Historic Penn Relays Up Next For Track Hogs

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – No. 12 Arkansas Razorback track and field will travel to Philadelphia, Penn. for the 114th running of Penn Relays, April 24-26.

The event will be held at Franklin Field. The Razorbacks will be making their 24th appearance at Penn Relays. Arkansas has competed in the event every year since 1983, with the exception of 2001 when the Razorbacks competed at the Drake Relays.

This season, Arkansas is scheduled to compete in the 4×800-meter relay, the 4xMile relay, the sprint medley relay and the distance medley relay. Additionally, the Razorbacks will have entries in the various distance events, J-Mee Samuels in the 100 meters and the usual crew of jumpers competing.

While Penn Relays is always an exciting event, 2008 will be even more memorable for athletes and fans alike after learning that Arkansas head coach John McDonnell will be retiring at the end of the 2008 outdoor season. McDonnell, as a head coach, holds one of the strongest winning traditions in Philadelphia and at one of the world’s greatest track and field events.

During their 23-year tenure at the meet, the Razorbacks have brought home 42 coveted wagon wheels. Only twice since 1983 has Arkansas not won at least one event at Penn Relays. In 2005 and 2007, the Razorbacks did not win a wagon wheel.

Arkansas’ 42 NCAA team titles are a well-known statistic in the track world. Arkansas has also won 42 Penn Relays titles in the last 23 years. Michigan has also won 42 Penn Relays titles. Only Penn and Villanova have won more.

In the current U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association ranking, the Track Hogs sit at No. 12. LSU, Florida State and Texas A&M compile the top three, respectively. Arkansas is one of eight SEC schools ranked in the top 25.

ESPN2 will air the USA vs. the World challenge from Penn Relays, Sat., April 26, at 1 p.m. CST. Former Razorback Wallace Spearmon, Jr. is scheduled to compete in the 4×100-meter relay as a member of Team USA. Live stats can be found at www.thepennrelays.com.
For more information about Arkansas track and field, visit www.hogwired.com.

Download: 4.23.08 Penn Relays.pdf