SAN ANTONIO — Dusan Makevic and Jurmarcus Shelvin both won individual titles to lead the UTSA men's track & field team at this weekend's season-opening UTSA Invitational, which concluded on Saturday at the Park West Athletics Complex.
Makevic got his outdoor season off to a successful start by winning the 5,000 meters in a career-best time of 14:33.44, which also was a stadium record. That was nearly 16 seconds faster than his nearest competitor in the field of 11 distance runners. The senior from Sabac, Serbia, later went on to place third in the 1,500m in 4:02.56, which gave him a pair of podium finishes at the two-day meet.
"With today being the first meet of the season and my first race in three weeks, my focus today was on running my race and I wasn't really worried about running a fast time," Makevic said. "The first 3,000 meters was back and forth between me and the guy from Wichita State, but I was able to break clear in the final 2,000 meters and set a PR. I also was pleased with with my performance in the 1,500 meters and am looking forward to having a great outdoor season."
Meanwhile, Shelvin sped to a meet-record time of 51.36 in winning the 400m hurdles and teammate Randy Bermea was a close second in 51.52. It marked the first career victory for the Pasadena native in his specialty event.
"Having the support of my family, teammates and coaches really helped drive me to what I accomplished today," Shelvin said. "Breaking a meet record, originally set by my best friend Keyunta Hayes, makes it very special. The foundation Coach (Adam) Hudson and all the former great hurdlers have set has made my job easier. I am looking forward to continuing to run well the rest of the season."
Three other Roadrunners earned silver medals, as Kaylan Harris clocked a 48.44 in the 400m, Kyren Hollis crossed the line in 1:54.60 in the 800m and Patrick Prince broke the tape in a wind-aided 14.19 in the 110m hurdles.
UTSA also collected bronze medals in three other events.
Ty Anderson cleared 6-6 ¾ (2.00m) in the high jump, Mikael Dawkins clocked a 21.46 in the 200m, the 1,600m relay passed the baton in 3:14.71.
Stephen F. Austin won the team title with 174 points, while Wichita State (114.5), Houston (111) and the Roadrunners (106) rounded out the top four.
UTSA will host the inaugural Ricardo Romo Invitational next weekend. The three-day event is scheduled to get underway on Thursday, March 24.