THE TRACK NERD'S BLOG

SEC Preview: Women

2012-01-19T15:48:00.000-08:00

(DEFENDING CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS LSU)

The SEC is arguably the most talked about conference in college athletics. A conference that has produced phenomenal athletes in football, baseball, track and field, swimming and a host of other sports. Track and Field stands out among most other women's sports because of the heavy amount of national champions and championships. LSU produced the most dominant stretch of national titles with 11 straight wins. The Tigers of LSU continue to be the most feared team in the conference. Top challengers as usual will be Florida and Arkansas.

Let us start with the sprints. This is usually the most competitive section of the entire conference. The SEC generally fills half of the lanes at the NCAA Championships. This year will definitely will continue that success.

Headlining the conference is LSU star Kimberlyn Duncan. Duncan burst onto the scene last season with her phenomenal 200 meter performances. Duncan is the defending national champion in the 200 and will look to improve on her 60 meter performance from last season. Teammate Takeia Pickney who was the top freshman on LSU's squad in 2010 will look to add to a solid sprint core for LSU. Pickney missed most of last season with an injury. Another teammate in Semoy Hackett will look to challenge Duncan in both sprints and returns as the most consistent 60 meter sprinter.

In the long sprints the depth definitely falls to Arkansas. In recent years Arkansas has made a habit of having three 400 meter runners in the conference finals along with putting together solid 4x400 relay teams. This season is no different. Junior Regina George looks to lead a strong Arkansas contingent and compete for a conference title. Ebony Eutsey of Florida also has a solid shot for the conference crown after a great freshman season.

The hurdles saw a resurgence last season with a strong performance from true freshman Jasmine Stowers. After the graduation of a strong trio of LSU hurdles in 2008 there has been no national threat in the SEC. Stowers last season became that threat. This season Stowers will headline a group still in development.

The SEC is not all about sprints. The distance programs are also very competitive. Florida, Arkansas, Tennessee and LSU have represented strong middle distance and long distance programs.

Sophomore Corey McGee of the University of Florida will look to defend her conference title in the mile and contest a strong field of 6 All-SEC returnees. McGee's teammates Mandy Perkins and Stephanie Strasser will look to add to strong core of distance runners for the University of Florida. Arkansas also has a great core of seniors in Kristen Gillepsie, Samantha Learch and Jillian Rosen to challenge the Florida Gators. We must also keep in mind that the University of Florida is replacing their distance coach Todd Morgan.

Tennessee and LSU represent two schools that focus on having a solid core of 800 meter runners. This season LSU will look to Charlene Lipsey to lead a young group of runners against defending champion Chanelle Price of Tennessee and her teammates Kiana Ruff and Nijgia Snapp. Price now a senior has had a up and down career at Tennessee. Price will look to finally claim a NCAA title and possibly break the 2:00 minute barrier.

The Field events in the SEC stand out as well and help to complete a well rounded conference. In events such as the pole vault Arkansas really shows their presence.

Defending NCAA & SEC champion Tina Sutej leads a great group of vaulters. Sutej last season won by a large margin, more than a foot. Sutej also set a met record with her leap of 14-10 3/4.

Colleen Felix of the University of Georgia had a strong 2011 indoor campaign in the long jump and triple jump. Felix is a multi-event athlete and a strong thrower as well. However her 44 foot jump in the triple jump will allow for her to not only compete for the conference crown but the national title as well. With the loss of Jennifer Clayton who transferred to Central Florida University expect for Felix to complete the double. Freshman Cierra Brewer and Sophomore Lorraine Graham will challenge Felix for the title.

The SEC has been the best overall conference in the NCAA for quite a while and will continue to be. Our next post we will discuss the men of this conference.

Big 12 Preview: Women

2012-01-10T18:04:00.000-08:00

TIFFANY McREYNOLDS (BAYLOR)

DEFENDING HURDLE CHAMPION

The conference on the women's side also takes a huge hit with the departure of Texas A&M. Pat Henry arrived at Texas A&M in 2005 after leaving a phenomenal program at LSU. At LSU Henry led the men and women to 25 NCAA titles. He has already brought that success to the Big 12 relinquishing the dominance that Texas has had over the conference. Not that A&M is leaving it is the perfect time for Texas to return to power.

In the sprints Texas has done some seriously rebuilding. After recently getting out recruited by A&M coach Bev Kearney has increased her efforts to have a well rounded sprint program. In the short sprints the advantage still belongs to Texas A&M. The Aggies return All-Americans Dominqie Duncan and Ashley Collier. Texas will look to Chalonda Goodman, Christy Udoh and Allison Peter to compete against the Aggies in the short sprints.

The long sprints has long been an event dominated by the University of Texas. The Longhorns have had serious success in this event with a few national champions, Suzainn Reid and Sanya Richards. The Longhorns also boast a strong 4x400 relay history. This season is no different with serious depth in this event ranging from sophomore sensation Brianna Nelson, Kendra Chambers and Stacey Ann Smith. Nelson may not have the top returning time but shows the most promise. Fellow sophomore Diamond Dixon of Kansas stunned everyone by defeating Jessica Beard last outdoor season to claim the title.

