EL PASO, Texas – The Western New Mexico Men's and Women's Track & Field teams delivered a record-setting weekend at the UTEP Miner Invitational, highlighted by multiple personal records, several school records, and a first-place finish in the field events.
The Mustangs saw standout performances across the board, beginning with George Peru (Silver City, NM/Cobre HS) in the javelin. Peru uncorked a throw of 52.85 meters, marking a personal record while also breaking his own school record in the event.
On the track, Jay Taylor (Anthony, TX/Canutillo High School) continued his strong sprint campaign, clocking a 22.03 in the 200 meters. The time not only set a new personal record but also broke his own school record. On the women's side, Veronika Garcia (Tucson, AZ/Cienega High School) posted a personal-best 27.87 in the 200 meters, continuing her steady improvement this season.
Middle-distance events proved to be another area of success for the Mustangs. Aubrey Lozoya (Albuquerque, NM/Cottonwood Classic Preparatory) turned in a pair of record-breaking performances, running a converted time of 2:21.01 in the 800 meters (2:21.53 official) and 4:48.85 in the 1,500 meters (4:53.31 official). Both marks stand as personal records, with the 800 meters also registering as a new school record.
In the women's 1,500 meters, Jeannette Rivera (El Paso, TX/Young Women's Leadership Academy) recorded a personal-best time of 4:50.97 (converted), while McKenna Sahd (Angel Fire, NM/Cimarron HS) added another personal record with a time of 5:06.76 (converted), showcasing depth in the Mustangs' distance group.
The men's 1,500 meters featured strong performances as well, with Samuel Ketcham (Goodyear, AZ/Canyon View High School) running a personal-best 4:07.10 (converted) and Cameron Shorty (Albuqurque, NM/Atrisco Heritage Academy High School) close behind at 4:08.14 (converted), both improving on their previous marks.
In the field events, Derek Schuller (Bayard, NM/Cobre High School) highlighted the weekend with a first-place finish in the shot put, recording a throw of 15.04 meters to lead all competitors.
Western New Mexico will next compete at the Willie Williams Invite, hosted by University of Arizona track and field, on March 27-28 in Tucson, Arizona.
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Western New Mexico University is a member of the NCAA Division II, and the Lone Star Conference (LSC). For additional information regarding Mustang Athletics, visit www.wnmumustangs.com; visit wnmu.edu for more information about Western New Mexico University. Follow the Mustangs on social media: @WNMUathletics (X, TikTok & Instagram).
