DALLAS, Texas (SMU) -- SMU will take on competition on their own track for the first time in 27 years this weekend. The SMU Invitational returns to the Hilltop on Saturday, May 3rd for a day full of track and field.
SMU has made updates and renovations to its facilities to be ready to host a meet at home once again. The track was newly resurfaced in 2024, and areas have been expanded to allow for field events to be up to regulation. D-Zones were added to allow for pole vault to be contested as well as the ability to have long jump and triple jump runways that are long enough for competition.
"After 27 years, we are bringing track back to Dallas," Head Coach A'Havahla Haynes said. "This is a moment that will spotlight our beautiful campus, celebrate our storied legacy, and ignite a bold new chapter in the ACC for Mustang Track and Field."
Washburne Stadium is the home and spirit hub for track and field on the Hilltop. In addition to its updated track, the stadium features a conference room and private team locker rooms. The 2,577-capacity stadium offers Mustang fans a dynamic environment to cheer while supporting SMU's student-athletes. The facility updates were made possible by the University's Mustang fans, generous donors and spirited alumni and led by a principal gift from Ray W. Washburne '84 and Heather H. Washburne. The throwing facility is in its own premier area for hammer, discus, and shot put.
SMU's cross country and track and field teams have produced 10 NCAA Team Trophies, 61 NCAA Champions, 262 NCAA All-Americans, and 20 Conference Titles. Last year, women's cross country had the highest team GPA (3.64) of all Mustang sports.
"It's special and exciting for this group of ladies," SMU Meet Director and Sprints/Hurdles Coach Leo Settle said. "Our seniors will get to end their last season lap at Washburne before the championships begin. That will be a priceless experience for them and the entire team."
The last time Mustang track and field hosted a meet on campus was 1998. The SMU Invitational and Stadium Records contain the names of some of SMU's all-time greats – one of which will join us back on campus this weekend. Olympian, National Champion and SMU Mustang Roy Martin will be honored at the SMU Invitational this Saturday.
"SMU set me up for life by preparing me to be a better man and father to my children," Martin said. "SMU allowed me to enhance my track and field performance and prepared me for international competition and to be a two-time Olympian."
The meet will begin at 9 a.m. with our Mustang track and field seniors being honored at 1:30 p.m. The graduating class of 2025 will be the first to be honored at an SMU track meet in over two decades. This includes Gabriella Ayiteyfio, Maykayla Jackson, Kaitlyn Gearin, Raelyn Roberson, Kendall Saeger, Leoni Mierswa, Emily Little and Emily Waller.
"We are honored to pay tribute to the legends who paved the way, and we can't wait to showcase the rising stars who represent the future of our program," Haynes said. "Our entire staff is thrilled to welcome visiting teams, alumni, fans, and the Dallas community for an unforgettable event as we bring track back – together."
Binkley Parking Center will be open for meet day parking and admission is free. Join us to welcome track and field back to the Hilltop!
