The TCU track and field team continues to push the season’s medal count even higher.The Flyin’ Frogs took home eight golds Feb. 4 after a dominant showing at the Wes Kittley Open at Texas Tech University and swept the medal stands in two different events.
Head coach Darryl Anderson said he was pleased with the squad’s strong result.
“I thought it went fairly well,” Anderson said. “When you come out of it with eight wins, it’s always a plus.”
TCU took every medal in both the women’s 55-meter hurdles and 200-meter dash. Freshman Kishelle Paul finished in the top three in both the events and won a gold of her own in the hurdles.
Paul said despite the obvious individual efforts, the whole team was competitive.
“I think we did great as a whole,” Paul said. “We had some good overall team performances.”
The women’s squad also finished first in the 55-meter dash, 400-meter dash and shot put competitions. Anderson said the coaching staff is still trying to develop the team’s strengths.
“We’re trying to develop an identity for the women,” Anderson said.
While the women turned out a fairly balanced performance, the men’s side excelled at the competitive extremes. Freshman Justyn Warner finished first in the 55-meter dash and sophomore Otis McDaniel took gold in the 200. At the other end of the spectrum, senior Kip Kangogo won a gold medal in the one-mile run, his second first-place finish in as many races.
Despite the men’s decent showing, Anderson said, the team was “feeling under the weather.” Warner said the illnesses resulted in the scratching of the men’s 400-meter relay team, and the lost man power was a detriment to TCU.
“It shuts down a lot,” Warner said. “We have to get guys back out onto the track.”
Earlier in the season, Anderson said the staff was focusing on recruiting diverse athletes who would help improve the overall ability of the team; after this weekend, he said the efforts are beginning to show.
“We’re making strides in diversity,” Anderson said. “Now it’s a matter of continuing to add.”
Warner said the team is reaping the benefits of not only the staff’s dedication, but the athletes’ as well.
“Everyday we’re seeing everyone putting hard work into what they do,” Warner said.
