The University of Texas Longhorns men's track and field program captured its first NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championship earlier this month, according to a report from Austin NBC affiliate KXAN. The accomplishment fulfilled a goal sought by head coach Edrick Floréal: The distinction of being first, KXAN reported.
“Man, I don’t think you can put it into words," Floréal said, according to the station. "It was almost like, you come to one of the prestigious schools out there. And you figure out there is a little loophole that’s something they’ve never done.”
The Longhorns earned the title on the strength of their 4×400 relay team, the station reported.
The group from Texas – Willington Wright, Jonathan Jones, Jon Maas and Brian Herron – bested North Carolina A&T and Tennessee.
KXAN reported that Jones finished the 800 meter with a 1:47.93, which was good enough for second place.
Yusuf Bizimana placed a spot out of the top three with a 1:48.09. Both Jones and Bizimana took home All-American honors, according to the station.
Tripp Piperi bagged his sixth-career All-American honor after he hurled a season-best 21.58m in the shot put, KXAN reported.
Texas' All-American contingent was rounded out by Crayton Carrozza, who logged a 4:08.03 in the mile to land in seventh place, according to the station.
Before winning the overall title, the Longhorns' best team finish was second place, KXAN reported.
The program landed in the top three at the Indoor Championships twice and six times at the Outdoor Championships, according to the station.
The Texas women's track and field team took home a second-place finish at this year's Indoor Championships, which matched their highest finish in eight years, KXAN reported.
The Longhorns are looking to add to their recent success in this year's Texas Relays, which begins Wednesday (March 23), KXAN reported.
The event will be held through Saturday (March 26).
Texas announced that the Longhorns' inaugural national title in track and field helped Floréal earn 2022 Men's Indoor Coach of the Year honors.