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Record night against Georgia pushes Hogs to No. 8 ranking

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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FAYETTEVILLE — Following Arkansas’ record night last Friday against Georgia, the Razorbacks moved up to No. 8 in this week’s Road To Nationals weekly rankings, its highest ranking since Feb. 1, 2016.

With one of the nation’s youngest rosters, that includes 10 underclassmen, the Razorbacks secured its seventh score over 197 in school history last Friday against the Bulldogs. It’s just the second time in program history, and first since 2012, that Arkansas has posted a 197 in the month of January.

Freshman Sophia Carter secured the nations third best beam score of the season with a 9.975 against the Bulldogs, making her the 10th-ranked gymnasts in the nation in the event.

The Razorbacks upped its average on the beam to 49.256, giving it the fourth-best beam team in the nation for the third-consecutive week.

Four gymnasts hold spots in the top-60 of the individual rankings, including sophomores Jessica Yamzon and Michaela Burton who are tied for 22nd and 27th, respectively.

Vault remained the Razorbacks second-best event, jumping two spots to No. 9 in this week’s rankings with an average of 49.044.

Senior Braie Speed is the highest ranked individual on the event, coming in at No. 22, while junior Sydney McGlone and senior Amanda Wellick come in at No. 50 and No. 56, respectively.

Arkansas made huge strides on bars and on the floor against Georgia, moving them up six spots to No. 13 on bars and up 10 spots to No. 19 on the floor.

On bars, the Razorbacks had their best performance of the season against Georgia with a score of 49.175. Individually, Wellick and Speed lead the way, both placing in the top-60 with Wellick at No. 34 and Speed at No. 54.

The Razorbacks were assisted on the floor by five scores over 9.875 against Georgia, including a 9.950 by Carter and a 9.900 by fellow freshman Sarah Shaffer.

Shaffer is the highest ranked Razorback coming in at No. 74, while Yamzon is the 78th best gymnasts on the floor.

Arkansas has matchups with No. 1 Oklahoma, No. 5 Florida, No. 10 Alabama, and No. 13 Denver left this season, along with the Mardi Gras Invitational meet in St. Louis that includes rematches against No. 2 LSU and No. 23 Missouri on Feb. 16, 2018.

The Razorbacks began the year as the preseason 19th-ranked team, and moved up to No. 11 following its week one score of 195.350 at LSU.

It’s the first time the Razorbacks have been in the top 10 in three straight weeks since 2016, and the first time that Arkansas has held a top-10 ranking for three weeks in the first month of the season since 2014.

The Razorbacks travel to Tuscaloosa, Alabama this Friday for a Top-10 Southeastern Conference showdown against the Crimson Tide.

The meet is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be streamed on the SEC Network+ and the WatchESPN app.

Was Bielema’s ignoring assistants his downfall?

Andy Hodges
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Several wise (and winning) head football coaches over the years have told me they are only as good as their assistants.

Frank Broyles was the first I heard say it. The fact the annual aware to the top assistant coach in the country is named after him is testament to how much he believed that axiom.

Among the many things former Arkansas coach Bret Bielema didn’t get, that one may have been his ultimate undoing.

Not that you’ll get him to admit it. Bielema hasn’t spoken publicly since his firing the day after Thanksgiving, but his name didn’t surface much in the many coaching vacancies. Nothing was really his fault anyway and they were always close.

Several people have pointed out that the rap on Bielema now is his success at Wisconsin was due more to following Barry Alavarez’ instructions than anything he did.

That, plus, some are saying he doesn’t listen to his assistants.

And in looking back over his five years with the Razorbacks, you have to wonder if there’s some validity to that.

His first staff with the Hogs, combined with more talent than anyone wanted to admit, should have been considerably better than the 3-8 mark they posted (0-8 in SEC games). That team wasn’t going to challenge for any division titles, but it was considerably better than what it finished.

Just look at the staff:

• Offensive coordinator Jim Chaney: He stayed for two years and was shoved out the door by Bielema, then he went to Pittsburgh for a year before landing at Georgia doing the same job for Kirby Smart. They played for the national championship less than a month ago.

