UALR, ASU participate in Memphis

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock men’s 400-meter relay team won in 41.16 seconds, beating Arkansas State University by 0.55 seconds at the Memphis Invitational on Saturday. The Trojans were represented by Travion Clark, Desmond Mapps, Kendrick Dunn and Michael McGruder while Arkansas State was represented by Chris Hill, Elijah Ross, Jaylen Bacon and Amari James.

Zodani Francois of UALR also won the 100 hurdles in 14.54 seconds, winning by 0.2 seconds over James.

Isaac Lalang finished second in the 3,000 steeplechase in 9:31.55. Kennedy Chumba finished fourth in the 800 in 1:56.21 and second in the 1,500 in 3:53.18.

Arkansas State’s men were led by Bacon, who won the 400 (47.55). Ross finished second in the 100 (10.22). Heinrich Herbst finished second in the 800 (1.56.1) and third in the 1,500 (3:54.30), while teammate Rickus Jacobs was fourth (3:54.57). Michael Carr finished second in the pole vault by clearing 17 feet, 3 inches. Jonah Wiley won the long jump by clearing 24-4¼. Chris Collins was second in the javelin with a throw of 193-9.

Other top participants from Arkansas schools included Travean Caldwell of Arkansas Baptist, who won the 400 hurdles (52.77), and his teammate Kaasun James, who finished fourth in the 400 (48.60). Brant Cook of the University of Central Arkansas finished eighth in the 800 (1:57.24) and fifth in the 1,500 (3:55.34).

UALR’s women had two top-five finishes. Bless Dupeh finished second in the 200 (24.56). The 1,600 relay team of Dupeh, Anika Charles, Jessica Gray and Akeia Joyner finished third in 3:57.32.

Arkansas State’s women were led by Anaelle Charles’ victory in the 800 (2:16.49) and second in the 1,500 (4:40.87). Samone Thompson won the 400 hurdles (1:03.41) and finished fourth in the 100 hurdles (14.11). Viktoria Sadokhina won the triple jump (43-1½).

De’Aris Weakley finished third in the 100 (11.45).