Meet Preview: Texas Tech Wes Kittley Invitational

The Texas Tech Wes Kittley High School Classic returns to Lubbock on Friday-Saturday, January 23-24, 2026, and as always, it sets up as one of the premier indoor meets of the season. While winter weather is impacting much of the country, West Texas is no stranger to challenging conditions, and Texas Tech has consistently shown its ability to host high-level competition regardless of what Mother Nature delivers. Based on recent communication from the Texas Tech track and field program, the meet is expected to proceed as scheduled, continuing a tradition that has made this event a must-watch stop on the indoor circuit.

Each year, the Wes Kittley Classic draws elite talent from across Texas, with strong contingents from Oklahoma and Kansas, and regular appearances from athletes traveling in from California, Colorado, and the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia). While weather may affect final entries, the meet was originally slated to feature some of the top sprinters and stars in the state, including names like Tate Taylor and Jake Odey-Jordan, underscoring the meet's national-level appeal.

Historically, winning here requires true championship-caliber performances. Last season alone, it took 6.68 to win the boys' 60 meters, 20.95 in the 200, and 46.48 in the 400, while 7.59 claimed the boys' 60-meter hurdles. On the girls' side, Mia Maxwell captured the 60 in 7.38, Mariah Maxwell won the 200 in 23.34, and Brooke Lloyd returns as the defending 400-meter champion after her 53.45 victory. The distance and field events were equally demanding, with Addyson Bristow sweeping the mile (5:05) and 3,000 meters (10:13), 8.51 winning the girls hurdles, 48 feet taking the shot put, 13 feet in the pole vault, 20-4 in the long jump, and over 42 feet needed to win the triple jump.

One athlete confirmed to return to Lubbock is Jaelen Hunter of Servite (CA), who used this meet as a springboard last season before emerging as one of the nation's top quarter-milers. After running 48.02 indoors in Lubbock, Hunter went on to drop 46.32 outdoors at the Trinity League Finals, place second at the CIF State Championships, and win the Brooks PR Invitational in 46.62, firmly establishing himself on the national stage. Fellow Servite standout Jorden Wells is also expected back, bringing improved sprint credentials after running 6.88 and 6.86 in the 60 last year, along with outdoor marks of 10.47 in the 100 and 21.27 in the 200.

Regardless of how the weather ultimately shapes the final entry list, the Texas Tech Wes Kittley High School Classic once again promises elite competition, fast times, and national relevance inside one of the fastest indoor facilities in the region. We'll have live coverage from Lubbock across our social media channels, along with race videos posted on the site, as athletes look to make early-season statements on a stage that has a long history of producing them.