23 Apr 2025 Harding Men’s Track and Field climbs to No. 7 in National Rankings
SEARCY — The Harding University men’s track and field team has risen to No. 7 in the latest U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Division II national rankings, the USTFCCCA announced. The Bisons moved up one spot from their previous ranking of No. 8.
Harding’s strong performance this season is highlighted by several top national marks. Vlad Malykhin is ranked No. 3 nationally in the pole vault with a mark of 5.25m (17-2 ¾), while Yves Bilong is also ranked No. 3 in the triple jump at 15.60m (51-2 ¼). The 4×100 meter relay team of Hayes Cox, Donald Nwamere, Caledon Ruwende, and Olaolu Olatunde is ranked No. 9 with a time of 40.24.
Other notable Harding marks contributing to the team’s ranking include:
- Olaolu Olatunde, 17th in the 100m (10.31)
- Caledon Ruwende, 22nd in the 100m (10.33) and 45th in the 200m (21.06w)
- Everett Mumme, 7th in the pole vault (5.11m)
- Anton Kopytko, 9th in the long jump (7.51m)
- Spencer Helms, 6th in the discus (55.69m)
- Kelmen de Carvalho, 5th in the decathlon (7,140 points)
The Bisons are competing in meets this weekend at both the University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University, serving as final tune-ups before the Great American Conference (GAC) Championships next weekend in Shawnee, Oklahoma.
