FAYETTEVILLE, ARK. – The UT Tyler track and field teams turned in a strong overall performance at the John McDonnell Invitational, highlighted by multiple top-10 finishes, a relay victory on the women's side, and several standout sprint and hurdle efforts against a deep collegiate field.
On the men's side, Dylan Bennett led the way in the sprints, placing 8th in the 100 meters with a time of 10.33 and finishing 9th in the 200 meters in 21.03. Ashton Bates also delivered solid performances, finishing 22nd in the 100m (10.65) and 25th in the 200m (21.50), while Landon Smith placed 28th in the 100m (10.82) and 37th in the 200m (22.21). Jackson Crysup added a 33rd-place finish in the 200m (21.86).
In the 400 meters, Jakai Timmons paced the group with an 8th-place finish in 46.81, followed by Preston Ayers in 14th (47.16) and Dakalon Tyler in 15th (47.26).
In the hurdles, Brandon Arenas placed 12th in the 110-meter hurdles (14.35), while Jeremiah Evans finished 13th in the 400-meter hurdles (55.09).
Relay action saw the men's 4x100 team finish 5th overall in 40.13 fashion. The 4x400 relay squad placed 10th with a time of 3:12.94.
On the women's side, UT Tyler was highlighted by a dominant performance in the 4x400 relay, as the team captured 1st place in 3:40.08 and defeating multiple Division I programs in the process. The 4x100 relay squad also finished inside the top 10, placing 8th in 46.01.
Individually, Aerin Thompson led a strong 400-meter group with a 4th-place finish in 53.73, followed closely by Kamaria Carr in 5th (53.84) and Kaylee Monthie in 22nd (56.39). Kymia Woodard placed 7th in the 800 meters with a time of 2:11.23.
In the hurdles, Hannah Lakin finished 4th in the 400-meter hurdles (59.94), while Zakaiya Hunte placed 20th (1:03.31). Isabel Jakobsen took 12th in the 100-meter hurdles (14.39), and Brandi Drake finished 42nd in the 100 meters (12.41). Nina Allmark placed 14th in the 200 meters (2:13.98).
UT Tyler will continue competition next as they travel to Houston for the J. Fred Duckett Twilight, hosted by Rice, looking to build momentum from another strong weekend of performances.
