Jeff Demps (Florida)
This past weekend the NCAA's latest experiment with a Regional Championship for track and field continued. On the campuses of North Florida University and the University of Texas both East and West regions competed to qualify for the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Des Moines, Iowa. This meet has met a lot of criticism as it has robbed track and field fans of a lot of quality competitors. It seems that every year there is always an athlete we do not get to see compete due to injury. The qualification rules are unfair and a waste to the sport. The current system has damaged the sport and has made a mockery of the championship season as well as the outdoor regular season.
The beauty of the indoor season is that every week matters. The sole purpose of each competition is hit the automatic qualifying standard. If not enough individuals qualify, then the NCAA will chose the top athletes who hit the provisional qualifying standard. Prior to 2003 the outdoor season competed the same way. This process is what help to make the NCAA Outdoor Championship such a revered meet. We were still able to see the best athletes compete.
Due to injury we will not be able to see Jeff Demps compete at the championship meet. This is truly a disappointment. Demps, currently the NCAA leader in the 100 meter dash would have likely qualified for the NCAA meet under an automatic standard. Maurice Mitchell of Florida State and Harry Adams of Auburn will now headline this event. This meet has become yet another opportunity to grab money, but a what cost not all money is good money. The sport is suffering from visibility and the biggest stars not competing on the biggest stage will damage the sport.
Enough of my ranting on the latest NCAA follies lets talk about the good that came out of the weekend. It seems as if Texas A&M will again capitalize of the University of Florida's struggles. The Aggie men have claimed the top spot in the latest USTFCCCA rankings. Texas A&M has a well rounded program that does not solely have to rely on its sprint core. A bit of disappointment for A&M is that none of their 800 meter runners and Ameer Webb not qualifying in the 100 meter dash. However Webb did qualify along with Prezel Hardy for the 200 meter dash. Wayne Davis again proved that he is getting better as the season goes on and will challenge for the title in the 110 high hurdles.
On the women's side LSU and Oregon have made things very interesting with their long list of NCAA Championship competitors. Oregon has qualified a total 31 athletes for both teams. The Ducks qualify athletes in the sprints, distance and jumping events. Three major standouts for the Lady Ducks, English Gardner, Anne Kesserling and Brianne Theisen will be heavily favored to win their respective events at the NCAA Outdoor Championships.
For LSU this might just be Dennis Shaver's best team. With a dominating sprint core as usual the Tigers boast an overbearing team that has already claimed the number 1 ranking away from Oregon. Kimberlyn Duncan currently the NCAA leader in both the 100 and 200 meter dash maybe able to put a record setting performance. Semoy Hackett, Rebecca Alexander and Jasmine Stowers add to provide LSU with a formidable team that reminds us of the great LSU teams of the '90's.
Kimberlyn Duncan (LSU)
PREDICTION
MEN: TEXAS &M
WOMEN: OREGON
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