NEW ORLEANS – The Harding men's track and field team continues to solidify its status as a national powerhouse. In the latest NCAA Division II National Track & Field Rating Index (TFRI) released by the USTFCCCA on May 5, the Bisons are ranked No. 9 in the country.
The Bisons have earned a total score of 206.84 points, fueled by 25 national-level performances. The ranking highlights Harding's elite individual talent, featuring four different athletes currently ranked in the top three of their respective events across NCAA Division II.
THE ELITE TRIO AT NO. 2
Harding's high national standing is anchored by three seniors who currently hold the No. 2 spot in the nation, making them primary contenders for individual national titles:
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Savian Bush (110m Hurdles): Bush ranks No. 2 with a blistering time of 13.59 set at the Bryan Phillips Invitational.
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Vlad Malykhin (Pole Vault): The veteran standout sits at No. 2 nationally after clearing 5.55m (18-2.50) at the Texas Relays.
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Yves Bilong (Triple Jump): Bilong holds the No. 2 mark in DII with a massive leap of 16.20m (53-1.75).
CHAMPIONSHIP CALIBER DEPTH
Beyond the top-three rankings, the Bisons feature a deep roster of athletes positioned to score at the national meet:
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Distance: Freshman Benson Lingokal has been a revelation, ranking No. 3 in the 10,000 meters (28:45.43) and No. 39 in the 5,000 meters.
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Field Power: Everett Mumme ranks No. 6 in the Pole Vault (5.30m), while Artem Konovalenko is No. 7 in the Triple Jump (15.52m). Senior Casen Hammitt rounds out the top-10 presence with a No. 10 ranking in the Javelin (69.48m).
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Sprints & Relays: Sophomore Caledon Ruwende is ranked in both the 100m (No. 31) and 200m (No. 22). He also anchors the No. 17 ranked 4x400m relay team and the No. 34 4x100m squad.
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Multis: The Bisons show impressive range in the Decathlon, with Henry Heilmann (No. 16), Hayes Cox (No. 22), and Isaac Pratt (No. 43) all appearing on the national list.
BY THE NUMBERS
Harding's 206.84 total points are comprised of 201.11 individual points and 5.73 relay points. With 25 total performances currently qualified for the national index, the Bisons are poised for a strong showing at the NCAA Outdoor Championships later this month.
The Bisons will continue to tune up their marks as they head into the final qualifying window of the outdoor season.
For more information on Harding Track & Field, visit HardingSports.com.
