek won the women’s long jump with a record-breaking personal best leap of 21-5.5 (6.54m). That mark is the best by any freshman in Arizona school history, ranks second all-time in school history, and currently leads the Pac-12, surpassing her fellow Wildcat Jenica Bosko. It’s also Vanek’s first win as a Wildcat. Additionally, Taylen Wise placed eighth in the event with a season best jump of 20-0.5 (6.11m).
 
Ava David started the day off strong for the Wildcats in the women’s hammer throw. On senior night, the senior posted a personal best throw of 197-6 (60.21m) to place fourth overall. That mark moves David up to fourth all-time in school history in the event, as she surpasses 60m for the first time in her career.
 
In the women’s high jump, Emma Gates posted a personal best clearance for the second week in a row. Gates finished…