USC Track and Field Dominates Season Opener with Three Event Wins

Freshman phenom Ashley Erasmus and veteran throwers lead Trojans to strong start.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:35am

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The USC track and field team kicked off the outdoor season with a standout performance at the Ron and Sharlene Allice Trojan Invitational, winning three events and showcasing the program's depth in throwing events. Freshman Ashley Erasmus set a personal best in the women's discus, while the Trojan men swept the discus competition and Mico Lampinen won the hammer throw.

Why it matters

The Trojans' success highlights emerging trends in collegiate throwing events, including the immediate impact of freshman athletes, the dominance of the USC men's discus throwers, and the increasing competitiveness in the hammer throw. These results signal the program's strategic approach to building momentum early in the season.

The details

Freshman Ashley Erasmus led the way for the Trojans, setting a personal best of 55.10m in the women's discus. This follows her record-breaking shot put performance in 2025, demonstrating the potential for immediate impact from highly-trained high school athletes. In the men's discus, Racquil Broderick, Vincent Ugwoke, and Mico Lampinen swept the event, with Broderick's throw of 62.87m nearing his school record. Lampinen also won the men's hammer throw with a distance of 64.24m, while Matteo Mitchell set a personal best of 63.49m in the same event. Jenna Gallaway took gold in the women's hammer throw with a mark of 59.34m.

  • The Ron and Sharlene Allice Trojan Invitational took place on March 27, 2026.

The players

Ashley Erasmus

A freshman on the USC track and field team who set a personal best of 55.10m in the women's discus, following her record-breaking shot put performance in 2025.

Racquil Broderick

A member of the USC men's track and field team who won the discus event with a throw of 62.87m, nearing his school record.

Jenna Gallaway

A USC track and field athlete who won the women's hammer throw with a distance of 59.34m.

Mico Lampinen

A freshman on the USC men's track and field team who won the hammer throw with a distance of 64.24m.

Matteo Mitchell

A USC track and field athlete who set a personal best of 63.49m in the men's hammer throw.

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What they’re saying

“Ashley Erasmus's personal best in the discus is a great start to the outdoor season and shows the potential of our incoming freshmen.”

— Caryl Smith Gilbert, USC Track and Field Head Coach

“The depth of our throwing events is a real strength, and we're excited to see what the rest of the season holds.”

— Caryl Smith Gilbert, USC Track and Field Head Coach

What’s next

The Trojans will look to build on their strong start at the upcoming Mt. SAC Relays on April 12-13.

The takeaway

The Trojans' dominant performance at the season opener showcases the program's strategic approach to developing talent, with freshman phenom Ashley Erasmus and veteran throwers leading the way. This early-season success signals the team's potential to contend for championships later in the year.