CLAREMONT, Calif. — Azusa Pacific track & field made a loud statement this weekend at the 30th Annual Rossi Relays, hosted by Claremont-Mudd-Scripps. In a field packed with regional talent, the Cougar men secured a third-place finish (52 points) out of 19 teams, while the women claimed fourth (62 points) among 18 competing programs.

The day was highlighted by a historic performance on the track and a dominant showing in the throwing rings.

Record-Shattering Relays

The headline of the meet belonged to the Men's Sprint Medley squad. The quartet of Caleb Twyman, Robert Thompson, Isaac Shires, and Max Franklin didn't just win; they rewrote the record books.

The group clocked a blistering time to break the Rossi Relays SMR record by nearly two seconds, a mark previously established by Cal Poly Pomona set in 2024. Their chemistry and pace set the tone for an explosive afternoon for the Cougars.

Dominance in the Field

Azusa Pacific's "Throws University" reputation was on full display in Claremont, led by a massive performance from Kristina Rakocevic.

• Women's Discus: Rakocevic took home first place with a throw of 51.40m. This mark is an NCAA outdoor provisional qualifier and currently ranks her #1 in all of Division II. Teammate Hannah Richardson joined her on the podium, taking third with a toss of 45.12m.

• Women's Hammer: Richardson wasn't finished, securing a victory of her own by winning the hammer throw with a mark of 51.33m.

• Men's Discus: Brett Olson kept the momentum going for the men, claiming the top spot on the podium with a winning throw of 49.07m.

• Men's Shot Put: Cruz Torres earned a bronze finish, taking third place with a solid toss of 14.71m.

• Women's Javelin: Toniann Bryan added to the point total with a third-place finish, launching the javelin 38.64m.

Top Marks on the Track & High Jump

Outside of the record-breaking SMR, the Cougars found success across multiple disciplines:

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