No. 1 Razorbacks prepared to defend 2019 NCAA Indoor title

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – In hosting the 2021 NCAA Indoor Championships this weekend, March 11-13, at the Randal Tyson Track Center after the 2020 version was canceled, the No. 1 Razorbacks are prepared to defend the national indoor team title they claimed in 2019.

Arkansas leads the field with 25 entries as they contest 13 events over the three-day meet. Three other teams – Florida, Texas and Texas A&M – each follow with 12 entries apiece.

“The real trick at the national championship is how many big scores do you have,” said Arkansas women’s head coach Lance Harter. “When I look at the breakdown of the various teams, we have a lot of coverage being in 13 of the 17 events. A lot of people think that is the secret.

“The real secret is how many events can you possibly win or have a second or third place finisher. I think Texas A&M has a lot of that type of firepower. Four out of the top five teams in the national poll are SEC teams, so we’ve seen each other and sized each other up during the course of the season. Now, it’s about these three days and who can maximize their scoring potential.”

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The plethora of entries for Arkansas includes four each in the 400m, mile, and 3,000m. In addition, there are four Razorbacks who will compete in a pair of individual events. They include Jada Baylark (60|200), Kennedy Thomson (800|Mile), Katie Izzo (3000|5000), and G’Auna Edwards (Long Jump|Pentathlon).

“We had a fantastic season to say the least,” said Harter of the 2021 indoor campaign. “Our previous record was 15 entries at an indoor national championship and this year we have 25. So, it’s just a reflection of the depth and quality we have. At the same time, we have four entries in the mile and 400m, and the real secret is how many of those can make the final. If they make the final, then they can score.”

Scoring potential of those Razorbacks who enter the meet seeded among the top three include Krissy Gear (mile) and Izzo (3k|5k) along with the distance medley and 4×400 relays.

“We have some events where we are a top three selection, the distance medley, the 4×400, and the 5,000m,” noted Harter. “They have that type of capability, and we need to get some 10s and 8s periodically. Those that score a point or two, they can be just as critical as a win. This meet could come down to a point or two difference.”

Those who could supply key points by reaching the final or improving their seed position include Baylark and Edwards in each of their two events, pole vaulters Nastassja Campbell and Bailee McCorkle, Daszay Freeman in the 60m hurdles, Shafiqua Maloney in the 800m, and Jayla Hollis in the 200m.

The 400m quartet of Morgan Burks-Magee, Rosey Effiong, Paris Peoples and Tiana Wilson seek to continue their collective string of career best times into vital points as well as the trio of Lauren Gregory, Logan Morris and Abby Gray behind Izzo in the 3,000m and the crew of Gracie Hyde, Isabel Van Camp and Thomson behind Gear in the mile.

“We’re so fortunate to be hosting this weekend,” said Harter. “Last year at this time we were arranging plans to leave early after the national meet was canceled. Now, we’re on a positive roll. Everyone’s excited about the opportunity, athletes and coaches. Unfortunately, our fans won’t be in attendance.

“With this new schedule it’s going to make some changes occur during the course of each evening, because people you think could double are not going to be able to. People that you traditionally rely on may have a hiccup in the competition. So, its going to make for a very interesting scenario over the course of the weekend.”