SHAWNEE, Okla. — The Southern Arkansas Muleriders wrapped up a competitive first day at the 2025 Great American Conference Track and Field Championships with standout performances in the multi-events and key showings in javelin and distance races.

Garrett Hughes led the charge in the men's decathlon, sitting fifth overall after five events. Hughes opened strong with a 2nd-place finish in the 100 meters (11.27), followed by a 6th-place showing in the long jump (6.13m), 7th in the shot put (9.81m), 4th in the high jump (1.70m), and capped the day with a commanding 1st-place finish in the 400 meters (51.15s).

In the women's heptathlon, Anaya Ervin placed 4th overall after four events. Ervin took 6th in the 100m hurdles (15.92s), 7th in the high jump (1.41m), surged to 2nd in the shot put (11.88m), and closed with a 5th-place finish in the 200 meters (26.40s).

Ambree Collinsworth turned in one of the day's top results for the Muleriders with a 2nd-place finish in the women's javelin, throwing 39.13 meters. 

In the men's javelin, Korbin McAuliffe led the SAU contingent with an 8th-place throw of 48.77m, followed by Gage Jordan (13th, 44.21m), Austin Willeford (15th, 41.10m), and Anderson Colley (16th, 35.24m).

Rounding out the day on the track, Lyndon Orr and Enrico Tapia competed in the grueling men's 10,000 meters, finishing 16th (32:59.13) and 22nd (36:34.18), respectively.

With strong multi-event performances and top finishes in javelin, the Muleriders are well-positioned heading into day two of the GAC Championships.