Connect with us

Arkansas

Shaped By His Father’s Legacy, Arkansas’ Reuben Reina Jr. Shines After SEC Win

Published

on

Shaped By His Father’s Legacy, Arkansas’ Reuben Reina Jr. Shines After SEC Win


Reuben Reina Jr. stepped off the track Saturday following his win in the men’s mile at the SEC Indoor Championships in College Station, Texas, and found a familiar face staring him down – his father, Reuben Reina Sr., the University of Arkansas track and field legend.

“My dad says it,” said Reina Jr., 21, who was also second in the men’s 3,000 meters and the distance medley relay at SECs, “winning championships is what makes you a great runner.”

Advertisement

Only now it was the son, in his first major championship in a Razorbacks jersey – finishing a taut thriller in a time of 4:03.02 – turning the page and setting the stage for what may be to come at the NCAA level.

With a wide smile from ear to ear, Reina Sr. wrapped his arms around Reina Jr. and made it last.

“He’s made a big breakthrough this year,” Reina Sr. said. “It’s great to see. The kid has worked hard for a long time, had a lot of setbacks with injuries and illnesses and sicknesses and things like that. I’m just glad to see him healthy and finally reaching his full potential.”

The History Of Arkansas Legend Reuben Reina Sr.

Stories of fathers and sons are long in track and field, with legacies creating valleys between one generation to the next. The Gregoreks, Centrowitzs and Culpeppers are among the most notable. Sometimes the only way to pass them is to win an Olympic gold – which is something the younger Centrowitz accomplished in 2016, earning a win in the men’s 1,500 final in Rio as his father watched on.

Those legacies certainly live on in Arkansas, too.

Advertisement

Reina Sr. was one of the most successful distance runners in Razorbacks history, a member of the U.S. team at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, a two-time NCAA indoor champion at 3,000 meters and an eight-time All-American in cross country. As a prep, he also won a 1985 national championship and left his native Texas as one of the best in high school history.

His son arrived at the University of Arkansas in 2021 with talent, for sure, and with three state titles to his name, but unlike major high school stars with cross country championships or sub-4 mile performances and national records, Reina Jr. undertrained before his jump to college.

“He’s not a kid that ran a lot of miles in high school,” said Reina Sr., who raised his family in Springdale, Arkansas, roughly 10 miles from the Fayetteville campus. “So he was never like a lot of the best kids in the country that were running mega miles and doing these incredible workouts.”

History suggested that was a smart move, though, and Reina Jr. finally flipped a switch in 2023. Cracking the sub-4 mile barrier for the first time last year, he built on that frame heading into his redshirt junior season in 2025.

Following a disappointing cross country season, which saw Reina Jr. finish 13th at the SEC Championships but 229th at nationals, he brushed it off with a personal record time of 13:41.76 for 5,000 meters in December and then a school record in the mile just a month later, surpassing Reina Sr. for the first time.

Advertisement

Arkansas’ Reuben Reina Jr. Breaks Through In 2025

On the stage that saw him break four minutes for the first time, Reina Jr. returned to the Arkansas Invitational to run 3:55:40 – tying a school record that had stood since 1977. His father had run his best of 3:57.08 in 1991, a full 34 years earlier.

“I always expected more out of myself than what I’ve really done,” Reina Jr. said, “and that’s just because the guys I train with are high level athletes, 800 meters through the 10K, and I have the opportunity to work with them different days of the week.

“I’ve always seemed to hang on …but the breakthrough has been just keeping at it every day and knowing it’s going to come at some point.”

Advertisement

Two weeks later, Reina Jr. did it again, surpassing his mile marker with a time of 3:53.95. The performance was an outright school record.

Then he ran a personal best time of 7:44.92 for 3,000 meters.

But the NCAA is also at a critical inflection point, with records not lasting very long nowadays. Before 2020, Reina’s mile best would have sat somewhere in the top 10 performances in NCAA history.

In 2025, though, it’s just outside the top 25 and ranked 17th going into the NCAA Championships this month in Virginia Beach, Virginia – meanwhile, the top 16 athletes at the distance qualify for each distance at nationals, though athletes may also choose to run other events, thereby opting out.

The Future For Arkansas Athlete Reuben Reina Jr.

Reina Jr.’s goal, naturally, is to earn an opportunity to win a national championship.

Advertisement

“The goal is to make the final,” he said. “And once you’re in the final, what do you want to do? Get last? No. So I’m going to put myself there in any race to win, and that’s the goal. You have to be there with a lap to go, and that’s what I’m going to do.”

Reina Sr. says he can only be impressed at this point.

Perhaps his remaining championships and record efforts – including efforts of 7:43.02 for 3,000 meters, 13:24.78 for 5,000 meters and 28:31 for 10,000 meters – are short on time.

“He’s a little bit of a late bloomer,” Reina Sr. said of his son. “But he’s grown up last year – (literally), the guy grew three inches last year. So he’s still growing and developing and now I think it’s all coming together for him.”

While Reina Jr. may not be chasing his father’s legacy, there’s no doubt he’s at least trying to honor the man who shaped him.

