Mackenzie Hayward wins Texas Relays pole vault

AUSTIN – A victory for Razorback Mackenzie Hayward in the University division of the pole vault highlighted Thursday action for Arkansas at the 95th Texas Relays at Mike A. Myers Stadium as teammate Bailee McCorkle finished fourth in the competition.

A winning height of 13-7.25 (4.15) by Mackenzie in windy conditions eliminated five vaulters from the starting field of 17 leaving only two vaulters remaining. Mackenzie and South Dakota’s Jaidyn Garrett both missed at the next height of 13-11.25 (4.25).

When Mackenzie cleared 13-7.25 on her second attempt, while Garrett needed three attempts, that determined the finishing order between the pair.

McCorkle was one of five vaulters to make 13-1.5 (4.00) and she placed fourth based on clearing that height on her first attempt. This height eliminated six vaulters in the field.

This is the second consecutive year for Mackenzie to clear 13-7.25 at the Texas Relays, having finished sixth a year ago. Previously, she placed ninth in 2021 with a clearance of 13-7.75 (4.16).