No. 3 Razorbacks host John McDonnell Invitational
FAYETTEVILLE – No. 3 Arkansas will host its second outdoor meet of the season with the John McDonnell Invitational, which includes a field of 25 teams competing on Friday, April 19.
Running events start at 3 p.m. while field events begin at 10:30 a.m. at John McDonnell Field. A live stream will be available on SEC Network + at 3:30 p.m. (https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/9d7e6951-f38f-4a18-9faa-f2ce44e44a40)
Live results are available here: https://flashresults.com/2024_Meets/Outdoor/04-18_JMD/index.htm.
“This week is a time where we fine tune some things,” noted Arkansas women’s head coach Chris Johnson. “We will even rest some kids after a big meet last week in Florida.
“This is a home meet, though, so we will take it seriously. We’ll go out and compete in the events that we’re in. We should have a good environment with a good home crowd.”
During the previous week performances by the Razorbacks included a world-leading 49.95 in the 400m for Arkansas freshman Kaylyn Brown, a U.S. leading 54.91 for Rachel Glenn in the 400m hurdles that ranks second in the world, and a 5,000m school record for Sydney Thorvaldson.
Glenn will race over 100m hurdles on Friday after posting a wind-aided 13.36 (2.1 wind) in the prelims at Florida.
“The 100m hurdles is a rhythm event, so the more practice and races she can get will give her confidence and get into a rhythm of running the 100m hurdles,” said Johnson. “It’s a different event with a different type of skill set. It just requires a lot more technical work. This is a perfect opportunity, especially on her home track.”
Middle distance races will have Mary Ellen Eudaly and Chachi Gonzales doing a 800-1,500m double. The 800m field will include Brooklyn Biancamano and Laine Meeks while the 1,500m includes Ainsley Erzen, Tiana LoStracco, and Mia Cochran.
Mackenzie Rogers races in the 3,000m steeplechase while Heidi Nielson competes in the 5,000m that will be held after the 4 x 400m relays.
Five Razorbacks are scheduled for the pole vault with Marin Chamberlin, Hannah Estest, Rachel Homoly, Bailee Wooten, and Lauren Carpenter.
Nia Robinson is entered in the high jump while Sara Van Aken will contest five of the seven heptathlon events as she competes in the 200, 400, long jump, shot put, and javelin.
Sanu Jallow, who is No. 6 on the UA all-time list with a 2:03.58, drops down from the 800m to the 400m, where she is joined by Aaliyah Pyatt. In the 200m, the Razorback crew includes Joanne Reid, Rosey Effiong, Ariane Linton, and Ashanti Denton, who will also race in the 100m with Imani Carpenter.
