Eleanor "Jelly Bean" Kanzanjian wins the Girls' 60-meter Hurdles in Lubbock
The girls' 60-meter hurdles at the Texas Tech Wes Kittley Invitational delivered one of the deepest and most competitive hurdle lineups of the indoor season, even with several entries unable to make the trip due to winter weather. Entering the weekend, Eleanor "Jelly Bean" Kazanjian and Journey Jones were ranked No. 2 and No. 3 in Texas, respectively, but the field hardly revolved around just two names. With No. 5-ranked freshman Kamryn McClellan, No. 9-ranked Lalia Ukawuba, and additional sub-9-second hurdlers like Adebola Iyiola, Cate Bryant, and others, the qualification round quickly took on championship-level intensity.
In the preliminary round, the depth showed immediately. Jones led all qualifiers with a sharp 8.65, continuing a trend of consistency that has defined her season. Kazanjian followed closely at 8.70, while McClellan announced her presence once again with an 8.79, reinforcing her rapid rise as one of the top young hurdlers in the state. Ukawuba (8.88) and Iyiola (8.96) rounded out the top five, while the cut line extended into the mid-9.5 range. With 16 athletes advancing, every hurdle mattered, and even experienced competitors were forced to stay clean and aggressive just to secure a lane in the final.
Heat 1 Girls 60-meter Hurdle Finals
When it came time for the finals, the spotlight fell squarely on the first of two heats, which featured the eight fastest qualifiers and ultimately decided the podium. Kazanjian, who has made a habit of peaking when it matters, delivered her best race of the day, taking the win in 8.61. The performance marked another step forward in a season that has already included runner-up finishes at the Texas High School Indoor Championships and a silver medal at last year's UIL 4A state meet. Close behind her was McClellan, the Shadow Creek freshman, who ran 8.70 for second, continuing an impressive indoor campaign that includes multiple sub-8.80 efforts across major meets.
The battle for third was just as compelling. Jones, fresh off leading the prelims, finished third in 8.71, narrowly behind McClellan and only a tenth off the win. Ukawuba followed in 8.81, while Bryant showcased her versatility by finishing fifth in 8.98 after a busy weekend that included multiple events. The remaining finalists, Iyiola, Kenaniah Ross, and Kayla Baker, all dipped under 9.15, underscoring just how unforgiving the race was from top to bottom.
Taken together, the two rounds told a clear story: while Kazanjian's experience and polish carried her to the top, the gap between Texas' elite hurdlers is razor thin. With Jones' consistency, McClellan's rapid development, and a deep supporting cast capable of sub-9 performances, the girls' 60-meter hurdles continues to be one of the most competitive sprint events in the state, and the Texas Tech Wes Kittley Invitational served as another proving ground for who is ready to contend as the season moves forward.
