Alabama track and field began its outdoor season on March 26 with strong performances at two separate meets, as four Crimson Tide athletes achieved all-time top-10 marks in program history.
The results highlight a promising start for the team, with notable achievements across both throwing and distance events. The performances may set the tone for Alabama’s upcoming competitions this spring.
At the Bulldog Relays in Starkville, Catalina Rodriguez made her debut for Alabama by finishing second in the women’s hammer throw with a mark of 61.83 meters (202-10), which places her eighth all-time at Alabama. Noelle Igberaese also secured a fifth-place finish in the same event with a throw of 53.64 meters (176-0).
Meanwhile, at the Raleigh Relays in North Carolina, three men’s distance runners earned top-five finishes. Ezekiel Pitireng recorded a personal record time of 8:29.64 to finish third in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, moving him to third place on Alabama’s all-time list for that event. Bismack Kipchirchir finished fifth in the steeplechase with an 8:34.71 performance, placing him fifth all-time for Alabama. In addition, Dennis Kipruto ran a personal best of 13:37.75 to claim fourth place in the men’s 5,000-meter run and now ranks sixth all-time at Alabama.
The Crimson Tide is scheduled to continue competition on Friday during day two of both meets.
