The Brigham Young University (BYU) Cougars’ distance squad will participate in the Bryan Clay Invitational at Cougar Athletic Stadium in Azusa, California, from April 16 to 18.
This event is significant for BYU’s women’s track and field team as it provides an opportunity for several top athletes to compete against strong competition early in the outdoor season. The meet features a range of events where athletes aim to improve their standings and times within the program’s history.
The competition begins Thursday with the 3000-meter steeplechase. Taylor Lovell, who holds the third-best time in BYU history from last season, will make her first attempt at this event this year. Raygan Peterson will also compete after recently recording the eighth-best time in program history by running a 9:55.03 to win at the Stanford Invitational. Other participants include Karissa Chamberlain, Emerald Kehr, Addie Meldrum, and River White.
On Friday, Tessa Buswell is expected to lead BYU’s group in the 800 meters. Buswell ran her fastest time of the season so far—a 2:02.39—at Stanford earlier this year. She will be joined by Elyse Jessen, Kylie Olsen, Krystie Solomon-Jensen, and Anne Elise Packard.
Jane Hedengren is set for her debut outdoor appearance in the 5000 meters on Friday as well; she currently holds the NCAA indoor record for that distance with a time of 14:44.79 achieved during her debut last December. Jenna Hutchins—who has run fourth-fastest all-time for BYU with a mark of 15:16.95—will also take part alongside Jacey Harkins-Farmer, Nelah Roberts, Taylor Rohatinsky and Raygan Peterson.
Saturday’s schedule includes competition in the women’s 1500 meters featuring school record holder Carlee Hansen-Thompson along with Carmen Alder (fourth-best), Buswell (ninth-best), Rohatinsky (tenth-best), Zariel Macchia and Grace Hutchison.
With many returning standouts competing across multiple events over three days at one of collegiate track’s most competitive meets each spring, observers may look forward to new personal bests or even potential records being set by members of BYU’s women’s distance squad.