Advertisement

“He’s taught me everything, from when I first started running in seventh grade to hear,” Reina Jr. said. “He was one of the best because he knew how to win races and be in big races.”



Source link

Arkansas

Arkansas Athletics, CommunityAmerica Credit Union launch multi-year partnership including Razorback Stadium naming rights

Published

on

Arkansas Athletics, CommunityAmerica Credit Union launch multi-year partnership including Razorback Stadium naming rights


FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas Department of Athletics has signed a long-term partnership with CommunityAmerica Credit Union, marking a significant step in the credit union’s growing commitment to Northwest Arkansas. Facilitated by Learfield and Razorback Sports Properties, Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium will become CommunityAmerica Razorback Stadium beginning with the 2027 football season.

Rooted in more than 85 years of helping individuals and families achieve financial peace of mind and building on a 65-year legacy of service in Arkansas, CommunityAmerica is excited to engage with Razorback fans and support the communities they call home.

“This is so much more than a name on a stadium. It’s about becoming part of the Razorback Nation experience and helping fans, students, student-athletes and the communities we and the university serve,” said Lisa Ginter, Chief Executive Officer of CommunityAmerica Credit Union. “Our members are at the heart of everything we do and when we evaluate partnerships like this, it starts with what matters most to them. The University of Arkansas is a powerful source of pride and connection for people across the state and in many of our markets. This partnership underscores our long-term commitment to Northwest Arkansas, where we look forward to growing our presence and helping more families achieve financial peace of mind. We’re already deepening our roots with plans for a campus location and several new branches throughout the region.”

The multi-phased partnership extends beyond naming rights and designates CommunityAmerica as the Official Credit Union of Arkansas Athletics. CommunityAmerica will also serve as an official sponsor of Arkansas Athletics, supporting student-athletes and fans alike. The comprehensive partnership will also include the rebranding of the SEC Club inside Razorback Stadium as the CommunityAmerica Club, where fans enjoy premium amenities on gameday. As part of the agreement, CommunityAmerica will engage directly with Razorback student-athletes providing Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, valuable financial education and programs to help them succeed both on and off the field.

Advertisement

“We are thrilled to welcome CommunityAmerica Credit Union as the Official Credit Union of Arkansas Athletics as one piece of a partnership that will benefit our student-athletes, fans and the state of Arkansas for years to come,” said Hunter Yurachek, Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics at the University of Arkansas. “Our vision in the Department of Athletics is to be our best and CommunityAmerica’s commitment to excellence as a trusted, people-driven financial institution mirrors that same vision. This partnership is just getting started but its impact will help shape our future.”
Beginning with the 2027 football season, the partnership will expand into its second phase with the naming of CommunityAmerica Razorback Stadium and the launch of CommunityAmerica Razorback Checking, Debit and Credit Cards.

With a legacy of serving members across Arkansas and nationwide, CommunityAmerica is ranked among the most trusted and innovative credit unions in the country and among the largest in the Midwest. CommunityAmerica is excited to engage and serve Razorback fans and members more deeply with a variety of financial products and services that align to their passion for the University.

“Our members are proud of where they live and what they stand behind, and for so many in Arkansas and across our shared communities, that means being part of Razorback Nation,” Ginter said. “As we look ahead to launching Razorback-branded products in 2027, we’re excited to offer experiences that celebrate that pride, strengthen relationships and deliver meaningful value for the people and communities we serve.”

“This is a historic partnership featuring an innovative brand with a passion and proven track record of supporting their community, paired with one of the leading college athletics programs in the country,” said Allison Fillmore, Senior Vice President, Business Development at Learfield. “Learfield and Razorback Sports Properties are excited to collaborate with Arkansas Athletics, which will enhance fan and student-athlete experiences for years to come.”

Razorback Sports Properties is the locally based Learfield team that is the exclusive multimedia rights holder for Arkansas Athletics and oversees all sponsorship agreements on behalf of the Razorbacks.

Advertisement

About the University of Arkansas Department of Intercollegiate Athletics
The University of Arkansas Department of Intercollegiate Athletics pursues its vision to “Be Our Best” while developing 465+ student-athletes into Razorbacks and Champions for Life. As members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the Razorbacks consistently compete at the nation’s highest levels while proudly representing the University of Arkansas and the entire state. Arkansas has established itself as one of the most competitive programs in the nation, winning nine NCAA titles and over 50 SEC Championships in recent years.

About CommunityAmerica Credit Union
CommunityAmerica Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution committed to helping members get on a path to thrive and achieve financial peace of mind. Founded in 1940, and with Arkansas roots dating back to 1968, CommunityAmerica has grown to meet the evolving financial needs of its members. With nearly $10 billion in assets and more than 600,000 members, the credit union is ranked among the nation’s 50 largest credit unions. It is the largest credit union in Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri, and one of the largest financial institutions with expanding operations in Northwest Arkansas. CommunityAmerica offers a full suite of financial products and services for individuals and businesses, including checking and savings, mortgages, loans, commercial banking, wealth management, retirement planning, and insurance. Federally chartered, CommunityAmerica serves members across multiple markets nationwide with branch locations in Arkansas, California, Kansas, Missouri, Nevada, Tennessee, and Texas. Learn more at CommunityAmerica.com.

