The Little Rock Trojans men’s outdoor track and field team will compete at the SMU Invite in Dallas on May 1-2, according to an April 30 announcement. This event marks the team’s last regular season meet before the Ohio Valley Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championships scheduled for mid-May.
The SMU Invite is seen as a key opportunity for teams to refine their performances ahead of conference championships. The Trojans will send their full squad, aiming to improve times and marks before hosting the upcoming OVC Championships at home.
Reflecting on last year’s participation, several former and current Trojans secured top-three finishes at the SMU Invite. Standout performances included first-place results by Aaliyah Mathis in shot put and discus, Joel Allen in steeplechase, Brooklyn Marcee in pole vault, and Deshawn Roberts in high jump. The meet typically features between eight and twelve Division I and mid-major programs.
Head coach J.P. Behnke said, “We’re getting to that point in the season where the training is starting to come together and we should start seeing times and mark improve. This is our last meet before the championship and I’m expecting to see several season bests.”
The team enters this weekend rested after a break from competition since their previous Little Rock Invitational. Freshmen Jeremiah Patton, Colter Maya, Jordan Morgan, and Brianna Brinkley are expected to make an impact during their first appearance at this event.
Little Rock aims to build momentum with this final tune-up before returning home for conference championships later this month.
