Youth prevails for men's track

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Some of head coach Chris Bucknam’s youngest stars shined the brightest on day one of the Razorback Invitational on Friday at the Randal Tyson Track Center for No. 5 Arkansas Razorback track and field.

"We had a solid effort overall today," Bucknam. "Terry Prentice had a great start in the heptathlon and the second day is a good one for him. Our freshmen and sophomore ran well on the distance medley relays and really showed some promise among some decent competition. Cobi Hamilton had another impressive race in the 200 meters. We have a lot more of our guys competing tomorrow and I’m expecting to see good effort and good competition."

After day one of competition, sophomore Terry Prentice stands at third in the pentathlon. After four events, he has 2,979 points. He recorded marks of 7.32 in the 60 meters, 23-2.5 in the long jump, 38-1.25 in the shot put and a big PR of 6-6.25 in the high jump.

Arkansas’ top distance medley relay team, consisting of three freshmen and a sophomore, clocked a time of 9:55.75 to take the race win. Freshman Drew Butler (2:59.91, 1,200 meters), freshman Chris Muncie (49.16, 400 meters), freshman Omar Abdi (1:53.86, 800 meters) and sophomore Rick Elliott (4:12.83, mile) clocked the fastest time in the SEC and the NCAA’s No. 4 time.

Freshman Cobi Hamilton made his second appearance in an Arkansas uniform on the track. He finished fourth overall and third among collegians in the 200 meters. He bettered his collegiate best to 21.24, just .01 off the NCAA provisional qualifier. His time ranks No. 3 in the SEC and No. 6 in the NCAA. He replaced his No. 9 time in Arkansas school history from last week (21.25).

Also competing in the 200 meters were junior transfer LaShawn Butler (15th, 21.89), sophomore Ben Skidmore (27th, 22.22), Muncie (34th, 22.49) and junior Randy Parker (48th, 23.34). Butler and Muncie clocked season bests.

Freshman Matt Kirbos, competing in his first collegiate multi-event, is seventh in the heptathlon after four events. He recorded marks of 7.30 in the 60 meters, 22-5 in the long jump, 36-4 in the shot put and 6-0.25 in the high jump.

Freshman Justin Holmes competed in the shot put. He finished seventh overall with a toss of 48-4.5. His throw is a personal best and ranks No. 5 in the SEC. Freshman Brandon Heeger finished second in the weight throw with a best of 48-11. Junior Chad Burnett finished seventh in the pole vault with his clearance of 15-1.

Events will continue Saturday at 11 a.m. with the conclusion of the men’s heptathlon. Running events will also begin at 11 a.m.

The men’s cross country finalists for the 100 Years of the Razorback: Fan of the Century were recognized at tonight’s meet: Matt Edwards from Bella Vista, Ark., Joshua Sakon from Fayetteville, Ark. and Brandon Rock from Rogers, Ark. Edwards won the grand prize drawing that includes a travel bag of Razorback cross country equipment.

For continued coverage of Razorback track and field, log on to ArkansasRazorbacks.com.