CABOT -- Jada Baylark climbed to the top of the state high school heptathlon standings by doing what she does best.
Baylark, the Class 6A state champion in the 100-meter dash and 110 high hurdles, earned victories in those events on day one of the 19th annual heptathlon Wednesday at Cabot High School. The Little Rock Parkview senior earned 2,658 points to take the top spot going into day two of the two-day meet.
"We're just going to do what we do well," Parkview Coach William Hardiman said. "I'm very pleased with where we are. Tomorrow is a big day for us. We'll be focused and ready to go."
Pulaski Robinson junior Asia Anderson is second with 2,546 points, followed by Clinton junior Allie Hensley (2,289 points).
Rounding out the top 10 after day one are Haley Hood (2,263) and Jadyn Lewis (2,156), both of Bryant, Pocahontas' Natalie Toney (2,089), Forrest City's Destiny Summers (2,047), Camden Fairview's Kamoni Manago, Ashdown's ShaCoya Poole (2,046) and Vilonia's Allie Skouras (2,018).
Baylark was pleased with her performance Wednesday, but knows there are still three more events left today.
"I think I did pretty good," Baylark said. "I just need to make sure that I get home and rest and get ready for tomorrow."
Baylark had the best time in the 100 hurdles, clocking in at 15.06, ahead of Anderson (16.08) and Hood (16.35). She earned 834 points.
In the 200, Wednesday's final event, Baylark ran 24.91, earning 895 points. Lewis was second (26.00) and Hope's Ajah Criner was third (26.20).
Anderson won the long jump with a leap of 18 feet, 7 inches, earning 747 points. Baylark was second (17-111/2), followed by Lewis (17-6).
Genoa Central's Eden Crow had the top discus throw with a throw of 112 feet, picking up 541 points. Gentry's Chastery Fuamatu was second (106-3) and Hensley was third (104-11).
Of Wednesday's top three, only Baylark is a senior. However, that's not a concern for Baylark, whom Hardiman has said enjoys the competition.
"They're all really good," Baylark said. "I'm excited to see what tomorrow brings us. We'll see who comes out on top."
A year ago, Baylark had an opportunity to win the heptathlon and was second behind Anderson going into the 800-meter run. But Baylark finished third in the 800 and third overall behind twins Lexi and Tori Weeks of Cabot.
Hardiman said that last year's outcome has driven Baylark this year and she hopes for a better ending today.
"Last year was a big disappointment for us," Hardiman said. "But I think we're prepared mentally and physically for what we have to do in the 800. Our main focus is to do well in the shot and do well in the high jump."
Competition resumes at 10 a.m. today, with athletes competing in the high jump, the shot put and the 800.
Sports on 05/19/2016