Two UNM jumpers are setting the bar high for the track and field team this season.
Under the direction of first-year head coach Joe Franklin, senior Tiyana Peters and junior Josh Cosio have established themselves at the top of the Mountain West Conference in the high jump.
"They're both blessed and very talented in natural jumping ability," assistant track and field coach Mario Wilson said. "Considering they've had to deal with a new coaching staff this year and that they are both upperclassmen used to one style of coaching, they've handled the transition very well. We're trying to not have them take too many steps back but to be continually moving forward."
During the first meet of the season at the Northern Arizona Invitational in Flagstaff, Ariz., the duo had top performances to lead the track and field team.
Peters, who is the MWC indoor and outdoor women's high jump champion, posted a jump of 5-7.75 for third place in the event.
The mark is also the highest in the MWC so far this season.
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"Getting the highest jump this early is kind of a double-edged sword," Peters said. "It gives me confidence. But at the same time, there's pressure to do it again."
Meanwhile, Cosio tied for third, clearing the 6-8 mark for a career-high indoor jump.
"Both jumpers are extremely experienced," Wilson said. "Josh a little less, because he only jumped one year in high school, but he is naturally gifted and definitely has the raw talent to compete at a high level, as he showed in Arizona."
The two Lobos also traveled to the Penn State Invitational in University Park, Pa., last weekend in a rare trip to the East Coast.
Peters said the competition was unlike any she had faced.
"It was surprising to see the caliber of talent that was there," she said. "It was a national meet with lots of athletes. I'm not really used to competing against that many people, but it was a good experience for us. It was definitely a learning experience."
Peters fared well, knocking off 22 competitors en route to a sixth-place jump of 5-5.75.
Cosio also placed in the top 10, finishing in ninth-place out of 26 competitors.
He cleared a height of 6-9, setting a personal indoor best. The Albuquerque native owns a career-best jump of 6-10, which he recorded during the 2006 outdoor season.
The 6-9 mark is second among MWC high jumpers this season.
"It was definitely cool competing against some teams that you only get to see on TV," Cosio said. "It was a great chance to represent New Mexico in the East Coast area, and I think that helped me step up and focus on my jumping."
Peters and Cosio continue their indoor season at the Air Force Invitational in Colorado Springs, Colo., this weekend.
The meet is also the first opportunity to see some conference opponents they will face in the MWC Championships on March 1.
"It's a little early to tell how we are going to do against conference," Cosio said. "We've only competed in two meets. But I think we'll be all right, definitely improving on last season."
Peters said that if the early results are any indication, the Lobos should be fine come March.
"Honestly, I'm really looking forward to conference this year," she said. "As a team, we are revitalized, and we look like a brand-new team. Individually, I'm ready to kick some butt in conference again."
