Harding Tabbed as Preseason Favorite in GAC Men's Track & Field

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. — Harding has been picked as the preseason favorite in the Great American Conference men's track and field coaches' poll, released Thursday.

The Bisons received five first-place votes from the league's head coaches after claiming their third consecutive GAC Championship title last season. They went on to finish third at the NCAA Championships.

Harding returns several standout performers, including Vlad Malykhin, who won his second national championship in the pole vault. Antiwain Jones will look to win his fourth consecutive GAC title in the high jump, while Anton Kopytko seeks his third straight title in the long jump. Casen Hammitt will defend his title in the javelin, and Spencer Helms returns after winning the discus title with a throw of 51.71 meters.

Malykhin, Jones and Kopytko have qualified for the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships, along with Savian Bush and Olaolu Olatunde in the 60-meter dash, and Kelmen deCarvalho in the heptathlon.

The 2025 GAC Championships are set for May 1-3 in Shawnee, Oklahoma.

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Players Mentioned

Savian Bush: H; 6' 2"; Sophomore

Spencer Helms: T; 6' 4"; Junior

Antiwain Jones: J; 6' 0"; Sophomore

Anton Kopytko: J; 6' 4"; Freshman

Vlad Malykhin: PV; 6' 1"; Freshman

Casen Hammitt: T; 5' 10"; Freshman

Olaolu Olatunde: S; 6' 1"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

Savian Bush
: 6' 2"; Sophomore
: H

Spencer Helms
: 6' 4"; Junior
: T

Antiwain Jones
: 6' 0"; Sophomore
: J

Anton Kopytko
: 6' 4"; Freshman
: J

Vlad Malykhin
: 6' 1"; Freshman
: PV

Casen Hammitt
: 5' 10"; Freshman
: T

Olaolu Olatunde
: 6' 1"; Freshman
: S