The Gators men’s and women’s track and field teams had a solid first day of action Friday at the Razorback Invitational in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
In his season debut in the men’s long jump, sophomore Grant Holloway continued his 2018 indoor season dominance by finishing in first place with a jump of 7.97 meters, good for the second-best mark in the nation.
Senior and reigning indoor national champion KeAndre Bates was just as impressive with his second-place jump of 7.88 meters, earning him the third best spot in the nation.
Clayton Brown battled illness this week but was still able to set a personal record (7.57 meters) in the long jump, finishing seventh place.
“(The long jump) guys did what they do,” coach Mike Holloway said in a release. “Not very impressed with Grant’s series as a whole, but he got the win.”
In the men’s 200-meter dash, junior Kunle Fasasi’s sixth-place time (21.16) was a season best and the second fastest of his indoor career.
The distance medley relay quartet of freshman Benjamin Lobo Vedel, junior Sam Ahrenholz, sophomore Justin Pacifico and redshirt sophomore Jack Guyton finished in 9:40.05, 13 seconds faster than their time two weeks ago to tie the No. 9-ranked time on the Gators’ all time top-10 list.
In the women’s long jump, senior Darielle McQueen’s 6.34-meter jump was just two centimeters shy of her season best and earned her a fourth-place finish. Junior Yanis David finished sixth, and her 6.20-meter jump was 11 centimeters off her season best.
After harping on the lack of consistency from his teams, Holloway nevertheless expressed his content with their progress.
“We’re where we need to be,” said Holloway.
The Gators will continue Saturday at the Razorback Invitational at 2 p.m.
A story from floridagators.com contributed to this report.
Follow Alanis Thames on Twitter @alanisthames.
Coach Mike Holloway expressed a desire for consistency, but he ultimately said he likes the direction of his teams. "We're where we need to be," Holloway said.