If any event in the conference took a step backward last season it was the hurdles. The days of the dominant Texas 400 hurdler were gone and there was no serious threat in the 100 hurdles from Texas A&M due to injury. However a true freshman stepped up in Tiffany McReynolds from Baylor. McReynolds is early easy favorite with no true competition this season. Angele Cooper and Danielle Dowie of Texas look to bring Texas back to the front in the 400 meter hurdles. They will have to defeat defending champion Ryan Krais of Kansas State to do so.

The Big 12 had one of the best distance programs in the country with Colorado. The Buffaloes have produced some of the best athletes ever to lace them up in the NCAA including World Champion Jennifer Simpson(Barringer). However there are still plenty of great programs such as Oklahoma State, Texas Tech and Iowa State that are still producing solid performers.

Natalja Piliusina will represent Oklahoma State as the defending indoor champion in the 800 and will look to add a mile conference title to her collection. Piliusina will have to fend off top returnee in the mile senior Lucy Kennedy of Iowa State. Caroline Jepleting of Texas Tech will also look to compete for the conference title which should be a competitive field.

In the jumps Texas will look to dominate and add to a strong sprint core. The High Jump is the Longhorns most dominate event. Indoors last season they swept the event with a 1-2-3 finish. What makes it even better all three (Shanay Briscoe, Victoria Lucas and Beverly Owoyele) return this season. Briscoe the defending champion will look to continue to eclipse 6 feet.

In the long jump and triple jump the conference took a big hit with graduation and the loss of Nebraska. However Longhorns A'Lexus Brannon, freshman Morgan Snow and Kansas sophomore Andrea Guebelle look to revitalize the conference and keep a great tradition going.

The return of Shade Weygandt in the Pole Vault should serve notice to the rest of the conference. Weygandt missed the 2011 conference outdoor championship after claiming the title in 2010 as a freshman. Laura Asimikas is the top returnee from the conference meet and will challenge Weygandt for the crown.

The University of Oklahoma may have the best core group of throwers in the country. With a strong trio of Karen Schump, Tia Brooks and Brittany Boreman. With a roster of other talented throwers expect for the Sooners to be well represented here. In the shot put Brooks is the top returnee and Boreman is the defending champion in the weight throw. This will be huge for Oklahoma is they compete well as far the team battle is concerned.

Big 12 Preview: Men

2012-01-05T15:47:00.001-08:00

TEXAS A&M FAREWELL

Disclaimer: This preview and all other future stories will no longer cover every single event. Only events of note.

The Big 12 conference again is losing more members to a different conference after this season. Texas A&M University and the University of Missouri will be moving on to the SEC. Texas A&M has historically been one of the conference's best programs, recently they have been at a phenomenal level winning three straight outdoor titles. The University of Missouri has been a nationally recognized middle distance program. The Big 12 will gain TCU and West Virginia but the lost of Texas A&M is a heavy blow. This season A&M looks to rebuild after the losses of a phenomenal senior class all while winning another national and conference title.

The Big 12 sprints as always looks to be a barn burner. With a solid core of great sprinting programs that develop national champions and All-Americans this is a stiff competition. Senior Woodrow Randall of Baylor made a name of for himself after transferring from Southwest Mississippi Community College. Running the 3rd leg of Baylor's All-American 4x100 relay he was often a standout. Talented sophomore Prezel Hardy of Texas A&M looks to be the top challenger to Randall after having a sensational freshman season.

The 60 meter hurdles is an event were A&M has strongly increased the presence. Larry Wade an NCAA Champion for A&M in the Aggies was the last great hurdler. Vince Anderson sought to change that upon arrival and recruited the high school record holder out of North Carolina in Wayne Davis. Davis had an All-American season last year.

Keiron Stewart of Texas is the defending champion in the event however. Stewart claimed the crown last season clocking in at 7.60. Stewart a talented sprint hurdler from Jamaica cannot solely rely on his speed this season, defeating Davis technique wise is of the utmost importance. Anderson is better coach than any hurdle coach on the University of Texas's staff. He will have Davis ready to compete for a conference and national title.

In the long sprint Texas A&M has taken the 400 meter crown away from Baylor and Texas Tech has also become a threat to become a the top power in the event. There are a lot questions in this event this year with the graduation of A&M's Demetrius Pinder and Tabarie Henry. Baylor has the answer with Zwede Hewitt. Hewitt is the top returning 400 meter runner and has a decent distance between him and the next 400 meter runner.

The jumping events took a universal hit with the loss of Nebraska. The Cornhuskers was the conference most consistent jumping program. The University of Texas has stepped forward to take over the top spot. With returning champion Marquise Goodwin in the long jump and top triple jump returnee in sophomore Mark Jackson.

The High Jump is an area the Cornhuskers scored big last season with 3 athletes in the top 10. However, Eric Kynard of Kansas State was still the best high jumper in the conference and the nation last season. Kynard also has international experience after making Team USA to compete at the IAAF World Championship the past summer. Kynard is future star for Team USA in this event.

In the shot put Junior Mason Finley of Kansas is the main star of note for the throwers. Finley returns at the outdoor conference champion in the shot put as well as All-American. Finley will find a strong challenge from fellow junior Hayden Baillio of Texas.

