Bears Earn Podium Finishes, Records After Strong Weekend in Texas

Central Arkansas track and field teams set multiple school records at Texas meets

Apr. 4, 2026 at 9:22pm

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The Central Arkansas track and field teams had a successful weekend in Texas, with two podium finishes, five new school records, and 12 top-five finishes across two meets. Highlights included record-breaking performances in the men's hammer throw, women's hammer throw, women's pole vault, men's javelin, and women's 100m hurdles.

Why it matters

The strong performances by the Central Arkansas track and field teams at these Texas meets demonstrate the program's continued growth and competitiveness at the NCAA level. The multiple school records set across various events show the depth and talent of the Bears' roster, positioning them well for the rest of the outdoor season and their goals for the end of the year.

The details

At the Bobcat Invitational, Central Arkansas senior Cade Green broke his own school record in the men's hammer throw with a 64.74-meter (212-05) toss, earning a second-place finish and setting a new NCAA #30 mark. Teammate Jared Embry finished fourth with a 63.72-meter (209-00) throw, which set a new NCAA #43 mark. In the women's hammer throw, Erin Edmiston claimed a second-place finish with a 62.65-meter (205-06) throw, a new NCAA #19 mark. At the Texas Relays, Kyla Villavaso set a new school record in the pole vault with a 4.00-meter (13-01.5) clearance, surpassing her previous record by 3.5 inches. Teammate Jeff King also broke his own school record in the javelin with a 66.56-meter (218-04) throw.

  • On the first day of competition, Villavaso and King broke their own school records.
  • On the second day, Williams and Jones broke school records.

The players

Cade Green

A Central Arkansas senior who broke his own school record in the men's hammer throw.

Jared Embry

A Central Arkansas athlete who finished fourth in the men's hammer throw with a new NCAA #43 mark.

Erin Edmiston

A Central Arkansas athlete who claimed a second-place finish in the women's hammer throw with a new NCAA #19 mark.

Kyla Villavaso

A Central Arkansas athlete who set a new school record in the pole vault.

Jeff King

A Central Arkansas athlete who broke his own school record in the javelin.

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What they’re saying

“It was a great weekend for our group, maximizing the opportunity to compete at both the Texas Relays and Bobcat Invitational. We're walking away in a much stronger position, with multiple school records, NCAA First Round marks, and plenty of PRs. Now the focus is on building off that momentum as we head up the road to Arkansas.”

— Central Arkansas head coach

What’s next

The Bears will turn their attention to the Arkansas Spring Invitational in Fayetteville on April 11.

The takeaway

The Central Arkansas track and field teams' strong performances at the Texas meets, including multiple school records and podium finishes, demonstrate the program's continued growth and competitiveness at the NCAA level. This momentum will be crucial as the Bears look to build on their success in the upcoming Arkansas Spring Invitational.