In addition to being a gracious host of the Big 12 Track and Field Championships for the first time, Arizona is making sure to keep a fair amount of the medals for its troubles.
The Wildcats won three more individual titles during the second day of competition Friday at Roy P. Drachman Stadium, giving them four wins overall. Those victories, along with several other stellar performances, have the UA near the top of the standings for both men and women.
Arizona is second on the women’s side with 37
points, nine behind BYU, while the men are fifth with 36 points.
Both shot put titles went to the Wildcats, with junior Tyler Michelini winning on the men’s side (and teammate Sam Hala’ufia taking second) and senior Tapenisa Havea claiming the women’s title. Havea also won the Big 12 indoor shot put crown earlier this year.
Michelini’s winning throw went 19.91 meters (65 feet, 4 inches) adult Have a won with a throw of 16.11 meters (52 feet, 1.25 inches).
The UA also won the women’s long jump title, with sophomore Sydnie Vanek jumping 6.5 meters (21 feet, 4 inches).
With 26 events left on Saturday, Arizona has already quadrupled its title haul from 2025 in its debut season in the Big 12.
