Arkansas Track and Field Shines at California Meets

Razorbacks set program records and post top collegiate times at Bryan Clay Invitational and Mt. SAC Relays

Apr. 19, 2026 at 1:39pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fractured, multi-perspective view of a track and field competition, with sharp planes of red, white, and black representing the dynamic energy and movement of the athletes.The Arkansas track and field team's record-breaking and world-leading performances at prestigious California meets demonstrate the program's depth and talent.Fayetteville Today

The Arkansas men's and women's track and field teams had a standout performance at a pair of prestigious meets in California over the weekend. Distance runner Ernest Cheruiyot broke the program record in the men's 10,000 meters, while sprinter Jelani Watkins posted a world-leading time in the men's 100 and helped the 4x400 relay team to a collegiate-leading time. Other Razorbacks, including Asia Thomas, Saira Prince, and Scottie Vines, also had impressive showings at the Bryan Clay Invitational and Mt. SAC Relays.

Why it matters

The strong results at these high-profile meets showcase the depth and talent of the Arkansas track and field program, which continues to be one of the top collegiate programs in the country. The records and leading times set by the Razorbacks will boost their national rankings and provide momentum heading into the remainder of the outdoor season.

The details

At the Bryan Clay Invitational in Azusa, Ernest Cheruiyot broke the program record in the men's 10,000 meters with a time of 27:41.59, surpassing the previous mark by over 10 seconds. Meanwhile, at the Mt. SAC Relays in Walnut, Jelani Watkins won the men's 200 in 20.35 and the 100 in a wind-aided 9.82, which tied for the 8th fastest time in collegiate history. Watkins also helped the 4x400 relay team post a collegiate-leading time of 38.62. Other Razorbacks with standout performances included Asia Thomas in the women's 200, Josphine Mwaura in the women's 10,000, Sanaria Butler in the women's 400, and Scottie Vines in the men's high jump.

  • On Friday, Ernest Cheruiyot broke the program record in the men's 10,000 meters at the Bryan Clay Invitational.
  • On Friday, Jelani Watkins won the men's 200 at the Mt. SAC Relays.
  • On Saturday, the Arkansas 4x400 relay team ran a collegiate-leading time of 38.62 at the Mt. SAC Relays.
  • On Saturday, Jelani Watkins won the men's 100 at the Mt. SAC Relays with a wind-aided time of 9.82.

The players

Ernest Cheruiyot

A distance runner for the Arkansas men's track and field team who broke the program record in the 10,000 meters.

Jelani Watkins

A sprinter for the Arkansas men's track and field team who won the 200 and 100 meters and was part of the record-setting 4x400 relay team.

Asia Thomas

A sprinter for the Arkansas women's track and field team who won the 200 meters.

Josphine Mwaura

A distance runner for the Arkansas women's track and field team who had a personal-best time in the 10,000 meters.

Scottie Vines

A high jumper for the Arkansas men's track and field team who won the event with an outdoor personal-best clearance.

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What they’re saying

“I feel good, I just wish it was legal. But I can't control the conditions. If I just got out good and just really executed my transition, I knew I was going to come out here and run something fast.”

— Jelani Watkins

“I'm really proud of myself, but of course I knew I could do it. I trusted my training, trusted Coach [Chris] Johnson and really just giving it to God. It was just instilled in me that it's going to happen, it's just a matter of when.”

— Sanaria Butler

What’s next

Arkansas will host the John McDonnell Invitational on Friday at John McDonnell Field in Fayetteville.

The takeaway

The Razorbacks' standout performances at these prestigious California meets demonstrate the program's continued excellence and depth, setting them up for a strong finish to the outdoor season as they return home to host their own invitational.