Razorbacks top collegiate team in 4 x 400 at Mt. SAC Relays

WALNUT, California – Arkansas closed out its portion of the Mt. SAC Relay at Hilmer Lodge Stadium finishing as the top collegiate team in the 4 x 400 relay with a time of 3:30.23.

The Razorback foursome included Paris Peoples, Rosey Effiong, Jada Baylark (53.14), and Morgan Burks-Magee (52.73). Finishing behind Arkansas were UCLA (3:32.46), Iowa (3:35.08), and Michigan (3:36.86).

“If I had to chose one word it would be thankful,” stated Burks-Magee. “I wasn’t expecting to run, but I’m glad I got to. It’s my senior year, and I do it for my favorite people. So, I think it was a great weekend. First time fourth leg, so it’s fun.”

Effiong noted: “It’s very exciting, I went into just to finish and be strong. I’m pretty sure all of us had a strong finish. That was the main thing we focused on. So, I’m glad we were all able to do that this meet.”

Baylark, who ran on both relays as well in the 100m on Saturday, said: “I was pleased with my opening 200 yesterday and being consistent in the 100m. Being consistent is the key thing and I’ll have some big races coming up.”

Peoples on being in the lead-off role: “I love first leg, and I really just want to put the team in a good position. It was good to have Morgan back for the anchor. I knew if we opened it up and gave her a big enough lead she was going to take us home.”

Arkansas volunteer Shamier Little ran a 52.0 split on the opening leg of a USATF All-Star relay that produced a winning time of 3:25.35, breaking the meet record of 3:26.87 set in 1992. Little handed the baton off to Allyson Felix (51.2) with Delilah Muhammad (51.72) and Athing Mu (50.43) handling the final two legs.

In the 4×100 relay, the Razorbacks finished fourth in 44.01 behind a USATF relay team that won in 42.40. Oregon finished second in 43.54 while California placed third at 43.99. Finishing behind Arkansas were UCLA (44.30), South Florida (44.69), and Michigan (45.53). Racing for UA were Effiong, Baylar, Jayla Hollis, and Yoveinny Mota.

Baylark also raced in the 100m final, clocking 11.17 for fifth place. The close finish was claimed in 10.98 by Julien Alfred of Texas and she was followed by Oregon’s Kemba Nelson (11.09), Cal’s Ezinne Abba (11.12), and USC’s Celera Barnes (11.13). Behind Baylark were Jadyn Mays of Oregon (11.22) and Kynnedy Flannel of Texas (11.30).

In the 400m Invitational, Little finished as runner-up with a 51.65 as Jaide Stepter Baynes won the race in 51.43.

Other Arkansas alums competing included Payton Chadwick, 13.13w in the 100m hurdle prelims, and Kiara Parker, 11.26 in the 100m prelims.