About Learfield
Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield’s presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Arkansas

Razorbacks’ Guard Darius Acuff Selected No. Overall in 2026 NBA Draft

Published

on

Razorbacks’ Guard Darius Acuff Selected No.  Overall in 2026 NBA Draft


BROOKLYN — Arkansas point guard Darius Acuff is the first of three Razorbacks off the board in the 2026 NBA Draft Tuesday night when he was selected by the Sacramento Kings with the No. 7 overall pick in the first round.

Acuff’s selection makes him the highest drafted player from Arkansas since 2023 when Anthony Black went No. 6 overall to the Orlando Magic.

He went into the night projected to be the first player from the Hogs taken following a phenomenal freshman year that saw him earn first team All-American honors, SEC Player of the Year, league freshman of the year, and SEC Tournament Most Valuable Player.

Advertisement

Likely his biggest accomplishment was becoming the first player to lead the SEC in points and assists since Pete Maravich in 1970.

Advertisement

Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) reacts after a basket during the first half against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Humphrey Coliseum. | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

As a freshman, Acuff averaged over 24 points, six assists and three rebounds on 48% shooting from the field, 44% from three and 81% from free throw line.

Advertisement

His knack as a bucket getter and facilitator lifted the Razorbacks to a different level in the postseason by averaging an astonishing 30 points, seven assists and one steal across six postseason tournament games.

Advertisement

He led Arkansas to a victory over Vanderbilt for the SEC Tournament Championship and back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances.

Arguably his best performance of the season came in a double-overtime classic in Tuscaloosa against Alabama when he dropped 49 points on 16-of-27 from the floor, 6-of-10 from three and 11-of-12 from the free throw line. He also contributed with five rebounds, five assists and only one turnover in 50 minutes.

And don’t forget, the 6-foot-2, 186 pound point guard did all of that on a bum ankle he sustained against Aubrn just four days prior.

During a media appearance on ESPN last week, Calipari made sure to warn NBA teams they will regret passing on superstar point guard.

Advertisement

“A great teammate. We all hear stuff. I’m around these kids, all they want to do is get better. They want to respect who’s coaching them,” Calipari told Colin Cowherd on The Herd. “And Darius Acuff, I’m telling you, there’s going to be some guys regretting [not picking him.]

Advertisement

Arkansas Razorbacks coach John Calipari talks with guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) during a time out against the Oklahoma Sooners during the first half at Bridgestone Arena. | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

“That’s okay. That’s okay. When he starts playing, you’ll remember this conversation, and we’re saying, ‘You’re going to regret not taking him.’”

Advertisement

Acuff is the latest in a growing list of coach John Calipari guards to be selected as lottery picks across his four decades in the college game. Former Kentucky stars Reed Sheppard, Rob Dillingham, John Wall, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, De’Aaron Fox and Brandon Knight.

Advertisement

During his time at Memphis, Calipari helped Derrick Rose, Tyreke Evans, and Dajuan Wagner were each lotter picks from 2000-2009.

The 2026 NBA Draft will continue with its second round Wednesday night at 7 p.m. CT from the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.

Advertisement

Coach Cal Reaction

There haven’t been many times over the years that Calipari has missed out on watching one of his stars stroll across the stage to shake hands with the NBA Commissioner.

Advertisement

The second-year Razorbacks coach told the world Tuesday night that the Kings will be getting a “fierce competitor and winner” in Acuff.

Advertisement

Being drafted by Sacramento shouldn’t come as a surprise either as most mock drafts pegged him at No. 7 overall since the beginning of the college basketball offseason. With so many connections to the franchise, the Kings’ organization might be the perfect fit after all as General manager Scott Perry coached his father two decades ago at Eastern Kentucky.

Sign up to our free newsletter, and follow us on FacebookX (Twitter) for the latest news.

Advertisement
Add us as a preferred source on Google



Source link

Continue Reading

Arkansas

Registration opens for Arkansas urban deer hunts

Published

on

Registration opens for Arkansas urban deer hunts


LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KAIT) – Registration is open for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s annual urban deer hunt.

This year’s hunts will be held in Cherokee Village, Fairfield Bay, Heber Springs, Helena-West Helena, Horseshoe Bend and Russellville.

The archery-only hunts are designed to offer an “inexpensive and effective method of nuisance deer management,” according to an AGFC news release.

Deer harvested during the urban hunts do not count toward a hunter’s seasonal limit, and there are no limits to the number of deer that can be harvested.

Advertisement

However, the first deer taken must be donated to Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry, which provides ground meat to food pantries across the state.

Hunters must complete a series of additional safety trainings, including a proficiency test, to participate in urban archery hunts.(Arkansas Game and Fish Commission)

Hunters must pass the International Bowhunters Education Program before participating. The program is available at www.agfc.com/education/hunter-education.

Hunters also must attend orientation to learn the specific rules of the hunts and pass a shooting proficiency test.

For more information, visit www.agfc.com/urbanhunt.

To report a typo or correction, please click here.

Advertisement

Copyright 2026 KAIT. All rights reserved.



Source link

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending