Feb. 16, 2015 WACO, Texas - After a successful weekend at both the Tyson Invitational and the Iowa State Classic, Baylor's women's track and field team was ranked No. 9 in the NCAA National Team Computer Rankings, the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced Monday.
Heading into last weekend's action, the BU women were listed at No. 27, but climbed 18 places to earn their highest indoor ranking since being No. 7 in the second week of the 2008 rankings.
The men dropped one spot to No.17 from last week, but the Bears have now been in the top 20 for four straight weeks.
Baylor's two teams now both rank in the indoor top 20 for the first time since the end of the 2011 season (men at No. 16/women at No. 10).
The BU men racked up a total of 43.19 points in the computer-generated rankings, while the women tallied a 66.77 point total. For the first time this season, the rankings are based on scored bests from only the 2015 season.
The BU men are the fifth-highest ranked Big 12 team, while the women are currently third in the league.
The Lady Bears get the majority of their points from Olicia Williams, who turned in the second-fastest (2:03.21) 800-meter time in 2015 on Saturday and Rachel Johnson, who is fourth in the 5000 meters (15:40.45). The women also get points from Johnson and Maggie Montoya in the 3,000 meters, Raena Rhone in the 400 meters, Mariah Kelly in both the 800 and mile, the distance medley relay team, Brianna Richardson in the triple jump and Annie Rhodes in the pole vault.
The bulk of Baylor's points on the men's side come from Trayvon Bromell, who owns the No. 2 60-meter time (6.54) and the No. 2 200-meter mark (20.69) of 2015. Adding to BU's point tally are marks from Kevin Harris in the 200 meters, George Caddick in the 400-meter event, Felix Obi in the triple jump and the 4x400-meter relay team.
Select Baylor student-athletes will compete at the Arkansas Open in Fayetteville, Ark., Saturday, while others will be at Notre Dame to take part in the Alex Wilson Invitational.
For the latest information on the Baylor track team, follow the team on Twitter: @BaylorTrack.