Evans still a school-record holder

Kenny Evans is one of the Razorbacks’ great field event athletes and an established Pine Bluff, Arkansas native. Originally donned a talented a high school basketball player, Evans switched to the high jump when he was asked to try out for his high school track and field team.

Still a school record holder, Evans left his mark in Fayetteville at Randal Tyson Track Center, John McDonnell Field and in the classroom. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in 2003.

Evans came to the University as the 1996 and 1997 Gatorade Track and Field Athlete of the year and three-time high school All-American while competing for Pine Bluff High School. A three-time Arkansas state champion in the high jump, he also placed sixth at the USA Junior Championships in 1997.

As an outstanding high jumper, he earned eight All-America accolades during his tenure with the Hogs. He was the 1998 NCAA Indoor Champion and also picked up three SEC Indoor High Jump titles in 1999 (7-4.5), 2000 (7-0.5) and 2001 (7-1.75).

Evans was also the 1998 SEC Outdoor High Jump Champion (7-3.25). He jumped a career best 7-7 at the 2000 NCAA Indoor Championships where he earned a runner-up finish. Evans remains as the outdoor school record holder at 7.65, tied with three others.

In his eight NCAA Championships appearances, both indoor and outdoor, Evans picked up one title (1998i), two runner-up finishes (1999i, 2000i), four bronze finishes (1999o, 2000o, 2001i, 2001o) and one fourth-place finish (1998o).

During his time in Fayetteville, Evans was a member of numerous NCAA and SEC Championship teams. He contributed to three NCAA Indoor (1998, 1999, 2000), two NCAA Outdoor (1998, 1999), four SEC Indoor (1998, 1999, 2000, 2001) and three SEC Outdoor (1998, 1999, 2000) Championship squads.

During the 1998 and 1999 season, Arkansas, with the help of Evans competing in the high jump, won the NCAA Triple Crown (NCAA cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field titles).

Recruited to the University by field events coach and long-time Arkansas assistant, Dick Booth, the duo reunited for the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney when Evans was a member of Team USA and Booth served on the coaching staff.

Evans’ international competition resume also includes a fifth-place finish at the World University Games, a runner-up finish at the 2000 U.S. Olympic Trials and a 13th-place finish at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney.

Now retired from competition, Evans was recently inducted into the Arkansas Track and Field Hall Fame, Class of 2007.

The University of Arkansas’ Athletic Department recognizes its heritage and the countless contributions made by African-American student-athletes in all 19 of its varsity sports. The Razorbacks are proud to celebrate this great tradition and recognize some of the inspiring pioneers, great student-athletes and outstanding role models that have worn a Razorback uniform as a part of Black History Month.