Oklahoma and Oklahoma State has steadily climbed to the top of the conference in distance running. Colorado's distance dominance had been challenged recently like it never had before. Now the Buffalo's compete for the Pac-12 leaving the distance events to Oklahoma State and Oklahoma to dominate.

The Oklahoma State Cowboys has the most depth in distance racing after having a team of 90% distance runners. The 800 however is not an event that Cowboys have dominated. Texas A&M in recent seasons has stepped to produce some distance runners and have done a even better job with middle distance runners especially in the 800. Returning champion senior Joey Roberts of A&M made some dramatic improvements in the event and will look to defend his title. Roberts has 47 second speed and will look to lower his 1:48 best in thee 800 to possibly 1:47 or 1:46. His teammate Michael Preble took the outdoor 800 and may be the better runner at the end of the season.

In the 1,500 and 3,000 meter races Oklahoma State will look to former NCAA Champion German Fernandez, defending 3,000 meter champion Thomas Farrell, Kuribel Erassa and Shane Moscowitz to lead the way. The Cowboys can go 1-2-3 in either event with their quality core group of runners.

Kevin Schwab and Joe Bosshard of Oklahoma will look to represent for a solid group of Sooner runners in the 5,000. Schwab the defending champion is a heavy favorite to win the event, his teammate Bosshard is the defending champion of the 10,000 outdoors and will be a difficult challenge for Schwab to defeat.

TEAM CHAMPION: TEXAS A&M

Although Texas A&M lost a lot to graduation they did a great job of collecting quality high school recruits and the top Junior College talent. A&M is nationally in a rebuild mode but have enough returning to lead them to victory.

ACC Preview: Men

2011-12-20T14:06:00.000-08:00

Similar to that of the women in there is one noticeable dominate team, Florida State. Florida State been the only relevant national title contender in the conference and treats its fellow members as such. State. Florida State has won the conference title outdoors six consecutive times. There successful indoor championship streak ended in February of this year to championship meet host Virginia Tech. The Hokies of Virginia Tech still will field a strong team but this maybe a championships level team for Florida State.

The Sprints as usual are the highlight of the ACC Conference. Florida State in recent years has been the headliner. Ngoni Makusha burst onto the scene in 2011 with a personal best and collegiate record of 9.89 in the 100 meter dash. Makusha has forgone his senior season and has left the responsibility up to senior Maurice Mitchell. While Makusha was the 100 meter guy, Mitchell was the 200 meter guy. Mitchell will not be alone in the sprints, fellow senior Kemar Hyman, David Ambler and Brandon O'Connor in the 400 will look to continue the Florida State sprint tradition.

There are plenty of great distance programs in this conference and there always seems to be a top listed as a favorite to win the NCAA title either Indoor or Outdoor. Robby Andrews of Virginia is the national headliner. Andrews burst on the scene in 2010 winning the indoor 800 NCAA crown. Andrews is developing well in the 1,500 meters as well finishing 2nd last outdoor season at the conference championship and is the favorite for the crown this indoor season. Teammates Michael Hammond and William Mulherin of Virginia Tech should be the main challenge in the 1,500 and potential threat in the 5,000 meter race.

The field event battle is another in which Florida State and Virginia Tech push to claim the top. In the horizontal jumping events Florida State loses a phenomenal performer in defending long jump champion Ngoni Makusha. Paul Madzivire will look to continue the success at Florida State will fending off Jeff Artis-Gray of Virginia Tech. The Triple Jump will favorite Virginia Tech with the return of Hasheem Halim the outdoor conference champion. David Wilson may be a competitor or he may enter the NFL Draft. Halim is also a preseason favorite to earn All-American honors.

In the high jump defending champ Dwight Barbiasz of Maryland may never get the chance to defend his title. The University of Maryland has decided to end their Men's track and field program. Rumors are that he is headed to the University of Florida (yay). Ronnie Black and Rene Stauss will lead the way for Virginia Tech for a potential 1-2 finish. The pole vault will also be kind to Virginia Tech. Joel Davis is the top returnee for the Hokies in the conference and Andrew LaHaye of Florida State will clash in a quality competition. Teammate Michael Putman will represent the Seminoles well in the throwing events along with Emory Parsons of North Carolina.

Curtis Beach of Duke will be the heavy favorite in the Heptathlon after having an excellent freshman season. However his performance will likely not affect the team race. I will pick Florida State for now, but I may change depending on the decision from David Wilson.

Next Post: Big 12 Preview (Men)

ACC Preview: Women

2011-12-08T17:49:00.000-08:00

It is that time of year, the wonderful indoor track and field season. We have discovered in recent years that a great indoor campaign does not always pan out well for the outdoors. However for track and field fans it is still an important and fun season.

The ACC as we currently know it will change in the 2012-2013 seasons by adding Pittsburgh and Syracuse from the Big East. The two programs will add depth to an already stellar conference.

In the sprints and hurdles Clemson has been the king, or queen if you will, in these events. This season that will not change. Junior Stormy Kendrick is the defending champion and was solid during the 2011 season and should claim both the 60 meters and 200 meters. Teammates Jasmine Edgerson and Marlena Wesh will continue to be a challenge with Kendrick ultimately prevailing.

