Brown Successfully Defends Javelin Title at Texas Relays

AUSTIN, Texas - Arkansas came away with another first-place trophy at the Texas Relays when senior All-American Eric Brown successfully defended his javelin title with a career-best season opening throw of 245-10. Brown was strong and consistent as he registered regional qualifications on all six of his attempts, but his winning mark came on his fifth try. At last years meet Brown won with a toss of 236-10, becoming the first Razorback to win the event at the Texas Relays. Browns performance on Saturday moved him into the top spot on the NCAAs descending order list as he finished ahead of North Carolinas Justin Ryncavage (239-05). Ryncavage had been holding down the nations top throw with a 236-11. "I was very excited to finally open the season, because its been hard watching the team compete while I was still working out," Brown said. "I was hoping to PR today, but the conditions werent ideal with the wind. This is my favorite place to throw, so overall I was happy with what happened." As Brown was competing in the javelin UA sent its distance medley relay team to the track. Senior Seth Summerside, who was a member of Arkansas winning 4x1,500-meter relay team last night, ran the opening 1,200-meter leg. He was with the front of the pack until the final lap when he faded badly and fell to eighth place. Senior David Wittenmyer took the stick for the 400-meter portion, but was unable to gain new ground as he handed off to junior Brian Roe. Roe improved the Hogs position to sixth place as he passed the baton to senior Josphat Boit. Boit was coming off a fantastic anchor leg performance from last night, but was unable to come through once more. He pulled the team back into the mix and came from 25 meters behind to finish in third place. UAs final time was 9:50.95, while Texas came away with the victory in a clocking of 9:48.56. "We didnt run very smart," Arkansas head coach John McDonnell said. "Seths leg hurt us and after that we had to play catch up. We cant expect Josphat (Boit) to do it all and Texas Leonel Manzano had a good lead going into the last leg. "Taking into account that we havent done much speed work and this is our first meet of the season I would say we did ok," McDonnell said. "At least well have two wins for the weekend, but I was hoping to have three." Arkansas picked up an additional regional qualification in the high jump. It was the final event of the day for UA as junior Greg Martin posted a clearance of 6-10.75. The Mt. SAC Relays are next on the schedule for second-ranked Arkansas. The Razorbacks will travel to Walnut, Calif., for the distance festival on April 13-15.