Sullins sets Razorbacks’ hammer throw mark in first outdoor meet Friday

FAYETTEVILLE — Razorbacks senior Erich Sullins kicked off the Arkansas Spring Invitational with action in the men’s hammer throw at John McDonnell Field on Friday afternoon.

Sullins, the lone competitor on day one of the Spring Invitational, opened up his 2019 outdoor season in the hammer throw, an event he advanced to the NCAA Preliminaries in last season.

A scratch on the first attempt was quickly forgotten after a second attempt mark of 63.10m (207-0) that fell exactly two feet short of the program record of 209-0 held by Sullins from last season.

A scratch on his third attempt saw Sullins advance to the finals with the second-best mark from prelims trailing only Iowa State’s Vlad Pavlenko who registered a best of 63.67m (208-10) on his second attempt.

The fourth throw of the competition for Sullins proved to be the best of the afternoon as the hammer sailed a distance of 63.96m (209-10) to improve Sullins’ school record in the event, adding an additional 10-inches.

Iowa State’s Pavlenko took the event title with a best of 66.09m (216-10) on his final attempt, with Arkansas’ Sullins taking silver in a lifetime-best performance.

Day Two of the Arkansas Spring Invitational will resume Sat, Mar. 23 at 11 a.m. at John McDonnell Field.