Wesh is a great long sprinter. She has yet to really perform at the level her talent can take her. She is in a Allyson Felix mode just posing as a 400 meter runner. This season expect Wesh to step it up with no real competition to challenge her.

Teammates of Wesh and Kendrick at Clemson will also likely dominate their best event indoors, the 60 meter hurdles. With Ti'erra Brown of Miami gone, Brianna Rollins and Bridgette Owens are free to dominate. Rollins is the defending NCAA Indoor Champion and was the only athlete under the 8 second mark last season with a personal record of 7.96. Defending champion Edgerson will look to boost points in the event as well.

In the 4x400 relay Clemson will take the crown in this event as well. Although North Carolina was the team to beat last season, they had a pair of seniors on their squad. Losing two relay members to graduation will be hard for the Tar Heels to replace. Clemson has the luck of returning all four members of their outdoor runner-up squad from last season.

In the distance races no one school is expected to dominate at the top. However schools such as North Carolina, Duke and Boston College will be well represented in each event. Jillian King of Boston College looks to the lead the way in both the 800 and 1,500 meter races. King will be challenged by Amanda Winslow of Florida State and Morgane Gay of the University of Virgina in the 1,500 and should see competition from Tasha Stanley of North Carolina in the 800. King has the advantage of strong kick due to her speed and strong performances in the 800. In the long distance races Jessica Perry of Florida State should claim the crown in the 5,000. Fellow sophomore Erin Mercer of North Carolina State will also pose as a threat to the top. For the ACC the future looks bright in distance racing as usual.

Clemson represents themselves well in the sprints and hurdles, but they are superior in the jumps as well. In the high jump April Sinkler will look to add to ACC title hardware. The 2011 outdoor champion is also a threat to claim in the NCAA Indoor title and the ACC title in then long jump as well. With Kimberly Williams of Florida State now gone due to graduation the only challenge Sinkler will find will be from teammate Jasmine Brunson.

Sinkler will look to complete the triple-crown by claiming the triple jump as well. This event too was dominated by Williams. Another Seminole named Michelle Jenije will look to make it tough for Sinkler to sweep the events. Teammate Lauren Terstappen is the early favorite to claim the Pole Vault. Two Tar Heels in Sandi Morris and Merritt Van Meter will look to challenge Terstappen for the crown.

Samira Burkhardt of Virginia Tech and Brittney Waller of Clemson look to claims the crown in their respected throwing events. Burkhard the defending champion in the shot put will see strong competition Lawanda Henry of North Carolina State. Miranda Wilson of Miami should challenge defending champion Waller in the weight throw.

In the pentathlon the consistent dominant performer in Kiani Profit of Maryland has now graduated. Junior Ariel Roberts of North Carolina will look to take over, Roberts finished runner-up to All-American Profit last season.

The expected team champion: CLEMSON

Clemson just has way too much fire power to be denied. They have room for plenty of errors and at championship meets they do not generally make them.

NEXT POST: ACC Preview: Men

How will US Sprints do in 2012?

2011-11-06T14:57:00.000-08:00

U.S.A

The past three years many Americans have watched team USA get beat and dominated by Jamaica in the sprints. A noticeable problem effecting the American sprinters are injuries and.... competition. This past outdoor season there was no Jeremy Wariner or Tyson Gay. Both athletes were potential World Championship Gold Medalists in the respected events and will be this coming Olympics. Each event however poses there own questions for American sprinters.

100 METER DASH (MEN and WOMEN)

The women of the United States claimed their first 100 meter gold medal in the World Championship since 2005 when then Lauryn Williams claimed the title. Carmelita Jeter stormed the track to a victory in a time of 10.90 into a headwind. Jeter will remain the American and World favorite to claim the Olympic gold medal. Other American sprinters such as Marshevet Myers and Williams will add to the country's depth. Veronica Campell-Brown and defending Olympic gold medalist Shelly Ann Fraser of Jamaica represent a strong contingent from their country.

The future for the American women in this event is very bright as well. Young trackstar Octavius Freeman is a name many Americans know because of her 11.16 performance as junior into a headwind. Legally that could have been a sub 11 second performance. Expect that from her this outdoor season as she looks to add to a strong Central Florida University track team.

The men have some work to do. Jamaica has a strong change with all athletes healthy to possibly sweep the 100 meters with American Tyson Gay in the field. I strongly doubt that it will happen but the Americans no longer enter into this event as the favorite. Jamaicans Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake and Asafa Powell have taken the event by the throat. American Walter Dix is one of the better championship performers performing well at major championships. Expect for Dix to contend for a podium spot, it may just not be the top spot. Gay may give the Jamaicans a real run since he is the last person to have beaten Bolt.

The future looks bright for America in this event. Unfortunately so does Jamaica. Young talents such as Jazeel Murphy, Dexter Lee and Kemar Bailey-Cole look to keep the country strong. However the Americans have some strong youth in Marvin Bracy, Prezel Hardy, Keenan Brock and Sean McLean. One thing is for certain the rivalry between the countries is going to continue to remain competitive.

