By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech outdoor track and field team opened the 2025 season at a pair of events over the weekend, with dynamite showings highlighting the Golden Eagles' first taste of outdoor competition this season.
Competing at the WashU Distance Carnival in St. Louis, Mo. on Thursday, Savanna Amos delivered a stellar showing in her debut in the 10,000-meter run. The youngster won her section by topping 41 other runners with an impressive mark of 36:38.69.
Taking part in the UAB Spring Invite in Birmingham, Ala. on both Friday and Saturday, the remainder of the Golden Eagle squad delivered a number of impressive performances all over the track and field.
Leading the way was a trio of Tech jumpers, all claiming first-place finishes in their respective events. Mattie Bush paved the way with a gold-medal performance in the long jump, flying through the air for a leap of 5.53 meters (18'1.75").
In the high jump, Ally Beneke topped the leaderboard by clearing 1.66 meters (5'5.25"), besting 17 other participants. Rookie Tyla Street rocked a first-place leap in the triple jump, landing at 11.65 meters (38'2.75").
On the track, Naomy Lokiles paced the Golden Eagle squad by topping a field of 31 in the 1,500-meter run with a time of 4:35.87. Right on her teammate's heels for a runner-up finish, Rylee Wells locked down a 4:42.03 showing. Turning in a personal record for the event while placing fourth, Makaleigh Jessee finished at 4:47.22.
In the 400-meter dash, Hannah Little led a trio of strong performances by recording a PR of 56.84 seconds. Aliyah Kennedy clocked in at 58.44 seconds while Kategie Casseus nipped at her heels at 58.74 seconds.
In the 3,000-meter run, youngster Megan Forstner turned in a runner-up showing with a rock-solid time of 10:41.78. Competing in the 2,000-meter steeplechase, Kendall Johnson placed sixth while clocking in at 7:42.48.
Members of the Tech men's cross country team put in work as well while competing as individuals, led by Carter Bradford and a pair of first-place finishes. The junior cracked the top of the board in the 1,500-meter run with a time of 3:54.60, while Zak Myles-Hawkins earned second place with a mark of 3:56.65. Bradford also won the 3,000-meter run, setting a new UAB facility record with a time of 8:41.69.
"It was a really strong start for the team on opening weekend," Tech head coach Peter Dalton said. "We're so excited for the next opportunity at Tennessee next weekend.
Up Next
The Golden Eagles head to Knoxville for the Tennessee Invite, competing on Friday, Apr. 4 and Saturday, Apr. 5.
File photo by Reily Rogers
