Standout Performances Aplenty at the Arkansas HS Invitational
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At the Arkansas High School Invitational, athletes delivered impressive performances, setting national marks and achieving personal bests across multiple events.
Boys Recap
Kyler Brown stood out in the 200m dash, claiming victory with a U.S. #6 time of 21.46, dominating the field by over a second. Undefeated this season in both the 60m and 200m, Brown has now secured five victories. Jaylen Thomas also shone, posting a U.S. #8 time of 47.81 in the 400m dash. The 800m race saw a thrilling duel between Brian Burns and Evan Martin, with Burns edging Martin out by a mere 0.07 seconds, clocking in at 1:54.43 to Martin's 1:54.50. Their performances rank #8 and #9 nationally this season.
The 3000m featured outstanding times from Matthew Shelly, Owen Kelley, and Ruel Newberry, who recorded the #3, #4, and #5 times nationally, with 8:24.86, 8:25.68, and 8:27.82, respectively. In the 4x800m relay, Edmond Memorial High School set the U.S. #1 and #2 times, winning in 7:51.26, thanks to strong performances from Cameron Stuckless, Karson Pillow, Zachary Lewis, and Harry Ormiston. Pole vaulter Kercher Herring also made waves, clearing 16' 4.75" for a nearly 10-inch PR, securing the #9 national ranking.
Girls Recap
On the girls' side, Ryin Miller dominated the 3000m with a U.S. #4 time of 9:50.27, winning by just over two seconds. Close behind her was Eva Cragnolino, who ran 9:52.68, earning the U.S. #6 time this season. The Hot Feet Track Club's 4x800m relay team, featuring Ryin Miller, Liz Browning, Kelsie Kudzia, and Paige Stuart, posted a U.S. #4 time of 9:18.78, further showcasing their strength in the event. In the pole vault, Jaicee Jasmer cleared 13' 6", setting a U.S. #3 mark, and joining an elite group of only four girls to vault that height or higher. This one-foot PR over her previous indoor best matched her outdoor PR.
Overall, the Arkansas High School Invitational proved to be a showcase of top-tier talent, with athletes pushing the limits of their events and setting national marks that will be tough to beat this season.