MacPherson wins steeplechase at Sun Angel

TEMPE, Ariz. – Senior Scott MacPherson led a group of seven Razorbacks who punched their tickets to the post season at the Sun Angel Classic at Arizona State on Saturday.

MacPherson won the 3,000-meter steeplechase in a time of 8:45.99. His time is a personal best, a regional qualifier and is No. 10 on Arkansas’ all-time list. He currently ranks second in the NCAA and leads the SEC.

Arkansas’ 4×100-meter relay qualified for the NCAA Regional Championships in May. Senior Cedric Zellner, junior Alain Bailey, senior Mychael Stewart and senior J-Mee Samuels combined for a time of 40.09 and finished third.

Samuels rebounded to finish third in the premiere heat of the 100 meters. He clocked a time of 10.45 in his first open race of the season. His time is a regional qualifier.

Bailey also picked up a regional qualifier in an open event. He finished fifth in the long jump. His mark of 24-1 guarantees him a spot in the post season.

Senior Nkosinza Balumbu finished third in the triple jump. His mark of 52-1 is also a regional qualifier. Sophomore Luke Laird finished fourth in the javelin. He marked a toss of 208-1 to improve his regional-qualifying mark.

Next up for Arkansas will be the John McDonnell Invitational, Fri.-Sat, April 17-18 at John McDonnell Field. For more information, visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com.