Tar Heels Dominate Opening Day at Dick Taylor Challenge with Trio of Wins
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - North Carolina Track and Field came out strong on day one of the Dick Taylor Challenge, claiming victories in three of the four events contested on Friday. Whether it was in the throws or the jumps, the Tar Heels brought a mix of experience, momentum, and breakout performances to their home turf - and the results showed.
Myles Scott Sets the Tone in the Men’s Weight Throw
Myles Scott wasted no time making his mark, launching a 17.50m throw to take first place in the men’s weight throw. It was a composed, confident performance that set the tone for the rest of the squad. Behind him, Sam Romerhaus grabbed third with a 15.58m throw, giving UNC two podium finishes to open the meet - a strong early indicator of the team’s depth in the event.
Kosi Umerah Keeps Rolling in the Women’s Weight Throw
Kosi Umerah is starting to make dominance look routine. With a 20.21m throw, she secured her second straight win of the season - and her second consecutive victory at the Dick Taylor Challenge. She’s not just winning; she’s doing it with authority, consistently putting up marks that separate her from the field.
Right behind her, McKynzie Mauney continued her upward trajectory with a personal best of 18.44m to take second. That’s a big-time throw and a clear sign that Mauney is trending in the right direction. Gracie Bolick also delivered a solid performance, finishing fifth with a 17.14m throw - another example of UNC’s strength in the event.
High Jump Sees Tar Heels Climbing the Podium
On the men’s side, Kyle Archie continued his reliable run of form, clearing 2.01m to earn second place - his second top-two finish of the season. He’s proving to be a steady presence in the high jump for Carolina.
Max Stakun-Pickering also cleared 2.01m, setting a new personal best and finishing fourth. That kind of progression is exactly what you want to see this early in the season.
In the women’s high jump, Tyler Collins continued her impressive start to her collegiate career by tying for first place after a jump-off, clearing 1.71m. That’s now two straight wins to open her freshman campaign - not a bad way to introduce yourself at the college level. Evie Culbreath also competed, clearing 1.56m to finish seventh.
What’s Next
With three wins and multiple podium finishes to kick off the Dick Taylor Challenge, the Tar Heels are building momentum fast. From veterans like Umerah continuing to dominate, to rising names like Collins and Mauney stepping into the spotlight, Friday’s performances showed a team that’s both deep and dialed in. Day two promises more action - and if day one is any indication, Carolina’s just getting started.