• Offensive line coach Sam Pittman: One of the best recruiters in college football, he left following the 2015 season to join Chaney in Athens. In two years he put together an offensive line that played for a national title.

• Defensive coordinator Chris Ash: Stayed one season, then left for Ohio State, where he was co-defensive coordinator on the national championship team in 2014.

• Associate head coach, defensive line coach Charlie Partridge: Lasted one season before jumping off the ship for the head coaching job at Florida Atlantic where he put together the players Lane Kiffin won 10 games with this past season. He wasn’t a head coach, though, winning just nine games over three seasons.

Off that first staff, there is one national championship and a championship game appearance on the staff.

Following that, you got the impression something was up. The guys he was bringing in were good guys that reportedly knew a better way to do some things, but were basically ignored.

The latest is Dan Enos, who was Bielema’s offensive coordinator. Some have said he wanted to do some different things with the offense, but was limited by Bielema, who was simply too stubborn or (more likely) didn’t know enough to change and adapt.

Now Enos is going to be associate head coach and quarterbacks coach at Alabama.

Nick Saban has never been accused of hiring bad assistants. There may be some he disagrees with and they are gone soon, but they are usually winners wherever they go.

Since hindsight is usually 20/20 looking back over these things, we see now Bielema was pretty good in hiring assistants. When he came to Arkansas he said one of the reasons he wanted to leave Wisconsin was to stop the revolving door of good assistants leaving.

Now we know money wasn’t why they were leaving the Badgers.

Or so it seems.

 

Hogs fall to Tigers in Sunday morning marathon match

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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ATHENS, Ga. — In a match that lasted four and a half hours, Arkansas fell in an early Sunday morning match to the Memphis Tigers 4-3.

In doubles, Arkansas came from behind to steal the point from Memphis, as the Tigers took an early advantage with a win on court three, 6-4.

Tied 6-6 on both court one and two, Arkansas was able to squeak by the Tigers to take the doubles point with 7-6 wins on both courts.

The duo of Jose Salazar and Josh Howard-Tripp defeated Andrew Watson and Ryan Peniston 7-6 to improve to 3-1 this season in doubles, while Adam Sanjurjo and Oscar Mesquida earned their first victory together this season with a 7-6 win over Kai Lemke and Matt Story.

In singles, the Tigers quickly evened things with a win on court two, as junior Sanjurjo fell to Peniston 6-1, 6-2.

Howard-Tripp would drop his second match of the season, falling to Pallares 6-4, 6-3 to give the Tigers the lead at 2-0.

Arkansas would respond with a win at the top spot, as No. 113 Salazar defeated Watson 6-4, 6-4, to improve to 3-1 in dual matches this season, 9-5 overall.

Mesquida would fall 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 to Lemke after taking the first set, to give the Tigers the 3-2 lead.

The Razorbacks would pick up a win on court five, as freshman Alex Reco defeated Chris Patzanovsky 6-4, 6-3 to knot the match up at 3-3.

On the decisive court, P. Alonso would fall 6-7 in the first set then drop 6-3 in the second to give the Tigers the victory.

Arkansas will return to the court Monday morning to face the loser of the Georgia/Iowa match at 9 a.m. in the consolation match.

Memphis 4, Arkansas 3

Singles Results – Order of finish (2,4,1,3,5,6)
1. No. 113 Jose Salazar (AR) def. Andrew Watson (MEM) 6-4, 6-1
2. Ryan Peniston (MEM) def. Adam Sanjurjo (AR) 6-1, 6-2
3. Kai Lemke (MEM) def. Oscar Mesquida (AR) 4-6, 6-3, 6-3
4. Jan Palleres (MEM) def. Josh Howard-Tripp (AR) 6-4, 6-3
5. Alex Reco (AR) def. Chris Patzonovsky (MEM) 6-4, 6-3
6. Felix Rauch (MEM) def. Pedro Alonso (AR) 7-6, 6-3

