Mean Green Track and Field Shines at Texas Relays

North Texas athletes set new program records and earn podium finishes against top national competition.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 12:49am

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The University of North Texas track and field team competed at the prestigious Texas Relays over the weekend, with several Mean Green athletes breaking program records and earning podium finishes. Junior Ximena Lopez won the women's 10k, while seniors Akeel Hanchard and Mackenzie Kuehl took third in the men's and women's javelin throw, respectively. The men's sprint medley relay team also set a new program record with a second-place finish.

Why it matters

The Texas Relays is one of the most competitive collegiate track and field meets in the country, drawing top talent from across the nation. North Texas' strong performance against this elite field showcases the program's continued growth and development, building momentum heading into the rest of the outdoor season.

The details

At the Texas Relays, junior Ximena Lopez broke the program record and won the women's 10k with a time of 35:06.62. Seniors Akeel Hanchard and Mackenzie Kuehl earned third-place finishes in the men's and women's javelin throw, with Hanchard setting a new personal best of 68.22 meters. Sophomore Olu Williams took third in the men's discus, and senior Derrick Warren finished third in the long jump. The men's sprint medley relay team of Nehemiah Ray, Warren, Chris Johnson, and Chase Lehr broke a 43-year-old program record to take second place.

  • The Texas Relays took place over the weekend of April 4-5, 2026.
  • Ximena Lopez won the women's 10k on Thursday, April 4.
  • Akeel Hanchard, Mackenzie Kuehl, Olu Williams, and Derrick Warren earned their podium finishes on Friday, April 5.
  • The men's sprint medley relay team set their program record on Friday, April 5.

The players

Ximena Lopez

A junior on the North Texas track and field team who broke the program record and won the women's 10k at the Texas Relays.

Akeel Hanchard

A senior on the North Texas track and field team who finished third in the men's javelin throw at the Texas Relays, setting a new personal best.

Mackenzie Kuehl

A senior on the North Texas track and field team who finished third in the women's javelin throw at the Texas Relays.

Olu Williams

A sophomore on the North Texas track and field team who finished third in the men's discus at the Texas Relays.

Derrick Warren

A senior on the North Texas track and field team who finished third in the men's long jump at the Texas Relays.

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What they’re saying

“We're really proud of how our athletes competed against such a talented field at the Texas Relays. This meet is a great barometer for where our program is at, and I'm excited to see what we can accomplish the rest of the outdoor season.”

— Carl Sheffield, Head Coach, North Texas Track and Field

What’s next

The Mean Green track and field team will compete next weekend at the 44 Farms Invite hosted by Texas A&M, running from Thursday, April 10 to Saturday, April 12.

The takeaway

North Texas' strong showing at the prestigious Texas Relays demonstrates the program's continued growth and development, with several athletes setting new program records and earning podium finishes against top national competition. This performance builds momentum for the Mean Green heading into the remainder of the outdoor season.