The University of Central Missouri Track & Field team competed at the John McDonnell Invitational hosted by the University of Arkansas on April 24, where the Jennies’ 4×100-meter relay broke a school record for the second time this season.
The event saw Anayla Waters, Chika Bekwunye, Emily Meeks, and Grizell Scarlett finish fourth out of fifteen teams in the women’s 4×100-meter relay. Their time of 45.30 seconds not only set a new school record but also marked a provisional qualifying time that ranks among the top ten in Division II this season. This performance surpassed their previous school record of 45.58 seconds set earlier in March.
In individual events, Grizell Scarlett finished as runner-up in the women’s 100-meter dash with a provisional time of 11.31 seconds. On the men’s side, Nolan Vancauwemberghe was recognized as the top NCAA Division II performer in the men’s 110-meter hurdles, placing third overall with a personal best and provisional qualifying time of 13.66 seconds—the second-fastest mark in UCM history.
Chika Bekwunye also placed sixth in the women’s 100-meter hurdles with a provisional time of 13.91 seconds. In field events, Zachary Proctor was noted as the leading Division II athlete in men’s high jump by finishing fourth with a mark of 2.06 meters (6-9). For women’s long jump, Michenainda Aritus secured fifth place while Kristen Jones followed closely behind in sixth; Jones achieved both a personal best and tied for eighth-best all-time at UCM with her leap.
Looking ahead, Mules and Jennies throwers are scheduled to compete next at the ZK Invitational on April 25 at Baker University.
