Turner takes center stage at Tyson Invitational

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

Oklahoma freshman Vernon Turner is rapidly ascending up the all-time collegiate indoor high jump list and all that remains ahead of him are three of the most decorated champions in NCAA Division 1 history.

Turner equaled the No. 4 performer in college history Saturday by clearing 7-7.75 (2.33m) at the Tyson Invitational in Fayetteville, Ark.

Only Louisiana Lafayette's Hollis Conway (7-9.25/2.37m), Indiana's Derek Drouin (7-8.50/2.35m) and Northwestern Louisiana's Brian Brown (7-8/2.34m) are ahead of Turner and Texas Tech's Trey Culver, who also cleared 7-7.75 on Jan. 13 at the Corky Classic.

Turner and Culver are also tied for No. 4 in the world this year.

Arkansas senior Taliyah Brooks achieved a personal-best 21-6.75 (6.57m) in the long jump to ascend to No. 2 in NCAA Division 1 and tied for ninth in the world this season.

Omar Craddock won the men's triple jump with a leap of 56-4.50 (17.18m), the top mark this year by an American and No. 4 in the world.

Canada's Alysha Newman cleared 15-3.50 (4.66m) in the women's pole vault to elevate to No. 7 in the world this season.