PITTSBURG, KANSAS-  The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff men's and women's track teams kicked off the indoor season with a first-place finish and a school record at the Crimson & Gold Invitational, hosted by Pittsburg State.
 
In the first week of competition, senior Dwight Henry made his mark by finishing 5th in the 60m hurdles with a time of 7.99 seconds.
 
The Golden Lions had two runners finish in the top 10 in the 300m event. Freshman Avindale Smith made a strong debut, placing 9th with a time of 34.50 seconds, followed closely by junior Jared Sylvester in 10th place with a time of 34.64 seconds. Junior Genesis Joseph also performed well, finishing 5th in the 600m with a time of 1:12.68.
 
The men's 4x400 relay team, consisting of Jared Sylvester, Ross Walrond, Mohamed Soumare, and Jordan Pierre, concluded the meet on a high note, winning 2nd place and setting a new school record with a time of 3:11.63.
 
In the field events, senior Caleb Snowden continued his success by winning the high jump competition with a leap of 7 feet 1.75 inches. Snowden had recently finished second at the U.S. Olympic Trials this past summer. Senior Anthony Fuqua placed 6th in the triple jump with a distance of 14.07 meters.
 
On the women's side, junior Arryona Simmons finished 6th in the 60m hurdles with a time of 8.81 seconds, while Jaylynn Hampton followed closely behind in 8th place with a time of 8.92 seconds. Senior Kaelyn Kimble also placed 6th in the 600m with a time of 1:29.20. The women's 4x400 relay team finished 9th, clocking in at 3:56.15.
 
In field events, senior Lyric Love placed 7th in the weight throw with a distance of 18.53 meters.
 
After the holiday break, the Golden Lions will return to action, traveling to Fayetteville, AR, to compete at the Tyson Invitational January 16-17.