Doubles Results – Order of finish (3,1,2)
1. Adam Sanjurjo/Oscar Mesquida (AR) def. Kai Lemke/Matt Story 7-6
2. Jose Salazar/Josh Howard-Tripp (AR) def. Andrew Watson/Ryan Peniston (MEM) 7-6
3. No. 58 Jan Pallares/Felix Rauch (MEM) def. Branch Terrell/Alex Reco (AR) 6-4

Anderson glad to get win over Oklahoma State

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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By Razorback Sports Communications

FAYETTEVILLE — Daniel Gafford tipped in Anton Beard’s 8-footer with 15 seconds left to give the Hogs a 66-65 win against Oklahoma State in the Big 12-SEC Challenge.

In a game that saw neither team lead by more than one possession in the last 12 minutes, 17 seconds of the game, the Razorbacks won their 10th one possession game in the last 11 tries.

Oklahoma State jumped out on the Hogs, scoring nine-straight points to put pressure on Arkansas. The Razorbacks responded with their own form of pressure. Arkansas rattled off eight straight in a span of 44 seconds to pull within one early.

After senior guard Jaylen Barford hit the first shot for Arkansas, the Razorbacks were able to set up their full court press, causing two Cowboy turnovers, leading to Arkansas scores.

Oklahoma State used an 15-3 run of its own to extend the Cowboy lead to the largest of the game at 13. The Razorbacks would respond to cut it to a five-point deficit with a 10-2 run.

Coming off the bench for the third straight game, senior guard Daryl Macon provided a spark for the Razorbacks on the offensive end of the floor. Macon finished the first half with a game-high 13 points, going 5-of-9 from the field and 3-of-5 from behind the arc.

Oklahoma State would take a 40-32 lead into the half.

To begin the second half, the Razorbacks and Cowboys would go back and forth for the first three-plus minutes of the period.

Arkansas turned the pressure back up, forcing five turnovers in a span of less than three minutes to help Arkansas go on a 12-0 run and claim its first lead of the game at 51-50.

Following the Cowboys hit two free throws to reclaim the lead, freshman guard Darious Hall made a heads-up play to get the steal and score an easy lay-up.

For the final 12 minutes and 17 seconds of the game, neither team would hold a lead larger than one possession. Following two free throws by OSU, Arkansas found itself down 65-64 with 22 seconds play.

Game Notes
• The Razorbacks snapped a five-game losing streak against Oklahoma State, giving the Razorbacks their first victory against the Cowboys in 46 seasons.

• Arkansas improved to 31-6 in its last 37 games in Bud Walton Arena.

• The Razorbacks are tied for the fourth-most home wins in the country during the Mike Anderson era at 106.

• In the fifth annual #BIG12SEC Challenge, Arkansas is improved to 2-2 all-time in the event, including 2-0 in Bud Walton Arena.

Macon, Beard on Hogs’ 66-65 win over Cowboys

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Daryl Macon led all scorers with 22 points and talked about it being his night along with teammate Anton Beard after win over OSU.

Cowboys’ Boynton on atmosphere causing problems

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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The sellout crowd at Bud Walton Arena on Saturday was loud and it made a difference, Cowboys coach Mike Boynton.

OSU’s Averette, McGriff talk about close loss to Arkansas

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Oklahoma State players Brandon Averette and Cameron McGriff met with the media after the Cowboys’ 66-65 loss to Arkansas on Saturday night.

No. 2 Razorbacks take top spot in Razorback Invitational

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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FAYETTEVILLE — Facing a group of the nation’s best programs, including six top-10 teams, No. 2 Arkansas took first at the Razorback Invitational Saturday inside the Randal Tyson Track Center. 

“We had our senior leadership do a really nice job, even though they’re few in numbers,” said head coach Lance Harter. “They’re getting in to serve as the role model, and the youth is just following. By having those types of breakthroughs, the result it an overall great team performance.”

Sophomore Taylor Werner and junior Devin Clark were the only Razorbacks to take team titles on day two of the invitational, as Werner took the Mile while Clark laid claim to the 3,000 meters. Werner set a new personal record with a time of 4:39.52.

