Razorback Legend Reveals Pro Decision
Wayne Pinnock, a long jumper for the Razorbacks, made the announcement this past weekend in Kingston during the Jamaica National Trials that he would skip his last year of college eligibility at Arkansas in order to pursue a professional chance with Puma.
Pinnock expressed his gratitude to the University of Arkansas, the coaches, trainers, academic advisers, and the whole support staff for an incredible Razorback tenure. “I’ve never been in a greater atmosphere.
It has also meant the world to me that my family has supported me for so long. With them, I couldn’t accomplish this. That being said, I’m looking forward to this fresh chance and the next phase of my career as a professional athlete. I’m sure I’ve done my homework and am excited to represent the Puma brand in the upcoming years.
Along with Carey McLeod, an Arkansas alum, Pinnock, the 2023 World silver medalist and reigning Jamaican national champion, will compete in the long jump on Saturday in the Jamaica National Trials.
Both competed in the World Athletics Championships final in Budapest, Hungary, last season; McLeod placed fourth and Pinnock took home the silver medal.
Pinnock, who joined Erick Walder (28-8.25 | 8.74) and Jarrion Lawson (28-1.75 | 8.58) as the third Razorback to break 28 feet, recorded a career-best score of 28-0.25 (8.54) in the World Championship qualifying round.
Behind Tajay Gayle and James Beckford in the Jamaican all-time outdoor rankings, Pinnock comes in third.
Pinnock declared, “Even though I won’t have a Razorback on my chest, I’ll stay at Arkansas to train and complete my degree.” “I look forward to the future and am grateful for the past.”
Pinnock contributed 41 conference and 27 national points during the previous two seasons, which helped Arkansas win four SEC Championships, an NCAA Indoor Team Title in 2023, and two NCAA runner-up team results.
Chris Bucknam, the head coach of the Arkansas men’s team, said of Wayne, “Wayne was a team player and scored a lot of SEC and NCAA points.” “I’m quite pleased with his achievements, both on and off the track. He recognizes the value of completing his degree and seizing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“We honor his incredible Razorback career and stand by him during this pivotal time in his life.”
Pinnock won the SEC Outdoor title and the NCAA Indoor & Outdoor titles as a freshman at Tennessee before transferring to Arkansas. In 2023, Pinnock made his SEC Outdoor title defense as a Razorback and finished second in the NCAA Outdoor.
In addition to winning the SEC Indoor long jump title this season, Pinnock also won the NCAA Indoor long jump, matching the national record set by Jamaica with an indoor best of 27-6.75 (8.40). He has the same record as McLeod and James Beckford.
In the 2024 SEC Outdoor Championships, Pinnock won the long jump for the third time in his career. Pinnock is the third Razorback and only the fourth person in league history to accomplish that feat.
According to Travis Geopfert, the associate head coach of Arkansas, Wayne is among the greatest players in NCAA and Arkansas history. Few people have been as consistent as he has been at the top level. I have the utmost pride in his tenure at Arkansas.
“As a student-athlete, he’s been amazing to coach, and I’m honored to be able to support his continued growth into one of the world’s best jumpers.” He deserves this amazing opportunity, as does his family. This young man is just getting started, and he has a bright future ahead of him.
Pinnock has the sixth-best performance overall and is ranked equal fifth indoors on all-time collegiate charts. Pinnock’s collegiate in-season best of 27-5.5 (8.37) places him 11th outdoors. on the all-time UA rankings. Pinnock trails Walder by the same margin both indoors and outdoors, and trails Lawson by the same margin.
