Lawson Leads 1-2-3 Finish In Outdoor Season Debut

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The No. 7 University of Arkansas men’s track and field team got a win from Jarrion Lawson in the long jump on day one of the John McDonnell Invitational in Fayetteville. Friday’s competition featured just three events for the Razorbacks with running events and the remainder of the field schedule slated for Saturday

In his outdoor-season debut, Lawson posted a winning effort of 7.60m/24-11.25 to lead a 1-2-3 finish for the Razorbacks in the long jump. The Razorback junior passed on his final three jumps after the third-round mark. It was Lawson’s first appearance since his runner-up showing at the NCAA Indoor Championships. Teammates Brandon Workman (23-8.25) and Rubin Owens (23-5.5) rounded out the top-three sweep, respectively.

Arkansas collected another pair of runner-up results from Ken LeGassey and Devin Randall in their respective events. In the high jump, LeGassey finished second with a final clearance of 2.05m/6-8.75. In the first event of the day for Arkansas, Randall moved from fourth to second with his sixth-round throw of 51.20m/168-0 in the discus. He is scheduled to return Saturday to compete in the hammer throw and shot put.

Along with the Razorbacks, this weekend’s field at the John McDonnell Invitational includes Kansas, Memphis, Missouri, No. 15 Oklahoma State and Tulsa. For the first time in meet history, this weekend’s event also features high school competition.

The John McDonnell Invitational continues Saturday with gates opening for the public at noon (CT). General admission is $5 with free admission for UA students with valid ID and fans 17 years old and younger. To purchase tickets, call 800-982-HOGS (4647), email raztk@uark.edu or visit the Razorback Ticket Center just east of Baum Stadium.

John McDonnell Invitational, Day 1
John McDonnell Field | Fayetteville, Ark.

High Jump
2. Ken LeGassey – 2.05m/6-8.75
6. Stephen Payne – 2.00m/6-6.75
8. Alex Campbell – 1.95m/6-4.75

Long Jump
1. Jarrion Lawson – 7.60m/24-11.25 (+0.5)
2. Brandon Workman – 7.22m/23-8.25 (+2.0)
3. Rubin Owens – 7.15m/23-5.5 (+1.5)
10. Trae Carey – 5.79m/19-0 (-1.1)

Discus
2. Devin Randall – 51.20m/168-0
9. Nathanael Franks – 42.13m/138-2
10. Lane Austell – 38.94m/127-9 [PR – previous: 126-7]
12. Brad Culp – 33.67m/110-5

For more information on Arkansas track and field including in-meet updates, follow @RazorbackTF on Twitter.