Mizzou track and field is gearing up for the 2026 season with the Dr. Rick McGuire Invitational on January 30-31 at the Hearnes Center Fieldhouse. This event will welcome teams from Indiana State, Louisiana, North Dakota State, Illinois State, South Dakota, FIU, Drake, Saint Louis, SIUE, and Toledo.
The fieldhouse has been a hub for indoor track events since it opened in 1972. Recently, it received an upgrade with a new 200-meter track and an eight-lane sprint straightaway, perfect for athletes looking to push their limits.
Remembering Dr. Rick McGuire
Dr. Rick McGuire made a significant impact on Mizzou track and field over his nearly 30-year career. His teams excelled on the track, but McGuire is also renowned for his work in sports psychology. He established the Positive Coaching School at MU, emphasizing a healthy coach-athlete relationship. Under his leadership, Mizzou produced 143 All-Americans and multiple Olympic athletes, including three-time world champion Christian Cantwell.
In a recent interview, sports psychologist Dr. Lisa Orbé-Austin highlighted how McGuire’s positive coaching approach has influenced modern coaching styles. “Athletes today thrive in environments where they feel supported and encouraged,” she noted, emphasizing McGuire’s legacy.
Tigers Set to Compete
A strong contingent of 46 Tigers is ready to hit the track. Sofia Wydra and Brianna Utecht will compete in the pentathlon. Utecht has already made waves by breaking the program’s records in 60m hurdles and long jump.
Marlena Tresnjo is aiming for a personal best in the high jump, while senior Robert Hines will compete in both the 60m and 200m. Graduate Dillon Leacock, fresh off a strong performance in the 60m hurdles, will join him in the sprints.
The distance events feature talents like Allison Newman and Natalie Barnard, who are ready to shine in the mile. Freshman Morgan Yeomans will debut in the 800m with Charlotte Cullen.
On the men’s side, River Hardman and others will run in the mile. Notably, Drew Rogers is aiming to continue his success from the Southeastern Conference Indoor Championship, where he broke the school record in the 3000m.
Rising Stars in Field Events
The pole vault team is set, with athletes like Makenna Estes and Allison Geen ready to make their mark. In weight throws, Delilah Pippen and others will be competing, hoping to achieve personal bests.
For the men, Sam Innes is riding high after winning at the Show-Me Showdown and will be joined by Clayton Kamp in shot put, among others.
Conclusion
The Dr. Rick McGuire Invitational promises to be an exciting event filled with competition and camaraderie. As the Tigers prepare to take the track, fans can feel the excitement building. For updates on Mizzou track and field, visit MUTigers.com and follow them on social media.
