Hoggard opens indoor season with new name, familiar finish

Arkansas sophomore Tori Weeks competes in the pole vault Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, during the Tyson Invitational in the Randal Tyson Track Center in Fayetteville.
Arkansas sophomore Tori Weeks competes in the pole vault Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, during the Tyson Invitational in the Randal Tyson Track Center in Fayetteville.

FAYETTEVILLE -- Tori Hoggard has a new last name, but her first track and field meet as a married woman had a familiar result for the Arkansas Razorbacks junior from Cabot.

Hoggard -- the former Tori Weeks who married Seth Hoggard in July -- opened the indoor season Friday at the Randal Tyson Center by winning the pole vault at the Arkansas Invitational for the second consecutive year.

Hoggard cleared 14-0 3/4 before missing three attempts at 14-2 3/4. It was her sixth victory indoors over the last two season.

"It's kind of exciting to get my bib and see a new name," Hoggard said of the small piece of paper athletes wear to identify them. "Vaulting under 'Tori Hoggard' is fun."

Hoggard was the only one among the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville's three All-American vaulters to compete Friday.

Juniors Lexi Jacobus -- Tori Hoggard's twin sister who married Derek Jacobus last summer -- and Desiree Freier, were held out, Razorbacks field events coach Bryan Compton said, as a precaution. Jacobus has a sore hamstring and Freier is recovering from strep throat.

"It definitely was a different kind of energy," Hoggard said of not competing with her sister and Freier. "Usually when we're vaulting, we're excited for each other."

Last year Hoggard cleared 14-6 to win the season opener. She had hoped to clear that mark again Friday.

"I know I have a lot more in me," Hoggard said. "I'm a little disappointed with my performance."

Arkansas junior Payton Stumbaugh Chadwick -- who is married to former Arkansas pitcher Cannon Chadwick -- won the 60-meter hurdles in 8.18 seconds and the long jump at 20-8 and ran on the 1,600-meter relay that ran 3:39.86 for the top time among collegiate teams at the meet.

"Payton jumped big and ran really well," Arkansas women's Coach Lance Harter said. "Those are fantastic marks, especially for early in the season."

Senior Taliyah Brooks won the high jump for the Razorbacks (5-10 3/4). Arkansas sophomore Jada Baylark won the 60 in 7.37 seconds, placed second in the 200 in 23.03 and anchored the 1,600 relay.

"We got some big performances," Harter said. "The reality is here that Christmas vacation is over and it's time to get down to business."

Arkansas is ranked No. 2 nationally in the women's poll behind Oregon.

Senior Kenzo Cotton led the Razorbacks No. 3-ranked men's team by winning the 60 in 6.63 seconds.

"Kenzo's just the consummate competitor," Arkansas men's Coach Chris Bucknam said. "The guy's a senior and there's no letup. He stays focused. You can tell he's dialed in on January 12th."

The Razorbacks took the top three places in the 1,000 meters with Cameron Griffth (2:23.21), Jack Bruce (2:25.41) and Ethan Moehn (2:25.46). Arkansas junior Shakiel Chattoo, a transfer from Azusa Pacific, won the 60 hurdles in 7.84.

Razorbacks junior Obi Igbokwe took third in the 200 in 20.7 behind former Arkansas All-American Marqueze Washington (20.64) and former Texas A&M NCAA champion Fred Kerley (20.68).

Sophomore Laquan Narin -- a two-time junior college national champion -- took second in the triple jump (50-11) in his Razorbacks debut behind former Arkansas NCAA champion Clive Pullen (52-4 3/4).

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Sports on 01/13/2018

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