Baylor Track & Field Eyes Momentum, Honors Legacy at Ted Nelson Invitational
COLLEGE STATION, Texas - If the Texas weather cooperates, Baylor Track & Field is set to make its way down Highway 6 for another shot at early-season momentum at this weekend’s Ted Nelson Invitational, hosted at Texas A&M’s Fasken Indoor Stadium.
This marks Baylor’s second trip to College Station this winter, though the first came with a smaller crew at the McFerrin 12-Degree Invitational last month. This time, the Bears are rolling in with a fuller squad and a bit more buzz - and rightfully so.
Last weekend at the Corky Classic in Lubbock, senior sprinter Tiriah Kelley turned heads with a blistering 22.56-second run in the 200 meters - not just a personal best, but a world-leading mark. That performance earned her Big 12 Female Athlete of the Week honors and set the tone for what could be a breakout indoor campaign. Kelley’s speed isn’t just fast - it’s the kind of fast that puts you on national watch lists.
But Kelley wasn’t the only Bear making noise.
Freshman high jumper Landon Freeman etched his name into Baylor’s record books, clearing 7 feet, 0 ½ inches - making him the program’s first 7-footer in the event since 1998. That mark was good for fifth place in Lubbock, but more importantly, it puts him within striking distance - just an inch and a half away - of Jeff Wylie’s 36-year-old school record of 7-2.
For a freshman to be knocking on that kind of history this early? That’s not just promising - that’s rare air.
“I thought the team did very well at Tech,” said head coach Michael Ford, who’s eager to see how his squad stacks up again this weekend. “Just want to try to gain some more momentum before we go to Kansas State next week.”
The Bears won’t hit the track until Saturday, as Friday’s schedule is limited to the men’s and women’s weight throw. Saturday kicks off with field events at 10 a.m., followed by running events at noon, starting with the 3,000 meters.
Kelley is expected to shift gears and compete in the 60 meters, a shorter sprint that will test her explosive start and top-end speed. Also making his indoor season debut is hurdler Demario Prince, who’ll line up in the 60-meter hurdles. On the field side, junior pole vaulter Molly Haywood, a two-time outdoor All-American, returns to a familiar venue where she cleared 14-4 to win at the McFerrin Invitational.
But perhaps the most meaningful event of the weekend won’t be just about performance - it’ll be about legacy.
The Clyde Hart 4x400-meter relays, for both men and women, will take center stage. In a heartfelt tribute, Texas A&M head coach Pat Henry renamed the event to honor the late Clyde Hart, the legendary Baylor coach who passed away in November. For decades, Hart’s 4x400 squads were the gold standard, and his rivalry - and mutual respect - with Henry helped shape the event into one of the most anticipated races on the track.
“Just a huge honor,” Ford said. “They definitely had their battles over many decades of running 4x400s together. So, for Coach Henry to honor Coach Hart in a special way, I’m definitely grateful for him and the A&M staff for doing that.”
The Ted Nelson Invitational will feature a strong field, including host Texas A&M, Houston, North Texas, Rice, Texas State, Utah State, UTSA, East Texas A&M, New Mexico JC, and Odessa JC.
The meet will be streamed on SECN+, with live results available via Flash Results.
For Baylor, this weekend isn’t just another stop on the indoor circuit. It’s a chance to build on early-season momentum, test themselves against regional competition, and honor one of the program’s all-time greats - all while keeping an eye on what’s shaping up to be a promising season.