Alabama’s track and field team claimed 14 event titles during the Crimson Tide Invitational, its annual home meet, on April 11 in Tuscaloosa.
The strong performance saw several athletes deliver record-setting results and secure spots in the program’s all-time top-10 lists. The event also marked a significant moment for the team’s senior class as they competed in their final home meet.
Five Alabama athletes not only won their events but also entered or improved their positions in school history. Catalina Rodriguez achieved a mark of 63.21 meters in the women’s hammer throw, ranking fifth all-time for Alabama. Ellie Partrick threw a personal best of 55.34 meters in the women’s javelin to remain second all-time, while Amelia Johnson cleared 4.13 meters in pole vault to move to sixth place historically. On the track, Caren Kiplagat ran the women’s 1,500 meters in 4:12.23 for fifth fastest ever at Alabama, and David Thid finished first in the men’s 400-meter hurdles with a time of 50.59 seconds—tenth best all-time.
Head coach Dan Waters said, “First of all, it was a great day with great weather. I was excited to see our athletes compete this weekend. There absolutely is home field advantage and we showed it here today… Overall, it was a good day… I think we’re tracking exactly where we want to be.” Waters also thanked those who helped organize the meet: “It takes a lot to put on this kind of meet… Almost every single person in the athletic department has touched this home meet… Their contributions… is really special; the kids appreciate it.” Reflecting on his senior class he said, “(These seniors have) meant everything to us… It’s kind of emotional saying goodbye to this class… So it’s hard to say goodbye to them because of the contributions and how we got to know them and treat them like family.”
In addition to individual successes across sprints, hurdles, jumps, throws and relays—including first-place finishes by Judith Mokobe (women’s 100m), Samuel Ogazi (men’s 200m), Christopher Crawford (men’s discus), Joyce Oguama (women’s discus), Miracle Ailes (women’s high jump) among others—the team highlighted multiple personal records throughout Friday’s competition.
Looking ahead, Alabama will compete next weekend at both the Tom Jones Memorial held April 17-18 in Gainesville and at Wake Forest Invitational on April 18.
