The Rice women's track and field team made history by capturing their first American Conference title under coach Jim Bevan, who received his 15th conference Coach of the Year honor. Key performances included Savannah Simms' triple jump win and Barbora Malíková's 400m victory, contributing to an overall point total of 142, solidifying a first-place finish over UTSA and Charlotte. The Owls also celebrated a podium sweep in the heptathlon and significant marks from several athletes, leading to their 24th conference championship. Coach Bevan lauded the team's spirit and resilience throughout the competition.

By the Numbers
  • Rice scored a total of 142 points, winning the conference title.
  • Savannah Simms jumped 13.19m to win the triple jump and qualify for NCAA regionals.
  • Barbora Malíková won the 400m with a time of 52.02 seconds, completing a sweep of the indoor/outdoor 400m events.
Yes, But

Some critics have pointed out that while Rice excelled, the performance of other teams, particularly UTSA and Charlotte, indicated closer competition than in previous years, suggesting a more balanced conference landscape.

State of Play
  • Rice celebrates its first American Conference title, marking a transition in their competitive landscape.
  • Several athletes achieved personal bests and key qualifying marks for NCAA regionals.
What's Next

Regional qualifiers for the NCAA West Prelims will be announced next week, with opportunities ahead for athletes to compete on a national stage. Coach Bevan will look to build on this success in future competitions as the team aims to maintain its momentum.

Bottom Line

The Rice women's track and field team's historic victory is a testament to their determination and resilience, highlighting the importance of teamwork and perseverance in achieving athletic success.