Track Hogs Take On 113th Penn Relays

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. In a track and field tradition that has become synonymous with the rite of spring, Arkansas will travel to Philadelphia, Pa., this weekend to compete in the historic Penn Relays.

The 113th edition of the event will be held at Franklin Field. The Razorbacks will be making their 23rd appearance at Penn Relays. Arkansas has competed in the event in every year since 1983, with the exception of 2001 when the Razorbacks competed at the Drake Relays.

Arkansas has a rich tradition at the Penn Relays. During their 23-year tenure at the meet, the Razorbacks have brought home 42 coveted wagon wheels. Only once since 1983 has Arkansas not won at least one relay at the Penn Relays. In 2005, the Razorbacks did not win a wagon wheel.

Here’s the breakdown of Arkansas’ relay titles: 4×100 (1), 4×200 (1), 4×400 (1), 4×800 (2), 4xMile/1,500 (19), SMR (2), DMR (15) and Shuttle Hurdles (1).

The Razorbacks will field teams in the 4xMile, the distance medley relay, the 4×100-meters and the 4×200-meters.

Arkansas track and field is ranked No. 16 by Trackwire 25 and No. 10 by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association, it was announced on Tuesday. Four Razorbacks were also tabbed in the Trackwire Dandy Dozen.

Defending NCAA Outdoor Champion Florida State is seated at the top of the Trackwire 25 and the USTFCCCA poll while Auburn and LSU sit at No. 2 in the USTFCCCA and Trackwire 25, respectively. Auburn sits at No. 3 in the Trackwire 25 while USC holds the third spot in the USTFCCCA.

Also released on Tuesday are the Dandy Dozen rankings. Four Razorbacks are ranked in four events. In the Dandy Dozen, 10-time All-American Peter Kosgei remains at No. 3 in the 3,000-meter steeplechase.

J-Mee Samuels enters the 100-meter rankings after a stellar weekend on the track. He currently sits at 11th after clocking a 10.13, the third-fastest time in the nation.

In the field events, Alain Bailey advanced to No. 3 in the long jump. In the triple jump, All-American and two-time SEC Champion Nkosinza Balumbu sits at third despite recording the second-best jump in the nation at the John McDonnell Invitational (53-0.75).

For complete a complete listing of the Trackwire 25 and the USTFCCCA poll, visit www.trackshark.com or www.ustfccca.org. For an updated schedule and live results of Penn Relays, visit www.thepennrelays.com. The Penn Relays will be broadcast on ESPNU on Saturday, April 28, from 12-2 p.m. CT.