FAYETTEVILLE - For the past few months, Arkansas men's track and field coach John McDonnell has raved about the McClary twins.

The brothers, with their shaved heads and heavily tattooed bodies, have been talked about as if they are the future of Arkansas track. And perhaps they are.

"They showed me tonight that they've got potential," McDonnell said, cracking a smile Friday on the opening day of the Razorback Invitational.

The twins - juniors Alex and Andy McClary - impressed McDonnell and showed what they're capable of when paired together in the same race.

They helped Arkansas cruise to an easy win in the distance medley relay, pulling away down the stretch to post an NCAA provisional time of 9 minutes, 38.37 seconds in the Randal Tyson Track Center.

The win, though impressive, was nothing new for the 22-year-old brothers, who were born on Halloween of 1985.

"It was normal," said Alex McClary, standing next to his brother after the race. "It's not like I haven't trained with him every day of my life, anyway."

The McClary brothers, making their debuts in the distance medley relay, were among the bright spots for the Razorbacks on Friday. The two-day event will wrap up tonight in the Randal Tyson Track Center.

Freshman Spencer McCorkel won the pole vault competition by clearing 17 feet, 2 3/4 inches -- several inches better than the next closest finisher.

The Bryant native appeared relaxed and improved on his provisional mark of 17-0.75 feet, which he set two weeks ago in his collegiate debut in the Arkansas Invitational.

"It's becoming more comfortable, especially in competition at this level," McCorkel said. "It takes a lot on your (mentality). ... So I really feel like I'm getting accustomed to what's going on."

Meanwhile, Arkansas All-American sprinter J-Mee Samuels finished in 11th place in the 200-meter dash with a time of 21.64 seconds.

Friday marked Samuel's first race of the 2007 indoor season. But he'll get more extensive work this afternoon when he competes in the 60-meter dash prelims and then presumably the finals later in the day.

But the day proved to be about the McClary brothers and their appearance in the DMR.

Junior Daniel LaCava helped the Razorbacks get out front and take an early lead while running the first leg of the relay - the 1,200 meters.

Alex McClary increased the lead by running the third leg - the 800 meters -- in a time of 1:50.

By the time he handed the baton off to his brother, Andy, the Hogs had separated themselves from the rest of the field. And they cruised to the victory with Andy McClary's time of 4:05 in the mile.

The race was a long time coming for the brothers. They redshirted last season after transferring to Arkansas from the University of California.

"I just thought it was great to be running in an Arkansas uniform, to be honest," Andy McClary said, standing next to his twin. "Because it was pretty awesome to be able to do it in a race with him."

TODAY'S TICKET

Razorback Invitational

Randal Tyson Track Complex, Fayetteville

Today's Schedule

Running Events 10 a.m.

Heptathlon 11 a.m.

Field Events 2 p.m.

Tickets: $5 for adults. Children under 12 free with paid adult admission