“She (Werner) is the constant competitor,” said Harter. “She has a very, very bright future in this business. To be so young and so bold is a unique combination.”

Other Notable Performances
Arkansas’ youth stepped up when needed most, as underclassmen combined for 10 top-10 finishes on Saturday, including sophomore Jada Baylark who broke her personal record in the 60-meters with a time of 7.24, finishing just behind LSU’s Kournie Johnson who finished at 7.18.

Senior Nikki Hiltz finished third in the 800-meters, while sophomore’s Carina Viljoen and Maddy Reed were the Razorbacks other top finishers, both placing fourth in the mile and 3,000-meters, respectively.

“The senior leadership creates the culture to the youth, that ‘hey, this is what is expected of you,” said Harter. “It makes everyone elevate. They’ve done a great job of keeping our youth and elevating them and helping them become a major factor at the Southeastern Conference Championships.”

Arkansas will head to the northeast next Friday and Saturday for the New York Armory in New York City.

Razorback Invitational
January 27, 2018
Randal Tyson Track Center (Fayetteville, Ark.)

Team Results (Top-5)
1- No. 2 Arkansas – 118
2- No. 4 USC – 82
3- No. 3 Georgia – 81
4- No. 9 LSU – 53.5
5- No. 24 Kansas State – 53

60 Meters Finals
2. Jada Baylark – 7.24
8. Kiara Parker – 7.35

60 Meters Prelims
2. Jada Baylark – 7.27
7. Kiara Parker – 7.36
16. Tamara Kuykendall – 7.57
24. Kayla Carter – 8.11

400 Meters Invitational
7. Morgan Burks-Magee – 54.12

400 Meters
5. Sydney Hammit – 55.37
15. Sydney Davis – 57.53
20. Jessica Dolezal – 1:03.80

800 Meters Invitational
3. Nikki Hiltz – 2:05. 16
8. Joy Ripslinger – 2:07.31

800 Meters
8. Ruth Wiggins – 2:10.62
14. Kailee Sawyer – 2:13.02
16. Emily Jeacock – 2:14.65
26. Tess Iler – 2:23.92

Mile Invitational
1. Taylor Werner – 4:39.52
4. Maddy Reed – 4:45.13

Mile
10. Claudia Verstraten – 5:05.86

3,000 Meters Invitational
1. Devin Clark – 9:21.20
4. Carina Viljoen – 9:30.85
6. Sydney Brown – 9:35.36
8. Rachel Nichwitz – 9:39.22

3,000 Meters
6. Greta Taylor – 10:09.21
7. Alex Ritchey – 10:09.43

60-Meter Hurdles Prelims
4. Janeek Brown – 8.18
5. Payton Chadwick – 8.19

60-Meter Hurdles Finals
5. Janeek Brown – 8.20
7. Payton Chadwick – 8.25

4-x-400 Meter Relay
4. Burks-Magee, Chadwick, Baylark, Parker – 3:36.44

World lead for Igbokwe in 400-meter at Razorback Invitational

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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FAYETTEVILLE — Seventh-ranked Arkansas closed out its stead at the Randal Tyson Track Center with several NCAA top-10 performances, including a world-leading 400-meter time by junior Obi Igbokwe.

A two-time national qualifier in the 400, Igbokwe took command of the two-lap sprint beating Southeastern Conference rivals Florida’s Kunle Fasasi and Texas A&M’s Mylik Kerley to the break. Igbokwe maintained his dominance on the field, distancing himself from his competition over the final 150-meters of the race, finishing in first-place with a PR, NCAA-leading and world-leading time of 45.72.

“He’s been working hard since we got back to school in September,” head coach Chris Bucknam said. “I’m really happy for Obi and I think there’s a lot more left in the tank. I’m proud of his effort after a tough, three-week stretch of training and starting the indoor season.”

Arkansas finished eighth in the team standings, scoring 45 points in the 11-team competition.

