It was an exciting fourth day of action across the Natural State, with athletes taking their talents to another level as the upcoming state championships loom.
With so much action still to come on the final day of the busiest week of track and field in Arkansas, we don't have very much time, so let's jump right into it and take a look at some of the standout performances from Day 4 of the Arkansas HS Conference Championships!
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP HUB
Trez Hammond Lights It Up At Home
There's no better feeling than showing out in front of your home crowd.
Last night at the 6A Central Conference Championships, the senior from Conway did just that. Trez Hammond picked up wins in the 100m and 200m dash events, establishing himself as one of the many title contenders in the 6A sprints events next Thursday.
Lauren Thompson Secures Distance Double
She's been one of the state's best distance runners over the last two years, and we're starting to see the sophomore from Jonesboro take the next step.
After finishing 6th at the Arkansas cross country state meet as a freshman, Lauren Thompson finished 5th as a sophomore last fall and has continued her ascension this spring. After winning the 1,600m and 3,200m events in Conway last night, Thompson now has her sights set on the podium at next Thursday's state championships.
Kelis Jackson Has Arrived
Another day, another Arkansas girls thrower is in the headlines, and this time it's Kelis Jackson.
The senior from Cabot has enjoyed a strong final high school season, which now includes a 6A conference championship in the discus, and has a chance to put a bow on her career next Thursday in Centerton, as Jackson will be one of the favorites to win the 6A girls discus competition.
Kenzie Pruett Wins Three
Cabot picked up help in more ways than one on Thursday.
Some of that help came in the form of Kenzie Pruett, who scored 30+ points in the Panthers' 41.5-point victory at this year's 6A conference meet. Pruett earned victories in the 100m and 300m hurdles, as well as the triple jump, and will be a major player in next week's 6A state competition.
Can Bryant Win it All?
Hawking down some of the beasts from Northwest Arkansas is going to be a tall task, but if any team can do it, it's the Hornets.
Last night at the 6A Central Championships, Bryant had big performances from their hurdle duo of Jayden Welch and Matthew Nelson, who combined to win three events, Tristen Knox, who won the long jump, and Terry Bobo, who set at AR 6A #1 in the discus.
Haven Hoppis' BIG Day
Through all the breakouts we've had this week, perhaps none were as significant as Haven Hoppis'.
The junior from Conway captured a pair of conference titles on Thursday in the 400m dash and 800m, showing off her impressive range. Hoppis is undefeated in the 800m this season and enters next week's state championships looking to earn her first spot on the podium.
Emma Fowlkes, Brooklyn Burnham Lead Vilonia to a Massive Victory
It was a day worth celebrating in Central Arkansas for the Vilonia Eagles on Thursday.
Behind a big day from Emma Fowlkes, who won the 1,600m and 3,200m races, the Eagles won the 5A Central Championship. Vilonia set 17 personal bests, broke a school record, and won 10 of the 18 girls' events.
Brooklyn Burnham joined in on the fun, winning the 100m dash and 300m hurdles events - both of which are ranked 13th in the state.
Paris Wilburd Scores 44 Points
Sylvan Hills has been a sprints factory all season long, and last night, Paris Wilburd took it all to another level!
While the sophomore scored victories in the 200m dash and 110m hurdles, she also finished 2nd in three other events - the 100m dash, 400m dash, and the long jump. Wilburd will be one you won't want to keep your eyes off next week!
Vilonia Boys Earn Win Behind Lance McNew, Dalton Ellis' Big Days
Just as Vilonia's girls, the boys team took care of business on Thursday.
Lance McNew picked up two big wins for this boys team, which included a win in the pole vault and a razor-thin 0.03-second victory in the 400m dash. In the throws, Dalton Ellis took care of business and did what he's done all season long - win, earning two of them in the shot put and discus competitions.
The Eagles walked away with a 75-point victory and enter next week's championship looking to play spoiler to the top two teams from this winter's indoor state meet, which the Eagles did not compete in.
Krimson Fager Wins 5th Discus Competition of the Year
The senior from Harding Academy has been taking care of business all season long, and to nobody's surprise, she did so once again on Thursday.
Krimson Fager won her 5th discus competition of the season last night, en route to her first conference title and a new personal best throw of 120-0. Fager finished 2nd in the event at the 4A state championships last season and will look to improve upon that finish in her final state meet next week!