NASHVILLE, TN. – The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff track and field squad kicked off its 2016-17 season with good results as the Golden Lions and Lady Lions turned in several good performances at the Ed Temple Classic, hosted by Tennessee State.

The Ed Temple Classic was great season opener for the indoor track and field campaign to kick in gear for the upcoming indoor meets.

Senior Juwan Parker picked up right where he left off after last season, earning second place in the 200m with a time of 22.53 seconds, followed closely by junior LaMarques Woodard who placed fifth with a time of 23.05.

In the 55m dash, Parker also placed fourth with a time of 6.58 seconds. 

In the 400m, UAPB had three runners finished in the top five, true freshman Wade Garner, sophomore Malique Smith and freshman Tryan Lyons placed second, fourth and fifth, respectively, with times of 49.62 seconds, 49.71 seconds and 50.73 seconds.

The Golden Lions also placed well in the 4x400m relay, finishing third in 3:23.07 seconds.

In the field events, Miles Dortch and Nathan Brown both finished second and third in the men weight throw with a distance of 13.45m and 12.70m.

On the women side Takia Taylor claimed the top spot in the 200m dash in 25.54 and fourth in the 55m with a time of 7.38, behind teammate Jennifer Watt with a time of 7.34.

In the field event Cara Brooks made a toss of 12.06 to finish second in the shot put.  She was also fifth in the weight throw with a distance of 11.05m.

The men's and women's indoor track & field team will be back in action on January 14 as they compete at the Gladstein Invitational, which will be held in Norman, Oklahoma.