Chapel Hill Hosts Dick Taylor Challenge Track and Field Meet

News Summary

Chapel Hill is set to welcome the Dick Taylor Challenge Track and Field Meet on January 17-18, 2025, at the Eddie Smith House. This event honors Richard ‘Dick’ Taylor, a celebrated alumnus and NCAA hurdles record holder. Competing teams, including Duke and NC Central, will vie for glory after last year’s successes. Live results will be available online, ensuring fans don’t miss any action. With the recent outstanding performances of Tar Heels athletes, including record-setters in Boston, this weekend promises to be thrilling for all track enthusiasts.

Chapel Hill Gearing Up for the Exciting Dick Taylor Challenge Track and Field Meet

Mark your calendars, everyone! Chapel Hill is buzzing with excitement as it prepares to host the highly anticipated Dick Taylor Challenge Track and Field Meet on January 17-18, 2025. Held at the iconic Eddie Smith House, this event is set to showcase some serious athletic talent and bring a whole lot of energy to our town.

A Tribute to a Legend

The meet is named in honor of Richard “Dick” Taylor, a cherished alumnus from the Class of 1950 at the University of North Carolina. Unfortunately, we lost Taylor in 2022, but his legacy lives on through this competition. During his time at UNC, he made history as an NCAA Division I hurdles record holder, proving his mettle on the track. On top of that, he dedicated his later life to serving on the UNC System Board of Governors, contributing to the advancement of education in our state.

Rivalries Heat Up

Expect a thrilling mix of local competition as teams set to join the Tar Heels consist of well-known rivals such as Duke, NC Central, High Point, Campbell, and East Carolina. Last year, the Tar Heels stole the spotlight by winning eight events, and with the stakes high, it’s anyone’s guess who will take home the glory this time around!

Tracking Results Live

For all the track and field enthusiasts out there, live results for the meet can be accessed on the Durham Striders website. So whether you’re coming out to cheer or tuning in from home, you won’t miss a moment of the action!

Looking Back at December’s Performance

Before the Dick Taylor Challenge kicks off, let’s take a moment to appreciate the recent accomplishments of our athletes. In December, a small group of distance runners from Carolina made waves in Boston for the indoor season opener. Among them, Ethan Strand set the NCAA record for the fastest 3000m time, while fellow runner Parker Wolfe impressed everyone by achieving the second-fastest time in college history for the same event. It’s safe to say Carolina has some serious talent in the pipeline!

Your Quick Guide to the Event Schedule

Now, let’s get to the nitty-gritty of what to expect during the two-day event:

Friday, January 17:

5:00 PM: Men’s Weight Throw (following this is the Women’s Weight Throw)
5:00 PM: Men’s High Jump (then moving on to the Women’s High Jump)

Saturday, January 18:

11:00 AM: Women’s Long Jump
30 minutes after Women’s Long Jump: Men’s Long Jump
30 minutes after Men’s Long Jump: Men’s Triple Jump
30 minutes after Women’s Long Jump: Women’s Triple Jump
12:00 PM: Men’s Shot Put (followed by Women’s Shot Put)
12:00 PM: Men’s Pole Vault (followed by Women’s Pole Vault)
12:15 PM: Women’s 60-Meter Hurdles
12:35 PM: Men’s 60-Meter Hurdles
12:50 PM: Women’s 60-Meters
1:05 PM: Men’s 60-Meters
1:20 PM: Women’s 300-Meters
1:40 PM: Men’s 300-Meters
2:00 PM: Women’s 1000-Meters
2:15 PM: Men’s 1000-Meters
2:35 PM: Women’s 60-Meter Hurdles
2:40 PM: Men’s 60-Meter Hurdles
2:45 PM: Women’s 60-Meters
2:50 PM: Men’s 60-Meters
2:55 PM: Women’s 500-Meters
3:15 PM: Men’s 500-Meters
3:35 PM: Women’s Mile
3:55 PM: Men’s Mile
4:15 PM: Women’s 4×400 Meter Relay
4:30 PM: Men’s 4×400 Meter Relay

Stay in the Loop!

With so much happening, it’s important to stay updated! Be sure to follow UNC Track and Field on social media platforms like X, Instagram, and Facebook to catch all the latest news. So come out and cheer on our Tar Heels as they take the track by storm—it’s going to be a thrilling weekend!