UKTF Sweeps Drake Relays Cup to Close Outdoor Regular Season

DES MOINES, Iowa — The University of Kentucky track and field program concluded the outdoor regular season today in the heart of the Midwest, with both the men’s and women’s programs securing the Drake Relays Cup. The women won the award for the second time in program history while it’s a first for the men.

The women secured the title after victories in the 4×100, 4×400, 4×800, and sprint medley relays giving the team 10 points per event. The only scored relay event the women did not win was the distance medley relay where they placed third earning six points. The hiccup had no impact however on the women sweeping the title for the second time since 2022 as the team finished with 46 total points, their highest points total ever at the Drake Relays.

The men earned their first Drake Relays Cup title after victories in the 4×100 and 4×400 meter relays and two third-place finishes in the 4×800 and sprint medley relay. The team did not participate in the distance medley relay but it had no impact on the side accumulating a total of 32 points for the victory. The title is a welcome improvement after the side finished second in 2022.

Two long-standing school records fell today alongside the cup victory. The first being the men’s 4×100 meter relay time of 38.81 set in 1995. The “A” team of freshman Shavique Bascus, junior Clinton Muunga, freshman Miles Jones, and graduate student Kennedy Lightner flew down the track to take down the 29-year-old record with a new time of 38.66. Their time ranks second in the NCAA and 10th in the world this season.

The second record broken today came in the women’s high jump where senior Charity Hufnagel squeaked by Raina Turner’s high jump record of 6’0.50”/1.85 meters that was set in 1993. Hufnagel won the event today with a mark of 6’0.75”/1.85 meters which now gives her two school records within the program.

Additionally, Kate Powers improved her freshman hammer throw record for the third time this outdoor season throwing 211’1”/64.34 meters on her fourth attempt for a second-place finish. The event was cut short due to weather however and no sixth attempt was possible.

Lastly, the Wildcats also collected seven event wins and another 19 top-five finishes today to close the book on the outdoor season. The program will now move focus to the SEC Outdoor Championships set for May 9-11 in Gainesville, Florida.

FINALS RECAP

SPRINTS & HURDLES  

100m

WOMEN – Junior Victoria Perrow finished second with a time of 11.51 (+0.5).

MEN –  Freshman Shavique Bascus finished second with a time of 10.50 (-1.4).

100mH

WOMEN – Junior Alexis Glasco finished second with a time of 12.96 (+2.1).

110mH

MEN – Freshman Alexander Chukwukelu won with a time of 13.54 (+2.5).

RELAYS

4X100m

WOMEN – The “A” team of junior Victoria Perrow, freshmen Oneika McAnnuff and Morgan Davis, and junior Alexis Glasco won with a time of 44.38 earning 10 points.

MEN – The “A” team of freshman Shavique Bascus, junior Clinton Muunga, freshman Miles Jones, and graduate student Kennedy Lightner won, earned 10 points, and set a new school record with a time of 38.66 passing the time of 38.81 set in 1995.

4X400m

WOMEN – The “A” team of seniors Jania Martin and Reynei Wallace and freshmen Oneika McAnnuff and Cha’iel Johnson won and set a season-best time of 3:31.88 earning 10 points.

MEN – The “A” team of sophomore Brandon Nyandoro, junior Brandon Miller, freshman Shavique Bascus, and graduate student Kennedy Lightner won earning 10 points with a season-best time of 3:03.06 that ranks sixth on the UK all-time performers list.

DISTANCE MEDLEY

WOMEN – The “A” team of junior Phoebe McCowan, seniors Reynei Wallace and Jenna Schwinghamer, and sophomore Ally Kruger finished third with a time of 11:15.00 earning six points.

SPRINT MEDLEY

WOMEN – The “A” team of seniors Mahogany Mobley and Jania Martin, freshman Cha’iel Johnson, and senior Sydney Steely won with a time of 3:46.54 earning 10 points.

MEN – The “A” team of freshman Troy Lane, junior Brandon Miller, sophomore Brandon Nyandoro, and junior Alex Justus finished third with a time of 3:18.10 earning six points.

JUMPS

HIGH JUMP

WOMEN – Senior Charity Hufnagel won setting a new school record of 6’0.75”/1.85 meters passing Raina Turner’s 6’0.50”/1.85m set in 1993.

POLE VAULT

MEN – Senior Dalton Shepler tied for second with a clearance of 16’9.50”/5.12 meters.

Sophomore Brayden Jackson finished third in his section with a clearance of 16’3.50”/4.97 meters.

Senior Keaton Daniel tied for third in his section clearing 18’6.50”/5.65 meters.

THROWS

HAMMER THROW

WOMEN – Freshman Kate Powers broke her freshman record again throwing 211’1”/64.34 meters on her fourth attempt. The event was cut short due to weather and no sixth attempt was possible.

JAVELIN THROW

WOMEN – Junior Ariel Pedigo finished third with a mark of 131’0”/39.93 meters.

Event Results

Follow Kentucky Track and Field and Cross Country on Facebook, Instagram, X, and at UKathletics.com.