The West Virginia University track and field team took to Azusa, Calif. to participate in the Bryan Clay Invitationals, held in the Cougar Athletic Stadium on April 16 and 17. Known for attracting elite collegiate athletes from across the country, the Bryan Clay Invitational is one of the most competitive meets of the outdoor season. Emily Bryce and Sarah Tait highlighted the trip with standout performances that earned them top five program marks and national recognition. Read more WVU Duo Posts Top Scores at Bryan Clay Invitational.
Day One
On the first day of competition, Sarah Tait marked a personal best in the 3,000-meter steeplechase with a time of 9:37.62. With this score, Tait becomes No. 2 all-time in West Virginia history. She earned a second-place finish overall and currently holds the No. 5 national ranking in the event — a huge milestone in her collegiate career.
Day Two
WVU’s efforts continued across multiple events on day two at the Flo Track, beginning at approximately 6:50 p.m. ET. In the 5,000 meters, Emily Bryce posted a personal best time of 15:52.63. With this time, Bryce successfully secured the fourth-fastest time in West Virginia outdoor history. The last Mountaineer to earn a spot among the top five in this event was NCAA Champion Megan Metcalfe, placing Bryce in elite company.
Sophomore Kishay Rowe competed in the 800 meters and claimed 28th place with a time of 2:06.71. While it wasn’t a personal best, Rowe continues to show consistency and promise as a key middle-distance runner for the Mountaineers.
READ MORE: The Mountaineers Extend Their Streak to 12 Against Cincinnati
What’s Next?
On Saturday, April 19th the Mountaineers will continue competition on their home turf with the Mountaineer Twilight. The meet will begin at 10 a.m. at The Track and Field Complex at Mylan Park. In past years, this meet has included competitors from local universities in West Virginia and Pennsylvania.
The meet will provide athletes with the chance to improve their standings and qualify for upcoming championships. Fans can anticipate strong performances from key athletes like Bryce and Tait, who recently secured top marks at the Bryan Clay Invitational.
The tentative schedule for the weekend is posted on the WVU track and field website. Friday’s competition will feature the hammer throw, tentatively scheduled to start at 10 a.m. Saturday’s events will include a full slate of track and field competitions. This will include the long and high jump, distance events and much more.
History of the Mountaineer Twilight
The Mountaineers have a history of performing well at the Mountaineer Twilight. In the 2022-23 season, the Mountaineers recorded nine first-place finishes for the night. WVU also added five second-place finishes, and a trio of third place finishes.
The following year, WVU secured three first-place finishes, two second place, and one third-place finish. With that momentum in mind, the Mountaineers will look to build on their legacy of success as they return to home turf for this year’s competition.
WVU Duo Posts Top Scores at Bryan Clay Invitational.
