Missouri coach Cuonzo Martin talked with the media after his Tigers came close, but couldn’t nail a shot at the end against the Hogs.
Razorbacks fall to Kentucky in first home meet of year
FAYETTEVILLE — Redshirt freshman Sarah Shaffer posted a 39.325 in the all-around, including a 9.875 on vault, as No. 11 Arkansas fell to No. 6 Kentucky 196.950-196.525 inside Barnhill Arena.
“We came in here with a lot more energy,” said coach Mark Cook. “We had some fantastic routines and I’m really happy with the girls’ improvement.”
First Rotation: Kentucky Bars: 49.275, Arkansas Vault: 49.200
Arkansas and Kentucky were deadlocked after the first rotation as four of five Razorback competitors scored 9.825 or higher. Sophomore Sydney McGlone tied her career high with a 9.900 while Shaffer tallied a 9.875. Seniors Braie Speed and Amanda Wellick finished just behind with a 9.850 and 9.825, respectively.
“We had some really big vaults,” said Cook. “We had to take that momentum through the entire meet. We were very aggressive, but we saw some big routines.”
Second Rotation: Kentucky Vault: 49.200, Arkansas Bars: 49.050
Winning her first individual event title of the season, Wellick recorded a 9.900 on bars while Speed was just behind with a 9.875 to keep Arkansas locked in a tight battle with the Wildcats. A pair of freshmen in Shaffer and Sydney Laird were Arkansas’ third and fourth scorers, each with a 9.800. After two rotations, the Razorbacks trailed Kentucky 98.500-98.250.
“We were a lot more comfortable this week,” said Shaffer. “Especially us being at home, the crowd really helped fuel our energy and we built off of them.”
Third Rotation: Arkansas Beam: 49.250, Kentucky Floor: 49.100
Arkansas score of 49.250 on beam was its highest score since March 8, 2014 against Nebraska as the Razorbacks had all five scorers record 9.800 or higher. Freshman Sophia Carter again led Arkansas on the event, scoring a 9.900 for the second consecutive week while winning her first career event title. Wellick and sophomore Michaela Burton both posted 9.875, finishing just behind Carter.
Fourth Rotation: Kentucky Beam: 49.350, Arkansas Floor: 49.025
Four of five Razorbacks scored 9.800 or higher as both Shaffer and sophomore Jessica Yamzon recorded 9.850 to lead Arkansas on the floor. The 49.025 gave the Razorbacks a 49 or higher on each event for just the second time in 14 meets.
“Seeing the improvement we’ve made and we just know the potential we still have in the tank,” Cook said. “If we’re able to squeeze six or seven tenths out of this team, we could break a 197 with this team.”
Up Next:
The Razorbacks travel to Columbia, Missouri for another SEC matchup against the Missouri Tigers next Friday at 7 p.m.
Arkansas starts season with road win at Tulsa
TULSA, Okla. — Arkansas got off to a 1-0 start on the season, defeating the Tulsa Hurricane Friday night 5-2.
To start things off in doubles brothers Jose Alonso/Pedro Alonso defeated Lucca Baptista/Mitchell Pritchard of Tulsa 6-1 at the No. 3 spot to give Arkansas the early advantage. Down 3-2 at the No. 2 spot, Josh Howard-Tripp/Jose Salazar fought back to defeat Tulsa’s Louis Corker/Joshua Goodger 6-4 to clinch the doubles point for the Razorbacks.
Adam Sanjurjo/Oscar Mesquida and Tulsa’s Jarod Hing/Majed Kilani were tied 4-4 at the clinch.
Ranked 113th in the Oracle/ITA rankings, Salazar defeated No. 56 Majed Kilani 6-3, 6-0 at the No. 1 spot to extend Arkansas’ lead to 2-0. Freshman Josh Howard-Tripp shortly followed to give Arkansas a 3-0 lead, defeating Louis Corker 6-2, 6-1 at court four.
Tulsa would finally get on the board as No. 82 Joshua Goodger would defeat Adam Sanjurjo 6-4, 6-4. The Razorbacks would waste no time to clinch, as junior Oscar Mesquida would finalize the result with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-0 win at No. 3 to give Arkansas a 4-1 lead and the win.
