Robert Black

One To England Two To Peru

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – All-American Razorback Daina Harper and rising sophomores Maddy Reed and Taylor Werner all qualified to represent the United States track and field team in international competition later this summer off strong performances at the 2017 USATF Outdoor Championships.

New Razorback Quarter-mile Queen
Following her program record-breaking outing one day earlier in the 400-meter semifinals, Harper strengthened her claim as the best Arkansas quarter-miler, posting a .07 second improvement of 50.64 in the finals. The time earned her recognition as the sixth-fastest quarter-miler at the meet and entry into the 2017 IAAF World Championships as a member of Team USA’s 4-x-400-meter relay pool. London, England bound for the world meet in August; Harper currently ranks at No. 11 on the 2017 400-meter world list.

“To be able to PR three races in a row and gain a spot on the world relay team is just absolutely phenomenal,” head coach Lance Harter said. “Considering the conditions are absolutely horrific, to be able to accomplish what Daina has done is a credit to the hard work and effort she puts in every day.”

Gold Rush for Junior Hogs
The Razorbacks saw more success of the heels of Reed and Werner who both earned USATF junior gold medals and spots on the national junior team. Reed was the first to reach the top of the podium, placing first in the 1,500 with a four-second personal best of 4 minutes, 21.45 seconds. Werner was quick to follow her lead, capping the day with a dominant victory in the 3,000-meter run. The pair will travel to Trujillo, Peru to represent Team USA at the 2017 Pan American Junior Championships July 21-23.

Additional Notable Performances
• Nikki Hiltz moved to No. 2 on program all-time bests list with 4:10.28 in 1,500 for sixth.
• Jessica Kamilos placed 11th in the 3,000-meter steeplechase finals.

“Nikki ran such a great prelim and I think it gave her the confidence to know that she could run with the best that America has to offer,” Harter said. “Although she’s had offers to compete in Europe she plans on calling it a season and spending the summer getting in some altitude training at Lake Tahoe. Overall, it has been a fantastic weekend thus far. We’re looking forward to a strong finish in the heptathlon and some great pole vault action tomorrow.”

On Deck for Tomorrow
Arkansas’ All-American heptathlon trio of Taliyah Brooks, ProHog Alex Gochenour and Payton Stumbaugh will continue their mission to secure spots on the U.S. national team. Brooks leads the group, currently in fourth place after day one events with a score of 3,651 points. Gochenour closely trails in fifth place with 3,641 points, while Stumbaugh remains in striking distance as well in sixth place with 3,558 points.

Date/Time: Sunday June 25, 1 p.m. CT
Venue: Sacramento State University (Hornet Stadium)
Important Links: Live Results
Broadcast Schedule: NBC

USATF Outdoor Championships
Day Three Results

400 Meters Finals
6. Daina Harper – 50.64 (Worlds Qualifier)

1,500 Meter Finals
6. Nikki Hiltz – 4:10.28

1,500 Meter Finals (Juniors)
1. Maddy Reed – 4:21.45 (Pan Am Qualifier)

3,000 Meter Finals (Juniors)
1. Taylor Werner – 9:36.56 (Pan Am Qualifier)

Steeplechase Finals
11. Jessica Kamilos – 10:05.17

Heptathlon Day One
4. Taliyah Brooks – 3,651 points
4. 100mH – 13.25 (1,087)
4. High Jump – 1.80m (978)
14. Shot Put – 11.70m (641)
8. 200m – 24.38 (945)

5. Alex Gochenour – 3,641 points
5. 100mH – 13.41 (1,063)
8. High Jump – 1.68m (830)
2. Shot Put – 13.91m (788)
7. 200m – 24.22 (960)

6. Payton Stumbaugh – 3,558 points
3. 100mH – 13.19 (1,096)
8. High Jump – 1.68m (830)
15. Shot Put – 11.24m (611)
3. 200m – 23.58 (1,021)

Arkansas USATF Event Schedule
Sunday, June 25
1:00 p.m. – Hept. Long Jump (T. Brooks, A. Gochenour, P. Stumbaugh)
2:00 p.m. – Hept. Javelin (T. Brooks, A. Gochenour, P. Stumbaugh)
2:00 p.m. – Pole Vault Finals (S. Morris, L. Weeks, T. Weeks)
3:28 p.m. – Hept. 800m (T. Brooks, A. Gochenour, P. Stumbaugh)
4:06 p.m. – 800m Finals (C. Williams)

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