200 Meter Dash

This recently has become the United States weakest sprint event. In 2003-2005 the United States swept this event at all major championships. In 2007 Jamaica began to reemerge in the event with Bolt. He took the event by storm at the 2008 Olympics, he returned to dominance this past season with a time of 19.40 at the World Championship. However a few weeks later Yohan Blake made his presence known with the 2nd fastest time of all time in 19.26. Tyson Gay nor Walter Dix have been able to go under 19.4 while both Jamaicans have.

The future in this event is very bright. McLean, Hardy Brock had solid junior seasons and will look to make a name for themselves in the event. Jamaica does not have serious threat in this event but that does not mean that Murphy or Bailey-Cole could become that.

The American women have performed well in this event and will continue to do so. After an exhausting 400 meter race, Allyson Felix almost earned her fourth World title in the event when at the line she was outlasted by Veronica Campbell-Brown of Jamaica and fellow American Jeter. With Felix solely focusing on 200 at the 2012 Olympics there is no reason why she cannot win gold. This event is a very bright spot for the United States.

Octavius Freeman is also the future in the event as well along with Jessica Davis, Aurieyall Scott and Jeneba Tarmoh. The United States will continue to produce solid 200 meter runners. Anthonique Strachan of the Bahamas and Dafne Schippers of the Netherlands will be future stars in the event as well.

400 Meter Dash

Sanya Richards-Ross is solely responsible for the emergence of the female American quarter miler that had been long extinct. There was no serious threat in the 400 for American women from 1996-2004. Richards changed that by winning a World Championship gold medal in 2009. Richards has dealt with injury the past two seasons and towards the end of this season dipped back under 50 seconds. With a solid season of training, Richards-Ross can still claim the top spot. She will have to contend with Amantle Montsho of Botswana.

The future looks bright in this event for the United States with young stars Diamond Dixon and Ebony Eutsey. Chris Ann Gordan and Olivia James of Jamaica are reason why the country can be truly optimistic about their future.

The 400 has been the United States most dominant event. The United States won every championship from 1991 on the event. Jeremy Wariner returned to top form in 2010 with a time of 44.13. The time was far from his personal best of 43.45 set in 2007. However Wariner has gone through coaching changes and a myriad of injuries. Injury plagued his season this year and had to cancel the remaining portion. Lashawn Merritt the defending champion returned after a drug ban to finish second to young superstar Kirani James. This is the first time in decades that the United States looks vulnerable in this event. A healthy Wariner can win the Olympic Gold medal.

The future for this event is very bright for the United States. Arman Hall, Lajerald Betters, Tavaris Tate, Joshua Mance and Tony McQuay will help lead the future for American quarter milers. However James of Grenada is the future of the event. At just 19 years of age, James has a personal best of 44.36. That time is 2nd only to Steven Lewis for a junior record.

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Although this season was not a solid season for American sprinters with the excellent talent at the youth level America will stop remain at the top of the sprinting world. However we must convince our young men to think track and not always football. We can no longer talk down about Jamaica or question their talent when you see the phenomenal performances of their youth at their Championship Meet. Expect for them to be our main rival and except the fact that we have one.

Bolt versus Blake

2011-10-14T16:57:00.000-07:00

This past season we witnessed the Jamaican Sprint dominance grow in the 100 meters. One could argue had Asafa Powell been healthy and Usain Bolt did not false start, the Jamaicans could have gone 1-2-3 in the 100 meters at the World Championships.

Now as American it certainly is disheartening to see the United States struggle so mightily in the short sprints. It is what it is, some would say. Yohan Blake just 21 years of age has burst onto the scene with his decisive victory in the 100 meters at the World Championships in Daegu.

Although his time was not truly impressive you must take into account that the time was into a headwind. What truly vaulted Blake to sprint super stardom was his rocket 200 meter performance at the Diamond League meet in Brussells, Belgium. Blake clocked in astounding 19.26 with a bad start. His time is the 2nd fastest 200 meter performance of all time. Jamaica now owns the two best times in world history in the 200 meter dash.

Blake's rise to stardom is not truly a shock to many. Blake a former World Junior Medalist and current training partner of Usain Bolt was predicted to be great. Blake clocked in a 10.21 as a junior athlete at Champs in Jamaica setting a record.

Argument for Usain Bolt

Bolt is perhaps the most electrifying sprinter we have ever seen in track and field. Bolt a 6'5 tall statuesque figure with seemingly limitless speed. Bolt has yet to truly tap in to his potential. It was his coach Glen Mills who took Bolt's training up a notch with 400 meter training. It has since worked. Although Bolt has spent the last two seasons as a showman he is still my favorite to win the Olympic Gold in 100 and 200 meters dashes. His time of 19.40 coming off a season ending injury from the previous seasons should set a warning to all those who doubt him.

Argument for Yohan Blake

The next big talent in World Class Sprinting. Blake busted onto the main stage early in the season at the Jamaican Invitational clocking in at 9.83 slightly wind-aided. He was proving that his times of 9.89 and 19.78 in 2010 were no joke. He had an early set back finishing behind Asafa Powell at the Jamaican National Championships, however making the team. At the World Championships in Daegu an injured Asafa Powell dropped out of the Championships. This move left room for Blake on the podium.