Following the clinch, freshman Pedro Alonso would fall to Lucca Baptista 6-7, 3-6, while his younger brother Jose would knock off Mitchell Pritchard 6-1, 2-6, 6-4.
Arkansas will travel to Norman, Oklahoma, for their next match on Sunday against the No. 18 Oklahoma Sooners at 1 p.m.
Arkansas 5, Tulsa 2
Singles competition – Order of finish (1,4,2,3,5,6)
1. No. 113 Jose Salazar (AR) def. No. 56 Majed Kilani (TU) 6-3, 6-0
2. No. 82 Joshua Goodger (TU) def. Adam Sanjurjo (AR) 6-4, 6-4
3. Oscar Mesquida (AR) def. Jarod Hing (TU) 6-4, 4-6, 6-0
4. Josh Howard-Tripp (AR) def. Louis Corker (TU) 6-2, 6-1
5. Lucca Baptista (TU) def. Pedro Alonso (AR) 6-7, 3-6
6. Jose Alonso (AR) def. Mitchell Pritchard (TU) 6-1, 2-6, 6-4
Doubles competition – Order of finish (3,2)
1. Adam Sanjurjo/Oscar Mesquida (AR) vs. Jarod Hing/Majed Kilani (TU) 4-4, unfinished
2. Josh Howard-Tripp/Jose Salazar (AR) def. Louis Corker/Joshua Goodger (TU) 6-4
3. Jose Alonso/Pedro Alonso (AR) def. Lucca Baptista/Mitchell Pritchard (TU) 6-1
Razorbacks collect three titles at Arkansas Invitational
FAYETTEVILLE — No. 3 Arkansas matched its preseason rank with three event wins Friday afternoon at the season-opening Arkansas Invitational at the Randal Tyson Track Center.
Kenzo Cotton, Jamarco Stephen and Cameron Griffith all raced to victories while Obi Igbokwe posted a nation-leading time at 200 meters.
2018 Arkansas Invitational Results
“Performances aside, being in the right frame of mind is most important to us right now,” coach Chris Bucknam said. “When you do talk about the performances, you have to talk about Kenzo in the 60 (meters) and Gabe Moore with what he’s doing to get ready for the heptathlon.
“Then there’s Cameron, Jack and all those guys racing down at 1,000 (meters) for their first race on the track after a tough week of work. Obi ran a great race. It’s only Jan. 12 and we had some fast times today.”
2018 Arkansas Invitational Event Champions
Kenzo Cotton – 60m
Jamarco Stephen – 600m
Cameron Griffith – 1,000m
Paced by Cotton’s winning performance at 60 meters, the Razorbacks placed five inside the top 12 including four top-10 efforts.
Racing against former teammates Jarrion Lawson and Marqueze Washington, Cotton pulled away and crossed the finish line in a time of 6.63 which is the No. 2 time in the NCAA based on marks entering the weekend.
In his second race of the day, Obi Igbokwe was the top collegian and third overall at 200 meters in an NCAA-leading time of 20.78.
Arkansas swept the top three spots and secured seven of the top 10 at 1,000 meters. Griffith posted a first-place time of 2:23.21 and was followed across the line by teammates Jack Bruce and Ethan Moehn, respectively.
The Razorbacks’ first win of the day — and season — was another mid-distance top performance by Stephen in 1:19.43 at 600 meters.
In preparation for upcoming heptathlons this indoor season, Gabe Moore competed in three events and responded with a personal-best effort in the 60-meter hurdles.
He crossed in a time of 8.16, lowering his previous best of 8.41 from last year’s Razorback Invitational.
In addition to the shot put, Moore also posted a 4.60m/15-1 clearance in the pole vault.
Senior standout Kemar Mowatt, named to The Bowerman Preseason Watch List earlier this week, opened his campaign as the top collegiate performer in the 60-meter hurdles.
He clocked a time of 8.08 in the event and returned to the track with a top-10 effort at 200 meters.
Mowatt is the defending SEC champion and NCAA bronze medalist in the 400-meter hurdles, his signature event during the outdoor season.
