The Arizona men’s and women’s track team took first place in nine events, including a record-breaking performance by Troy Harris, in the New Mexico Invitational Saturday in Albuquerque, N.M.

“”I knew I ran fast, but then I heard the time and I was like, ‘Wow,'”” Harris said of his 6.70-second performance in the 60m preliminaries, which broke the previous school record of 6.74 seconds set by Chris Golson in 1999.

“”That was a fantastic performance, he’s been training hard, and he finally got the opportunity to showcase his skills,”” UA head coach Fred Harvey said.

Harris, a senior, took first place in the 60m finals and junior Marcus Tyus finished in fourth place after setting a personal record of 6.84 seconds in the preliminaries of the event.

Senior Adam Kuehl had a bittersweet victory, finishing in first place with a personal best 18.46-meter throw in the shot put before discovering his grandfather had passed away.

“”I knew (my grandfather) was watching me and giving me strength,”” said Kuehl, whose throw also provisionally qualified him for NCAA Indoor Championships. “”I’m dedicating the rest of my season to him.””

Sophomore Gabriella Duclos set a personal record and provisionally qualified for the Indoor Championships with her 4.08-meter jump in the pole vault.

“”This weekend was a real big breakthrough for her,”” said Harvey, who noted that she had been struggling early in the season.

Seniors Nikki Martin and Marquita Taylor finished first and third in the 60m achieving times of 7.45 and 7.48 seconds, respectively.

Junior Nick Mossberg improved his provisional qualifying mark and personal record finishing first in the pole vault with a 5.27-meter jump.

The team had a strong showing in the 60m hurdles as senior Dan Cook and sophomore Shevell Quinley both finished first with times of 8.13 and 8.73 seconds, respectively.

Although team scoring didn’t count officially, the men’s and women’s team both finished third overall in the meet.

Rodgers, Fitzpatrick set personal bests

Freshman Christina Rodgers stood out at the Husky Invitational Saturday in Seattle, achieving a personal-best time of 2:11.72 while taking first place in her 800m heat.

“”She went out as a true freshman and took off and took charge,”” said UA associate head coach James Li, who coaches the distance runners. “”She led the whole way.””

Sophomore Dylan Fitzpatrick placed second in his heat of the 1-mile run with a personal best time of 4:14.52.