Beckford wins debut high jump, Reina creates mile history
FAYETTEVILLE – A pair of Razorbacks battled over 7 feet in the high jump at the Arkansas Invitational on Friday with double NCAA champion Romaine Beckford winning the event with a 7 foot, 2.5 inch (2.29) clearance on a short, four-step approach.
Beckford trailed teammate Kason O’Riley when both cleared 7-1 (2.16), as O’Riley navigated the previous height of 6-11 (2.11) on a first attempt while Beckford needed three tries before clearing.
A third attempt clearance at 7-2.5 earned Beckford the victory as three missed attempts at 7-3.25 (2.22) followed. Beckford then saluted the encouraging crowd of 1,418 with his signature backflip on the high jump mat.
Following the 1-2 Arkansas finish in the high jump, Razorback Tomas Ferrari placed fifth with a 6-7 (2.01) clearance.