(February 28, 2026) Conway, Arkansas - The men began their 2026 spring outdoor season on Saturday at Hendrix College. This is one of the biggest squads for Coach Samantha Shores with both sprinters and distance runners. The Bucks ran against DI, DII, and NJCAA competition in the meet. 

The meet started for the Bucks with 3 sections of the 1500 meter run. The team had four competitors in the field. The best finish came from Ethan Mazzola (Benton, AR) with a 4:26.55 that was good enough for 17th out of 35 competitors. Carlos McFadden (Sherwood, AR) and Alfred Rodriguez (Dalhart, TX) finished neck and neck at the 24th and 26th with times of 4:33.36 and 4:34.18, respectively. Camren Lynn-Edward Smith (Bella Vista, AR) placed 32nd with a 4:48.88. 

Josiah Jackson (Norman, OK) placed 5th overall in the 400 meter dash out of 15 runners in the field. He ran a 51.67. He also competed in the 200 meter dash and placed 15th.

As the day continued, the men had a pair in the 100 meter dash. Kale Erickson (Lindstrom, MN) and Micah Brooks (Northside, Anguilla) placed 19th and 20th with times of 12.17 and 12.21. The duo also competed in the 200 meter dash. Erickson placed 22nd, while Brooks rounded out the day placing 28th. 

In the 30 competitor field for the 800 meter run, the Bucks had runners that finished in the middle of the pack. Rodriguez finished 15th with a time of 2:05.70. He competed a year ago in the NJCAA National Championship in the 800. Mazzola and McFadden finished 17th and 20th, respectively, with times of 2:06.43 and 2:10.29.

Khobee Osborne  (De Queen, AR) is the first UARM track athlete to compete in a hurdles event. Out of 8 competitors in the 400 meter hurdles, he took hope 3rd place with a time of 57.15. It was the best finish of the day for any Buck.

The men compete again next weekend at Harding University in Searcy. 

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