Scottie Vines Clears 7-3 Again, Highlights Razorback Invitational Opener
FAYETTEVILLE - If there was any question about whether Scottie Vines would pick up where he left off, the Arkansas sophomore answered it with authority on the opening day of the Razorback Invitational. Vines soared to a winning height of 7 feet, 3 inches (2.21 meters) - matching the mark that earned him the title at last year’s meet - and reminded everyone why he's one of the premier high jumpers in collegiate track and field.
This was Vines’ season debut, and he wasted no time getting back into rhythm. He opened at 6-10.75 (2.10m), then steadily worked his way up with clearances at 7-0.5 (2.15m) and 7-1.75 (2.18m) before making the winning jump at 7-3.
With the victory already secured, he took three attempts at 7-4.5 (2.25m), a height he’s cleared before, but couldn’t quite get over it this time. Still, the performance was a strong statement: Vines is back, and he’s hunting bigger bars this season.
Georgia’s high jump duo of Brion Stephens and Kimani Jack rounded out the podium with jumps of 7-1.75 and 7-0.5, respectively. Jack came into the meet as the co-leader on the collegiate list at 7-4.5, but couldn’t find that same magic in Fayetteville. Still, the competition at the top is heating up - and Vines just threw his name right back into the national title conversation.
Watkins Impresses in Razorback Debut
In the sprints, Arkansas fans got their first look at Jelani Watkins in a Razorback uniform, and he didn’t disappoint. The sophomore clocked a 20.88 in the 200 meters to win his section and finish sixth overall. It wasn’t quite his indoor personal best of 20.78 from last season, but for a debut, it was a solid foundation to build on.
Dapriest Holmes led the Razorback sprinters with a 20.80, good enough for fifth overall. Jamarion Stubbs also made some noise, winning his section in 21.02 and placing 11th. It was a deep field, and Florida’s Wayna McCoy led the way with a blazing 20.50, edging South Carolina’s Tyson Williams, who crossed in 20.56.
Middle-Distance Crew Gets Some Work In
In the 800 meters, Owan Logorodi led a group of Arkansas runners with a time of 1:48.46, placing second in his section and 11th overall. It was a competitive field, and while Logorodi didn’t crack the top 10, his performance showed promise for the season ahead. Behind him, Josh Rammage (1:50.24), Julian Carter (1:51.78), and Wyatt Green (1:54.07) rounded out the Razorback efforts in the event.
Lindsey Logs Solid Mark in Long Jump
In the field events, Link Lindsey finished 11th in the long jump with a mark of 23-7.5 (7.20m). It wasn’t a personal best, but it was a respectable showing in a stacked field.
Takeaway
The Razorback Invitational is always a measuring stick early in the indoor season, and Day 1 gave Arkansas plenty to feel good about. Vines reaffirmed his status as a top-tier high jumper, Watkins flashed serious potential in his first outing, and the sprints and middle-distance crews showed depth. With more action to come, the Razorbacks are setting the tone early - and they’re doing it with poise, power, and plenty of upside.