FAYETTEVILLE, AR – The UT Arlington track and field teams competed in their first indoor track meet of the 2023 season at the Arkansas Invitational and was highlighted by some top three finishes and several personal bests throughout the meet.
Jackson Cichon had himself a day setting two personal records, one which culminated with a first-place finish in the 800m with a time of 1:51.92. The sophomore also set a PR in the mile by running it in 4 minutes and 19 seconds.
Senior
Joel Bengtsson finished in third place in the 60m hurdles with a time of 7.86, which makes it the second fastest time in program history in indoor, just shy the school record of 7.78 which is also held by Bengtsson. His time of 7.90 in the prelims is also good enough to place in the top five of the school record books.
Jade Bontke placed third in the high jump. The senior finished with a jump of 1.75m (5' 8.75"), almost eclipsing her personal best in the indoor high jump of 1.79m (5' 10.5"). This currently has her sitting atop the WAC standings.
Freshman
Malaiya Jedkins had quite the debut in her first indoor season for the Mavericks. She placed third in the triple jump with a jump of 12.11m (39' 8.75").
Khalid Mendez set his PR in the 60m with a time of 6.93 in the qualifying round. The sophomore then turned around and ran a 6.91 in the prelims for a new personal best.
Among the other UTA top-10 finishers and/or personal bests set on Friday:
- Mikeya Washington set a PR in the 60m with a time of 7.57, her previous best was 7.64.
- Jacob Ye set a PR in the mile with a time of 4:18.90, besting his previous time of 4:22.20.
- Obi Ugwu set a long jump PR at 6.75m (22' 1.75") which was good enough for a top-10 finish. Also finished in the top-10 in the triple jump with a distance of 14.13m (46' 4.25").
- Marvin Walford finished in the top-10 of the triple jump as well with a jump of 14.65m (48' .75").
- Austin Nkwoparah set a PR in the shot put, throwing a distance of 12.27m (38' 8.75").
- McKinley Novacek had a top-10 finish in the high jump with a jump of 1.60m (5' 3").
- Calyha Brown finished in the top-10 of the shot put with a throw of 13.34m (44' 7").
NEXT UP
UTA is back in action on Jan. 21 as they travel to Norman, OK to compete in the JD Martin Invitational hosted by Oklahoma.
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