“It’s good thing for us to see there are a lot of good teams out there and if we’re going to win meets like this or the SEC Championships, we have to have all hands on deck,” Bucknam said. “We’re probably around 60 percent right now based on injuries, sickness and some cautious decisions with where we are racing three weeks in a row. We don’t like losing meets but it’s a good wake-up call for us to say ‘if we don’t have all hands on deck, we’re an average team.’ We have to get things together over the next month and we have a nice two-week stretch with no meets, which we really need right now.”

Off the track two-time combined events All-American Gabe Moore, earned a spot on the NCAA leader boards as the fifth-best heptathlete in the country with a PR of 5,777 points. Moore was powered to his improved score off a solid day one, which saw him jump to a personal best in the high jump and match his 60-meter PR of 7.02. He returned strong on day two, placing in the top-four in the remaining three events of the day, including a first-place finish in the 60-meter hurdles. He remains the third-best heptathlete in Razorback history.

“That’s another personal best and just the tip of the iceberg for Gabe,” Bucknam said. “If you talk to him, there are a lot of places where he think he can improve. He’s made huge gains in the pole vault and hurdles from last year to this year and those are two pretty tough events in the multis. It’s just a sign of things to come when he really puts it together.”

Arkansas will break from competition next weekend, returning to the oval Feb. 9-10 at the Randal Tyson Track Center as the hosts of the Tyson Invitational.

Razorback Invitational
January 27, 2018
Randal Tyson Track Center (Fayetteville, Ark.)

60 Meters Prelims
17. Kevin Harris – 6.99

400 Meters Invitational
1. Obi Igbokwe – 45.72

400 Meters
2. Kemar Mowatt – 46.83
3. Jamarco Stephen – 47.27
5. Roy Ejiakuekwu – 47.59
8. John Winn – 48.16
12. Hunter Woodhall – 48.43
18. Travius Chambers – 48.74

800 Meters
9. Kieran Taylor – 1:51.92
10. Chase Pareti – 1:52.96
11. Reese Walters – 1:52.73
19. Colin O’Mara – 1:56.66

Mile Invitational
9. Kyle Hosting – 4:09.15

Mile
2. Kyle Levermore – 4:08.31

3,000 Meters
5. Preston Cates – 8:27.80
9. Graham Brown – 8:31.37

60-Meter Hurdles Prelims
4. Larry Donald – 7.92

60-Meter Hurdles Finals
4. Larry Donald – 7.92

4-x-400 Meter Relay
3. Arkansas A – Ejiakuekwu, Igbokwe, Mowatt, Stephen, 3:08.37
5. Arkansas B – Chambers, Winn, Woodhall, Donald, 3:09.27

Shot Put
8. Sam Kempka – 16.88m/55-4 3/4

Hogs travel to Athens for ITA Kickoff Weekend

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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FAYETTEVILLE — Part of the ITA Kickoff Weekend, Arkansas will be competing in Athens, Georgia, on Sunday in the first round against Memphis at 8 a.m. at the Dan Magill Tennis complex on the campus of the University of Georgia.

The winner of Sunday’s match will face the winner of the Georgia/Iowa match, being held following Arkansas’ match.

Sixty men’s teams will be competing throughout the country for the right to qualify for the ITA National Team Indoor Championships to be hosted in February by Washington.

The 15 universities hosting ITA Kick-Off Weekend events were designated as host sites in order of their year-end 2017 ITA team ranking.

Three visiting schools will travel to each host site for a four-team tournament.

The host school will meet the No. 4 seed, the No. 2 seed will play the No. 3 seed, and the winners will come back to play for a berth at the ITA National Team Indoor Championships.

So far this year, the Razorbacks are 1-2, with two losses to top-20 programs. Georgia enters the weekend as the only ranked team in the Athens regional, ranked No. 4 in the country in the latest rankings.

Schedule
Sun, Jan. 28
8 a.m., Memphis vs. Arkansas
Noon, Georgia vs. Iowa

Mon, Jan. 29
9 a.m., Men’s Consolation
1 p.m., Men’s Championship

Van Horn talks about highly-ranked team at media day

ESPN Arkansas News Services
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Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn talked with the media Saturday morning about the Razorbacks’ high expectations for the season.

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