TRYON, N.C.- The University of West Georgia track and field teams opened the Tryon Mid-Winter Collegiate Invitational with a record-setting day packed with podium finishes. By the end of day one, the Wolves had already rewritten the school record book multiple times, earning seven top-three finishes and two gold medals while building momentum heading into a highly anticipated second day of competition.

Relays
West Georgia's men's team stole the spotlight early in the distance relays, earning a victory in the 4x800m relay with a UWG record time of 8:05. The Wolves followed that performance with another historic run in the 4000m distance medley relay, winning gold once again with a time of 10:23.55 to break a UWG record set just last season. 

The women's team matched that energy with record setting performances of their own. UWG placed third in the 4x800m relay in 10:30.87, setting a new school record, before adding another historic mark in the 4000m distance medley relay with another third place finish at 12:40.42, breaking a UWG record set in 2025.

Distance
Tyler Jones delivered an impressive performance in the men's 5000m, clocking 16:04.24 to place third in the second heat and add another podium finish for the Wolves. For the women, Kathrin Maurer represented UWG in the 5000m with a time of 18:40.11, placing fourth in the first heat.

Jumps
In the men's high jump, Isaiah McMichael cleared 1.90m to earn third place, while Matthew Brunner added depth with a 1.80m clearance. The women were paced by Bella Jones, who led UWG in the high jump with a mark of 1.45m, continuing a strong showing in the event. In the triple jump, Jordan Kelly finished fifth with a leap of 11.24m, and was closely followed by Alyvia Matthews, who placed sixth at 11.15m, giving the Wolves another pair of strong finishes in the field events.

Vaults & Throws 
Kareem Nazim continued rewriting program history in the men's pole vault, clearing 4.65m to take second place while breaking his own UWG record yet again. Connor McLain vaulted 4.50m to earn third, securing a double podium finish for West Georgia in one of the meet's most competitive events. 

The Wolves were led in the men's weight throw by Nicholas Lane at 13.23m, with Darius Mcneal close behind at 13.05m, keeping UWG competitive across the field events. On the women's side, Day Atkins recorded a throw of 12.53m to earn seventh, and was closely followed by Dru Green at 12.28m to take eight, giving West Georgia a strong showing in the event.

With multiple school records already secured, the Wolves return to competition on Valentine's Day in Tryon looking to continue their early success. West Georgia is led by Head Coach Ryan Bailey alongside sprints, jumps, and hurdles coach Shanicka Dyson-Woodman, pole vault coach Shannon Riley, throws coach Robert Brown, and graduate assistants Phelani Maduwa and Olivia Fulford. 

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