Razorbacks Outpace Longhorns to Capture 4X1500-Meter Relay Title at Texas Relays

AUSTIN, Texas – The Razorbacks came away with their first relay victory for the weekend as they defeated the Longhorns in the 4×1,500-meter relay on UT’s own Mike A. Myers Stadium track at the Texas Relays. The Hogs put together a winning time of 15:32.41, making it the eighth-straight year Arkansas had come away with the title. Texas’ second-place time was 15:33.26.

“That was a sweet victory, because we didn’t have Adam Perkins or Peter Kosgei here with us,” Arkansas head coach John McDonnell said. “The guys tonight did a great job from the word go. They did exactly what they were supposed to do. It was nice to end up with a victory.”

Freshman Colin Costello took the opening leg and did a good job of sticking close to Texas as he recorded a 3:55 split. Senior Seth Summerside stayed on the heels of the ‘Horns, remaining patient until he gained the lead on the third lap. As Summerside lengthened his lead with a split of 3:52 he passed the baton to senior Marc Rodrigues.

The All-American maintained the lead until the third lap when Texas went back in front. When senior All-American Josphat Boit took the stick for the anchor leg the race was still very close. Boit ran a smart race, taking the lead sooner than planned with two laps left. Going against very stiff winds Boit recorded 55.0 in the final 400 meters to hold his lead down the stretch and claim victory for Arkansas with a 3:50 split.

“The race went well,” Boit said. “The pace was a bit slow, but that is what I need to pick it up at the end. I was confident in my run, because I have done well so far. I love this place and running at the Texas Relays.”

A team of freshmen represented Arkansas in the 4×100-meter relay, including Cedric Zellner, Michael Stewart, Jeremy Dodson and J-Mee Samuels. The young group put together a time of 40.70, just missing the regional qualification of 40.66, to finish fourth in their heat.

Zellner also ran in the open 100 meters and recorded a time of 11.01, but did not advance to the finals.

In field events action two Hogs had their try in the long jump, including freshman All-American Nkosinza Balumbu and junior Greg Martin. Balumbu earned sixth place with a leap of 23-4.75, while Martin turned in a mark of 22-11.25 to tie for 11th place. Freshman Daniel Quinn was the only UA athlete in the triple jump as he posted a mark of 48-5.25 for 12th place.

In the discus throw senior two-sport athlete Tony Ugoh opened the outdoor season with a throw of 164-07 for 12th place.

As the evening winded down freshman Kenny Cormier and senior Eric Gross ran in the 1,500 meters, but were unable to come away with regional qualifications. Cormier crossed the line in 13th (3:52.67), while Gross was 16th (4:03.69).

With formidable competition such as TCU, Texas Tech and UTEP in the sprint medley relay UA was looking to put up a strong performance with Samuels, Stewart, Dodson and junior Brian Roe taking to the track. Samuels ran a solid opening 200-meter leg, but Stewart pulled up half way through the second 200-meter leg and was unable to finish. UTEP went on to take the tape with a clocking of 3:16.63.

The second-ranked Razorbacks will continue competition at the Texas Relays on Saturday with athletes entered in the javelin, distance medley relay and high jump.