(Flagstaff, Ariz. - Jan. 31, 2025) - Utah Tech track & field broke two program records and totaled nine top-eight finishes at the Northern Arizona-hosted Ron Mann Classic on Friday inside the Walkup Skydome.

"We had a really strong showing at this meet, and I'm proud of how the team stepped up," UT head coach Derrick Atkins said. "The ladies showed up with great energy and focus, and we saw a lot of personal bests across the board. The biggest takeaway is that we competed. Now, it's about building on this momentum as we prepare for Idaho State and, ultimately, the WAC Indoor Championships in four weeks. We're moving in the right direction, and I'm excited to see what's ahead for this group. Our team motto this season is 'Process over Outcome.'"

Senior Kylie Bishop set the first program record of the meet with a mark of 1.65 meters (5-5.0) in the high jump. Bishop took second, besting her previous program record of 1.60 meters (5-3.0) set during the 2023 WAC Indoor Championships.

Junior Lainee Leavitt also set a personal best in the high jump, clearing the bar at 1.60 meters (5-3.0) to finish fourth, tying for second all-time in Trailblazer history.

Senior Rashawnna Gibson set her second program record of the season as she placed seventh in the 200 meters with a season-best time of 25.21. Gibson broke her own record of 25.27 set last season.

In the 4x400-meter relay, two groups of Trailblazers managed top eight finishes. Freshman Lily Sampson, sophomore Whitney Christiansen and juniors Megan Jenkins and Kelly Denninghoff took third with a time of 3:53.37 while senior Sadie Edwards, freshman Illenia DeHart and juniors Brittany Kuhn and Madelynne Crawford placed sixth with a time of 4:04.94.

In the 800 meters, three Trailblazers secured top eight finishes. Christiansen took second with a time of 2:14.82, senior Lexi Larsen placed fourth with a time of 2:16.91 and junior Savannah Eatough finished seventh with a season-best time of 2:18.70.

In the mile, sophomore Averie Perriton took eighth with a time of 5:22.01.

Top Eight Finishes

• 200 Meters
  • 7. Rashawnna Gibson, 25.21 - PROGRAM RECORD
• 800 Meters
  • 2. Whitney Christiansen, 2:14.82
  • 4. Lexi Larsen, 2:16.91
  • 7. Savannah Eatough, 2:18.70
• Mile
  • 8. Averie Perriton, 5:22.01
• 4x400-meter Relay
  • 3. Utah Tech A, 3:53.37 (Lily Sampson, Whitney Christiansen, Megan Jenkins, Kelly Denninghoff) 
  • 6. Utah Tech B, 4:04.94 (Sadie Edwards, Illenia DeHart, Brittany Kuhn, Madelynne Crawford)
• High Jump
  • 2. Kylie Bishop, 1.65 meters (5-5.0) - PROGRAM RECORD
  • 5. Lainee Leavitt, 1.60 meters (5-3.0)

Up Next
After a weekend off, the Trailblazers will return to Pocatello, Idaho, for the Idaho State-hosted Mountain State Games inside the ICCU Dome on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 14-15.