Parker takes eighth at USATF Championships in Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa — Three athletes with Razorback ties took to the track for a short day two of the USATF Championships at Drake Field on the campus of Drake University, highlighted by Kiara Parkers run to the final in the 100-meters.

Taliyah Brooks took to the track for the prelims in the 100-meter hurdles. The senior, who holds the No. 3 time in program history (12.84) advanced to the semifinals following a run of 13.01 seconds finishing fourth in her heat and 11th overall in the prelims. Brooks will return to the track for the semifinals Saturday at 2:20 p.m.

Kiara Parker stepped to the track for semifinal action in the 100-meters looking to advance to the final.

After not advancing to the NCAA final in the 100-meters, Parker advanced to the semifinal yesterday by way of the auto-Q clocking the ninth-fastest time in the prelims at 11.16.

An SEC finalist and an NCAA qualifier in the event, Parker secured her spot in the final with a run of 11.17 in the semifinal round. In the final, Parker finished eighth with a time of 11.22.

“This weekend was the best,” said Parker. “I was never expected to make the semifinal, or the final after not making NCAA’s in the 100-meters or the 200-meters. It was an eye-opener to come here and make finals, my mind was blown, it was the best thing in the world!”

The 800-meter Semifinal saw ProHog Chrishuna Williams take 11th with her time of 2:02.50, finishing fifth in her heat, missing an auto-Q spot by .15 seconds.

Arkansas will return for day three of the USATF Outdoor Championships starting tomorrow at 2:15 p.m. with Taliyah Brooks in the long jump.