In the finals of the 100 meters Bolt false started and the race was declared wide open. Blake proved to be the clear winner with a dominant performance. His time of 9.92 was the only sub 10 second performance into a strong headwind. He has yet to beat Bolt one on one but knows his weaknesses as his training partner. Blake may even be better that Bolt was in London. Beware of the youngster.

For now my pick is Usain Bolt. Until he is dethroned at his best, he is safe bet to win the 100 and 200 meter dashes.

Fall Update

2011-10-04T18:49:00.000-07:00

*It has been a while*

Since my blog is more about track and field and less about Cross Country I have been absent. I am for the growth of my favorite sport but have to admit that Cross Country is not a personal favorite. I am like many other Americans focused on College Football. My three favorite football teams (Michigan-life long fan, Florida-became a fan in the late 90's a young child, Eastern Michigan- I am a alumnus) have all done well. However there are still five major topics to talk about in track and field heading into an Olympic Year.

1.) Yohan Blake can truly challenge Usain Bolt.

2.) How will US Sprints do at the 2012 Olympics.

3.) How good can Kirani James be?

4.) Will the US have their best distance effort in London

5.) Is the US returning to jumping dominance.

We will begin our fall discussions with our first topic with our next post. I am sure it will be a firecracker.

IAAF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP REVIEW

2011-09-08T19:41:00.000-07:00

Well you noticed that I stopped after 2 posts during our preview. With the injuries it just made sense to simply wait. I cannot say we will not continue to post previews, but they will be few and far between. With that being said let us review the running and jumping events of the 2011 World Championships.

It goes without saying this was visually an average track meet at best. With such a strong regular season of full stadiums to have the meet at Daegu with so many empty seats was a disappointment. With the World Championships in town I expected more. What also hurt was the lack of big names in marquee events. However there was still plenty of great performances.

SPRINTS

Whether it is men or women the United States and Jamaica will always reign supreme. The venom will constantly spew and track fans will always get a performance.

Women

Carmelita Jeter returned the 100 meter gold to the United States for the first time since 2005. After twice being the bronze medalist she took control in the middle of the race and was able to hold off a charging Veronica Campbell-Brown of Jamaica.

Campbell-Brown was able to exact her revenge leading from start to finish in the women's 200 to hold Jeter and defending champion American Allyson Felix.

Felix announced early on in the season she was interested in trying to complete a double. Although rarely accomplished Felix attempted the double with less than stellar results. Finishing 3rd in the 200 and 2nd in the 400 to Amantle Montsho of Botswana. Sanya Richards-Ross also had a difficult meat finishing 7th in the 400, a definite disappointment for the defending champion.

Sally Pearson of Australia definitely proved that this season was no fluke. She has had the superior sprint speed and technique to drive home a win in the 100 meter hurdles clocking in at 12.28 to claim the world title over Danielle Carruthers and Dawn Harper of the United States.

Lashinda Demus finally broke through her Jamaican competitors claiming the title in the women's 400 meter hurdles with a time of 52.43 to claim an American record. It is not early to pencil Demus in for a spot on the podium in London.

Men

The 100 meters lost three major stars in this event. American Tyson Gay and Asafa Powell of Jamaica pulled out due to injury and Usain Bolt false started in the final. With those three athletes out the field was wide open. Youngster Yohan Blake of Jamaica will still represent his country well clocking in at 9.92 into a headwind of Walter Dix of the United States.

Dix was finish second again to a Jamaican in the 200 meters. Bolt now fresh from not running the 100 meters clocked a world leading 19.40 that ranks in the top 5 all time. Bolt already the world record holder is simply increasing his legacy.

The United States was lucky to have Lashawn Merritt eligible to compete after serving a 2 year drug suspension. Jeremy Wariner of the United States pulled out prior to the meet due to an injury. A defintite downer for team USA after Wariner finished last season as number 1 with a time of 44.13. Kirani James of Grenada would be the one to challenge Merritt and in the finals the teenager took gold with a time of 44.61. James the young talented phenom is definitely a bright spot for the future.

The 110 hurdles unfortunately ended with a bit of controversy. Dayron Robles won the event but was disqualified due a Chinese protest that he bumped Liu Xiang. This prompted Jason Richardson to the title and Liu Xiang to 2nd.

The 400 hurdles was expected to be a bright spot for the United States with four athletes in the field with personal bests under 48 seconds. However only two qualified to the final and neither were able to medal. Bershawn Jackson hit a hurdle early in the race taking him out rhythm and Angelo Taylor hit a hurdle late. David Greene of Great Britain claimed the title in a time of 48.26.

JUMPS

Men

It has been a long time since the United States Men has had such great performances coming from the field athletes. This year would prove to be a golden one.

Defending champion Dwight Phillips continued his dominance in the long jump. Phillips leaped to 8.45 meters to claim his 4th world title.

The Triple Jump has not been on America's radar in quite some time. That has now changed thanks to two youngsters Christian Taylor and Will Claye. Taylor has been one of the most dominant triple jumpers in NCAA history while competing for Florida. Taylor dethroned Phillips Idowu of Great Britian to take the world title with a leap of 17.96 meters. Taylor's win was totally unexpected but truly welcomed.

