No. 1 Arkansas hosts talented field in Tyson Invitational
FAYETTEVILLE – No. 1 Arkansas returns to action this weekend as the Razorbacks host 34 schools in the annual Tyson Invitational at the Randal Tyson Track Center on Friday and Saturday.
In addition four Arkansas distance runners travel to Boston for races on Friday at Boston University. On Sunday, at the Millrose Games in New York City, a few UA alums will be in action.
“The Tyson Invitational is as advertised, it’s one of the best meets in the country along with the Razorback Invitational we previously hosted, but with a different focus,” noted Arkansas women’s head coach Chris Johnson. “We have more individuals than teams, and the competition level is high.
“In the sprint events, as well as the mile and 3k, we have great competition. We’re a couple of weeks out from conference, so it’s our final prepping stage in trying to get a few more things done from a qualification standpoint.
Live stream of the Tyson Invitational will be available through SEC Network +.
Friday: WATCH
Saturday: WATCH
Live results: CLICK HERE
Nationally ranked teams joining No. 1 Arkansas in the Tyson Invitational include No. 2 Florida, No. 10 LSU, and No. 14 Ole Miss. In addition, nationally ranked junior colleges include No. 2 Iowa Western CC, No. 4 Barton CC, and No. 14 Butler CC.
“Being ranked No. 1 is complementary to our team and the hard work they’ve done,” stated Johnson. “We understand what the goal is, and understand the challenges of being No. 1 with the spotlight on you.
“It’s expectations, but the expectations we give ourselves is much higher. Being ranked No. 1 and finishing No. 1 is two different things. We hope to finish No. 1, that’s always our goal.”
Other schools entered in the Tyson Invitational include Academy of Art, Akron, Arizona State, Campbell, Drake, Eastern Michigan, Fairleigh Dickinson, Houston Christian, Indiana, Indiana State, Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Kent State, Little Rock, Louisiana Tech, Missouri, North Texas, Northern Colorado, South Dakota, Stephen F. Austin, Texas A&M Commerce, Texas A&M Texarkana, Utah State, Virginia Tech, and Youngstown State.
“It helps our team in terms of iron sharpens iron, we get to see these faces and they become familiar,” said Johnson. “It helps them to remain poised in high level competition. Having these teams here and being at home, understanding we will have conference here at home, everybody is hunting us.
“To be able to practice this at high level meets, It helps our team mature and grow in a way that is not just athletically, but being able to control your emotions, stay locked in and remain focused as a precursor to the SEC and national meets.”
Shawnti Jackson, who leads a crew of six Razorbacks in the 60m, is currently the top freshman in the nation with her 7.18 from the Razorback Invitational two weeks ago and ranks fourth among all collegians. Among U20 sprinters, Jackson is No. 1 in the world.
Amber Anning, who received votes for the recent Bowerman watchlist this week, leads the collegiate 400m list with a 50.56, which ranks No. 10 on the all-time collegiate list, and is currently third in the 200m with her British record of 22.60.
Anning leads a field of Razorbacks contesting a 200-400m double as she is joined by Kaylyn Brown, Kamoy Campbell, Rosey Effiong, and Nickisha Pryce. Competing in a 60-200m double are Imani Carpenter, Destiny Huven, MeKenze Kelley, Ariane Linton, and Joanne Reid. Additional Razorbacks in the 400m include Ashanti Denton and LilliAnn Nunley.
Rachel Glenn is schedule to high jump as well as compete in the 60m hurdles and 200m. Joining her in the high jump are Sydney Billington, Nia Robinson, and Sara Van Aken. Also competing the 60m hurdles are Huven and Van Aken. Robinson and Van Aken will also long jump with Alexis Torns, who will double in the triple jump.
Five Arkansas vaulters will be among a field of 31, which will include an Invitational portion. Amanda Fassold, the defending NCAA Indoor champion, is joined by Marin Chamberlin, Hannah Estes, Rachel Homoly, and Bailee Wooten.
Sanu Jallow, who opened the season with a 1:26.52 that ranks No. 3 all-time among collegians and then posted a 2:02.60 that ranks fourth among the UA 800m all-time list, leads a Razorback crew in the 800m that includes Analisse Batista, Ainsley Erzen, Chachi Gonzales, Mary Grace Lansing, and Tiana LoStracco.
Erzen will make her collegiate debut at the mile and is joined by Gonzales, LoStracco, and Mackenzie Rogers. Racing at 3,000m is Nyah Hernandez.
Arkansas alums in the mile field include Logan Jolly, Stephanie Brokaw, Claire McClune, and Katie McClune while Brokaw is in the 800m along with Shafiqua Maloney.
Razorbacks competing at Boston University on Friday include Mary Ellen Eudaly (Mile), Mia Cochran (3,000m), Laura Taborda (5,000m), and Sydney Thorvaldson (5,000m). Arkansas alum Taylor Werner is also in the 5,000m field.
A live stream of the David Hemery Valentine Invite at Boston University is available through subscription service FloTrack.com. Race times for Arkansas are 3:45 p.m. (CT) with the mile, followed by 5:45 p.m. with the 3,000m and 7:25 p.m. with the 5,000m.
Alums competing at the Millrose Games on Sunday, which will air on NBC and Peacock from noon to 2 p.m. (CT), include Ackera Nugent (60m hurdles), Krissy Gear (2 Mile), and Nikki Hiltz (2 Mile). Cindy Sember, who trains in Fayetteville, will be in the 60m hurdles as well.
