LSU freshman sprinter Robert Simmons finished third in the 400-meter dash at the Tyson Invitational in Fayetteville, Ark., with a personal-best time of 46.55 seconds. The third-place finish gave Simmons the third-fastest time in the NCAA this season. He finished behind Georgia freshman Torrin Lawrence, who set a world- leading time of 46.18 seconds, and place unattached runner Terrance Reid. Simmons eclipsed his past personal best of 47.79 seconds, set at the Southeastern Conference/Big 12 Challenge on Jan. 31. His performance put him at No. 8 all-time for LSU in the event while also reaching a NCAA provisional qualifying time. “Robert ran a great race today,” said LSU coach Dennis Shaver in a news release. “That’s exactly what we’re looking for from our team this year as we prepare for the championship meets.” Simmons wasn’t the only one to shine in the event, as junior Armanti Hayes recorded his first NCAA provisional qualifying time of the year with a personal- best indoor time of 46.93, taking sixth place overall. Junior LaTavia Thomas and sophomore Kenyanna Wilson set NCAA provisional qualifying times of their own for the Lady Tigers. Thomas, whose specialty is the 800 meters, finished with a season-best time of 54.13 seconds in the 400-meter dash, while Wilson set a new personal best of 7.37 seconds to finish third in the 60-meter dash. Freshman Barrett Nugent qualified for Saturday’s final in the 60-meter hurdles with a personal best 7.93 seconds. Junior Kim Williams recorded the fourth-best weight throw performance in Lady Tiger history with a personal-best toss of 58 feet, 5 1/4 inches.
 
 
 
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Contact Rowan Kavner at [email protected]