Jesse Williams continued that winning feeling by claiming the title in the High Jump. Williams title in the High Jump was America's first in twenty years. His leap of 2.35 meters was declared winner with fewer misses than Russian Alexsey Dmitrik.

Trey Hardee would round out America's gold rush. Hardee the defending champion had the best well rounded performance to score a total of 8,607 points over fellow American Ashton Eaton.

The Pole Vault would be the lone disappointment in the jumping events for the USA. The USA is generally a mainstay on the podium in this events, unfortunately none made it the podium this time around. Pawel Wojciechowski of Poland claimed the title with a mark of 5.90 meters.

DISTANCE

MEN & WOMEN HIGHLIGHTS

In the men's distance races Kenya continued their usual dominance winning the 800; 1,500; 3,000 meter steeplechase and the marathon. That was a total of 4 golds out of a possible six. David Rudisha continued his winning ways with a time of 1:43.91 to claim gold in the 800.

In the women's races Vivian Cheruiyot continued her country's success in distance racing completing a rare double by winning the 5,000 and 10,000 respectively.

In the 800 controversial star Caster Semenya of South Africa fell short of defending her title. Mariya Savinova took control of the race to claim the title in a time of 1:55.87 the current world leading time.

Jennifer Simpson of the United States provided a huge boost to American distance running in the 1,500 by winning the gold in a time of 4:05.41. Simpson a former college star at the University of Colorado is part of America's bright future in distance running.

IAAF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW PART 2

2011-08-24T19:41:00.000-07:00

MEN'S SPRINTS & HURLDES PREVIEW

1. 100 METER DASH

There are multiple questions going into this event. Is the United States really that thin at the elite level of the 100 meter dash? Can Asafa Powell finally claim a world title, does Bolt have it this season?

Let's start with the former. Never has the United States looked so thin it what was once the country's most dominant event. Without Tyson Gay and a now suspended Michael Rodgers the United States must rely on Walter Dix to represent the country and push for gold. Justin Gatlin was once champion here in 2005, but is coming off a drug suspension. Here's hoping that talented group of youngsters stick to track and field and not football and the future will remain bright.

Asafa Powell of Jamaica has been somewhat of a time's guy. Meaning, he has produced some of the best individual performances in the 100 meter dash ever. However Powell has no gold to show for it. With his fellow countryman Usain Bolt not looking like his usual self, now is the best time for Powell to claim the gold.

ASAFA POWELL (JAMAICA)

2. 200 Meter Dash

Only two athletes look capable of claiming the gold for this half lap sprint. Dix and Bolt. Bolt is currently the only athlete to have gone under 20 seconds this season legally. Dix's national championship performance was barely wind-aided and was under 20 seconds. However Dix is capable of challenging Dix for the title in this event. Bolt may not be at his best but he still could possibly claim gold.

USAIN BOLT (JAMAICA)

WALTER DIX (USA)

3. 110 Meter Hurdles

Dayron Robles of Cuba is back after missing last season with an injury. Last season David Oliver of the United States dominated, winning every race and dipping under 13 seconds multiple times. Oliver has not look like himself most of this season. He has beaten Liu Xiang of China at the Prefontaine Classic and won the national title, other than that he has dealt with very notable losses. Former college and high school superstar American Jason Richardson has been able to beat Oliver on two occasions this season. Richardson maybe ready to claim the American crown and pushing Oliver to 2nd.

DAVID OLIVER (USA)

DAYRON ROBLES (CUBA)

4. 400 Meter Dash

Never has this event been so open. It is also the first time in a while since Clyde Hart has not had a threat to win it all. With Jeremy Wariner out with an injury and Lejerald Betters no where to be found the United States will have to rely on young talent such as Tony McQuay to compete for the world title.

However this season it seems as if the United States dominance over the event may come to an end due to youngster Kirani James of Grenada. James had a solid collegiate season defending his NCAA title. He recently defeated a strong group of professional sprinters at the London Diamond League clocking in a world leading 44.61. Although James is young, still a teenager, he is a serious threat for the world title.

Chris Brown of the Bahamas maybe the veteran favorite because of his personal best and ability to perform well at the Champion meets, keep an eye on him an do not be surprised if he wins the event.

KIRANI JAMES (GRENADA)

5. 400 Meter Hurdles

This maybe the United States best chance for a gold medal in the sprints. All four representatives have run under 48 seconds in their career, Jeshua Anderson, Bershawn Jackson and Angelo Taylor have all ran 47 seconds this season. Kerron Clement the defending champion has been a bit of disappointment this season and ever since he left Florida. Clement has only ran a season best 48.74. I think the speed training Holloway provided was under appreciated by Clement and is definitely showing. Clement may still claim the world title but will have to set a personal best against a strong American core and world leader Russian L.J. Van Zyl.

KERRON CLEMENT (USA)

****

IAAF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW

2011-08-22T18:44:00.000-07:00

We will break the preview up into a 5 part series.