“I’m very pleased,” Bucknam said. “Everything felt good with our guys and their body language and the way they prepared yesterday and today. These early meets can be dangerous.
“Some of these guys, Kenzo for example, haven’t competed since last year’s (NCAA) outdoor meet or the USA Championships. I’m really proud of the way they prepared themselves for today.”
Bucknam and his Razorbacks hit the road next weekend for the Simmons-Harvey Quad in Ann Arbor, Mich., against Ohio State, Michigan State and host Michigan.
Arkansas returns to its home track Jan. 26-27 for the Razorback Invitational.
Arkansas Invitational
January 12, 2018
Randal Tyson Track Center (Fayetteville, Ark.)
60 Meters
1. Kenzo Cotton – 6.63
5. Roy Ejiakuekwu – 6.75
7. Rhayko Schwartz – 6.83 [PR – previous: 6.93]
9. Harrison Schrage – 6.89 [PR – previous: 6.95]
12. Obi Igbokwe – 6.93
200 Meters
3. Obi Igbokwe – 20.78 [PR – previous: 20.87] *top collegian
5. Rhayko Schwartz – 21.29
7. Kemar Mowatt – 21.44
400 Meters
8. Hunter Woodhall – 49.21
600 Meters
1. Jamarco Stephen – 1:19.43
4. John Winn – 1: 20.66
800 Meters
3. Chase Pareti – 1:53.04
5. Travius Chambers – 1:57.72
1,000 Meters
1. Cameron Griffith – 2:23.21
2. Jack Bruce – 2:25.41
3. Ethan Moehn – 2:25.46
5. Kyle Hosting – 2:29.13
5. Kieran Taylor – 2:29.13
8. Kyle Levermore – 2:29.80
10. Colin O’Mara – 2:33.00
Mile
9. Graham Brown – 4:16.23
60m Hurdles
4. Kemar Mowatt – 8.08 *top collegian
5. Gabe Moore – 8.16 [PR – previous: 8.41]
8. Travius Chambers – 8.26
High Jump
2. Brendon Rivera – 2.00m/6-6.75
Pole Vault
7. Gabe Moore – 4.60m/15-1
10. Brandon Stokes – 4.30m/14-1.25
Triple Jump
2. Laquan Nairn – 15.52m/50-11 *top collegian
3. Rubin Owens – 15.43m/50-7.5
Shot Put
2. Sam Kempka – 16.45m/53-11.75 *top collegian
3. Jeff Rogers – 15.85m/52-0
6. Gabe Moore – 13.43m/44-0.74
Weight Throw
2. Erich Sullins – 19.10m/62-8
Stumbaugh-Chadwick has stunning showing in indoor return
FAYETTEVILLE — No. 2 Arkansas opened its season in phenomenal fashion on Friday evening at the Randal Tyson Track Center in front of a crowd of 1,353 Razorback fans.
Arkansas picked up five event titles throughout the day, with event victories in the 60-meter dash, 60-meter hurdles, high jump, pole vault and long jump.
“Looking forward our future appears to be very positive considering we only ran about 75 percent of our team,” head coach Lance Harter said. “We have a lot of major players that will open up in the weeks to come but whenever you can have a breakthrough like Payton Stumbaugh-Chadwick did with her lifetime PR in the long jump and in the hurdles you’re on the right track.
“Taliyah Brooks had a great day opening up close to her PR in the high jump and running a great 60. Tori [Hoggard] took care of business with a 14-foot jump in the vault. We just had a great showing by our veterans tonight.”
Springdale native Payton Stumbaugh-Chadwick headlined the home opener capturing a pair of event titles with victories in the 60-meter hurdles and the long jump.
The indoor bout was the first for the multi since the 2016 season, having sat out last year due to injury.
Opening the day with the long jump, Stumbaugh-Chadwick leapt to a PR of 6.28m/20-7¼ on her first jump, eclipsing her previous best by one foot. She went on to improve upon her best, finishing the event in first place with 6.30m/20-8, which ranks her as the fifth-best long jumper in program history.
The All-American pentathlete wrapped up her individual events, dominating her competition in the 60 hurdles, placing first with a season best of 8.18.
“Overall, I feel really great,” Stumbaugh-Chadwick said. “I executed all of the little things. Training has been really great all fall. I took this fall as a time to get better and get faster. I accomplished that tonight and that was just the beginning.”
New Generation
Freshmen Morgan Burks-Magee and Joy Ripslinger raced to top-five finishes in the 400 and 600-meter dashes, respectively.
Competing for the first time as Razorbacks, Burks-Magee and Ripslinger were the top collegiate finishers in their events, bested only by professional runners.
Additional Notable Performances
Sophomore Carina Viljoen finished as the runner-up in the 1,000-meter run, off a PR-performance of 2 minutes, 47.24 seconds.
Viljoen’s time was a seven-second improvement of her previous best. Another sophomore shined for the Hogs as 2017 SEC indoor 5,000-meter champion Taylor Werner opened her second year as a Razorback with a personal best in the mile of 4:41.31.
Werner finished well ahead of her collegiate competitors, second only to unattached runner Maggie Montoya.
“Carina ran a huge PR in the 1,000 and Taylor opened up strong in the mile,” Harter said. “A newcomer in Joy ran a fantastic time in the 600. We’re just excited for what is to come.”
Event Winners
• 60 Meters: Jada Baylark, 7.37
• 60 Meter Hurdles: Payton Stumbaugh-Chadwick, 8.18
• High Jump: Taliyah Brooks, 1.80m/5-10 3/4
• Pole Vault: Tori Hoggard, 4.29m/14-0 3/4
• Long Jump: Payton Stumbaugh-Chadwick, 6.30m/20-8
Arkansas will hit the road next week, traveling to Ann Arbor, Michigan for the Simmons-Harvey Quadrangular hosted by the University of Michigan, Saturday, Jan. 20.
Arkansas Invitational
January 12, 2018
Randal Tyson Track Center (Fayetteville, Ark.)
60 Meters
1. Jada Baylark – 7.37
4. Kiara Parker – 7.45
6. Taliyah Brooks – 7.53
9. Tamara Kuykendall – 7.69
20. Kayla Carter – 7.97
200 Meters
2. Jada Baylark – 23.93
5. Kiara Parker – 24.42
Tamara Kuykendall – 24.64
8. Janeek Brown – 24.72
9. Kayla Carter – 25.84
24. Jessica Dolezal – 27.11
400 Meters
4. Morgan Burks-Magee – 54.58
5. Sydney Hammit – 56.65
7. Sydney Davis – 57.81
16. Jessica Dolezal – 1:02.73
600 Meters
3. Joy Ripslinger – 1:32.36
6. Ruth Wiggins – 1:36.91
7. Emily Jeacock – 1:38.44
1,000 Meters
2. Carina Viljoen – 2:47.24
Mile
2. Taylor Werner – 4:41.31
4. Sydney Brown – 4:53.63
7. Maddy Reed – 4:57.22
8. Ashton Endsley – 4:57.59
18. Rachel Nichwitz – 5:12.00
19. Greta Taylor – 5:12.06
29. Grace Taylor – 5:19.66
32. Alex Ritchey – 5:21.89
38. Tess Iler – 5:32.25
41. Kristen Larkan – 5:34.95
60m Hurdles
1. Payton Stumbaugh-Chadwick – 8.18
3. Kelsey Herman – 8.56
4x400m Relay
2. Arkansas A – Burks-Magee, Stumbaugh-Chadwick, Hammit, Baylark – 3:39.86
3. Arkansas B – Davis, Ripslinger, Parker, Jeacock – 3:50.59
High Jump
1. Taliyah Brooks – 1.80m/5-10¾
4. Kelsey Herman – 1.65m/5-5
5. Carmen Sitz – 1.65m/5-5
Pole Vault
1. Tori Hoggard – 4.29m/14-0¾¼
7. Morgan Hartsell – 3.84m/12-7¼
10. Elly Ramos Mata – 3.69m/12-1¼
14. Rylee Robinson – 3.49m/11-5¼
19. Madeline Telford – 3.29m/10-9½
Long Jump
1. Payton Stumbaugh-Chadwick – 6.30m/20-8
