AUSTIN, Texas -- Both University of Texas track and field programs were ranked in the initial Trackwire 25, released on Wed., Jan. 12. The men's program was ranked fifth and the women's team was rated sixth in the poll compiled by respected track and field statistician Gary Verigin.
"I'm pleased that they think so highly of us," commented men's head coach Bubba Thornton. "But, we'll wait until the national championships to see where we end up."
Women's head coach Beverly Kearney agreed.
"We have a lot of work to do from now until the national championships," explained Kearney. "But, I feel like the talent we have here at Texas is worthy of a high ranking."
Defending outdoor champion Arkansas was Trackwire's preseason No. 1 on the men's side, while Tennessee took the honor on the women's side, just ahead of last year's indoor and outdoor champion LSU.
Trackwire also released it's Dandy Dozen on Wednesday, which uses a formula to rank the top 12 athletes and relays in each NCAA event. Texas appeared four times in the men's D12 and six times in the women's listing.
Defending indoor and outdoor high jump champion sophomore Andra Manson (Brenham, Texas) led the group with the top ranking in the high jump. Sophomore Donovan Kilmartin (Eagle, Idaho) and junior Trey Hardee (Birmingham, Ala.) were ranked 1-2 in the heptathlon and the Texas distance medley relay was listed eighth.
On the women's side, Texas' sophomore class made their presence felt in the D12. Ashlee Williams (Dallas, Texas) took the top spot in the 200 meters and was ranked second in the 60m hurdles. Marshevet Hooker (San Antonio, Texas) was listed seventh in the 60m dash, while Jerrika Chapple (Lancaster, Texas) ranked fifth in the 400 meters. Michelle Carter (Ovilla, Texas) appeared in the sixth slot of the shot put rankings. Texas's 4x400m relay team was also ranked in the sixth position.
Both Longhorns' squads will start their indoor seasons on Saturday, Jan. 15. The men's team will travel to Fairfax, Va. to compete at the George Mason Invitational, while the women's team will visit Houston, Texas to take part in the Houston Indoor Opener. For previews and results, be sure to visit TexasSports.com.
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