Razorbacks break UA record in distance medley at Qualifier
FAYETTEVILLE – The Razorbacks distance medley relay broke the UA record with a 9:21.26 performance on Friday during the Arkansas Qualifier at Randal Tyson Track Center.
A foursome of David Helmerich (2:51.17), Brandon Battle (45.72), Tyrice Taylor (1:48.63), and Reuben Reina (3:55.73) finished fourth in the race as they bettered the previous school record of 9:22.13 set in 2023.
“It’s a completely different team than we had last year,” noted Arkansas men’s head coach Chris Bucknam. “To come out and run that fast is great. Just a little tough luck at the finish with Oregon nipping us by a couple hundredths of a second.
“They only take the top 12 teams at the NCAA Championships and we’re 10th right now. So, we also have to wait for the Notre Dame race tomorrow to see what happens. I’m hoping that we survive and get that team to the national championship meet.”
Virginia won the race in a collegiate record of 9:14.19 to break the previous mark of 9:16.40 established by Oklahoma State in 2023 at the Tyson Center. Virginia, anchored by Gary Martin in 3:50.09 on the 1,600m leg, ranks No. 2 on the all-time world list behind a 9:14.10 registered by Washington on an oversized track the previous weekend.
Oklahoma State bettered its previous collegiate record with a 9:16.24 as runner-up with Ryan Shoppe splitting 3:52.42 on the anchor leg. Oregon placed third in 9:21.23 to edge ahead of Arkansas while Iowa State finished fifth in 9:21.45.
The Razorbacks were in fifth place following the 1,200m first leg, then Battle moved Arkansas from fifth to second on the 400m leg. Taylor went into the lead early on his 800m leg, and was in fourth place handing the baton to Reina.
“The kids ran hard and tough,” stated Bucknam. “The NCAA record was set in that race, so the opportunity was there. We broke the school record, but it’s just hundredths of a second difference.
“Brandon is really in a good rhythm right now and gave us a great second leg. We just struggled on the 800m leg. I’m not sure if Tyrice has been in that situation before, he certainly hasn’t been on a relay like that. He probably went out a little too quick and his distribution of energy over the 800m was a little too fast in the beginning.”
Arkansas is currently 10th on the 2025 collegiate list as five schools ran faster than the Hogs at Boston University on Friday evening. The top 12 qualify for the NCAA Championship field.
Henry Kiner led an Arkansas 1-3-4 finish in the long jump as his winning leap of 25-8.25 (7.83) bettered a 25-6.75 (7.79) for alum LaQuan Nairn in second place. Juriad Hughes, Jr. finished third with a 24-11.25 (7.60) while Sebastian Berntsen placed fourth at 24-6.25 (7.47).
Steven McElroy won the 400m in 46.00 while alum Lance Lang finished fourth in 46.93. Brevin Sims set a career best of 7.71 for third in the 60m hurdles and is now equal No. 8 on the UA all-time list. Karamoko Sacko finished fourth in 7.73 while TJ Caldwell placed fifth in 7.78.
Improving from his previous best of 7.75, Sims joins Ayden Owens-Delerme and Sacko at the No. 8 position.
Tommy Romanow set a career best of 8:03.72 as runner-up in the 3,000m behind the winning time of 8:02.78 by Oklahoma State’s Kian Davis.
Joshua Blakely tied for third in the high jump with a clearance of 6-9 (2.06). Link Lindsey finished fourth in the triple jump with an indoor career best of 48-7.5 (14.82).
Alum Austen Dalquist set a career best of 3:53.77 in the mile to place second behind a meet record 3:53.29 set by Oklahoma State’s Laban Kipkemboi.