MONDAY- WOMEN'S SPRINTS & HURDLES

TUESDAY- MEN'S SPRINTS & HURDLES

WEDNESDAY- MEN'S & WOMEN'S DISTANCE EVENTS

THURSDAY- MEN'S AND WOMEN'S FIELD

FRIDAY- MULTI EVENT PREVIEW & RELAYS

During our preview of the upcoming World Championship we will not discuss every event in each category, but the noteworthy athletes in the noteworthy events.

Women's Preview

1. 100 Meter Dash

Many newspapers in Jamaica and in the United Kingdom are asking is this race all about Carmelita Jeter of the United States. Jeter is currently the number ranked 100 meter sprinter in the world with a time of 10.70. Veronica Campbell-Brown of Jamaica is a closed second in 10.76. I understand how many feel in regards to Jeter excellent performances, but it is different during the rounds. It is easy to run a great 100 if it is one round. Jeter was great in 2009 but did not win the gold. I feel history will repeat itself and Campbell-Brown will finally claim the gold.

VERONICA CAMPBELL-BROWN (Jamaica)

2. 200 METER DASH

This race will be all about whose legs are more fresh, Campbell-Brown or Allyson Felix of the United States. Campbell-Brown may be on an emotional high after winning the 100 meters. Felix may be exhausted from her rounds in the 400. Campbell-Brown has been able to beat Felix at the past Olympic Games. When it comes to the past three world championships it has been Felix. Felix will be looking for the double in the 200 and 400. No one has been able to complete that double since Marie Jose-Perec of France and Michael Johnson of the United States did it at the 1996 Olympic Games. Shalonda Solomon also of the United States has been a youth star and is coming off a big win at the National Championship. Solomon maybe the best prepared since she is only competing in the 200 meter dash.

ALLYSON FELIX (USA)

3. 400 METER DASH

Sanya Richards-Ross of the United States is making a comeback of sorts. Although Richards is the defending champion it has been a difficult year for her. Richards initially struggled to get under 51 seconds and then 50 seconds while on the way losing race after race. Richards suffered a season injury in 2010 and struggled to regain her form. Richards finally broke through with the number 2 ranked time in the world at the London Diamond League clocking in at 49.66. Anastasiya Kapachinskaya of Russia currently has the world number 1 time in 49.35 and will be a tough challenge for Richards.

Felix will also be a challenge currently ranked number 4 with a time of 49.81. Felix also had the number 1 time in the world for majority of the season. Her speed maybe her best asset. Amantle Montsho of Botswana is the biggest threat to winning the race having won against Richards at least 3 times and is the current Diamond League points leader. Montsho has a season's best time of 49.71 and is currently ranked number 3.

SANYA RICHARDS ROSS (USA)

4. 100 Meter Hurdles

Australia's Sally Pearson has been excellent all season. Pearson has an excellent blend of speed and has been dominating the Diamond League meets. Pearson has a world leading time of 12.48 and with her speed maybe able to lower that time. Kellie Wells and Danielle Carruthers of the United States have both been able to run 12.5 this season and have equally challenged Pearson to the line in their races. Tiffany Porter of Great Britain is the lone European hope and may need a personal best to get on the podium, which would not be a surprising if she did.

SALLY PEARSON (Australia)

5. 400 METER HURDLES

This event has become one of Jamaica's best and may stay that way for a while. Kaliese Spencer has sat in the shadow of Melaine Walker for quite some time. She may have broke through that this season, Spencer has a world leading time of 52.79. Spencer seems to be getting better meet by meet. Walker has not been herself this season, unable to claim a major victory over her closest competitors she will have to bring that championship magic. Lashinda Demus of the United States and Zuzana Hejnova of the Czech Republic will also challenge for the title.

***

Summer Track Volume 1

2011-08-02T20:18:00.001-07:00

It is now August we are sadly reaching the final strech run of the track and field season. The World Championships are the end of this month. This has been such an up and down season for all events in track and field. Let's take a look at 6 major stories.

1. Lashawn Merritt returns

Whether you like it or not, Merritt has returned back to the track. His recent performance in Stockholm finishing in a close second clocking in at 44.74 instantly puts the defending champion in the driver's seat for the world title. Wariner not only has been inconsistent but he is now injured. Chris Brown of the Bahamas and Jermaine Gonzales will be strong challengers for the title.

2. Allyson Felix will double

To some this does not seem like a great decision. Allyson Felix recently announced that she will compete in the 400 meter dash as well as the 200. This is the toughest double for sprinters. The last athlete to complete the double was Michael Johnson and Marie-Jose Perec in 1996 at the Atlanta Olympic Games. Felix has been more consistent in the 400 this season than the 200. We have yet to see Felix dip under 22 seconds. However do not rule out Felix, if anyone can do it she can.

3. David Rudisha thinks of sub 1:40 800.

Yes it is freakish to think that a human can dip under 1 minute and 40 seconds in the 800 meter run. As american we are convinced it cannot be done and what is his 400 time. However Rudisha a Kenyan may just be that guy. Rudisha's world record performance last season clocking in at 1:41.01 may just be the beginning.

4. Brittany Reese the best American female jumper since JJK?

The answer simply, yes. Reese's performance the past 3 seasons have been simply remarkable. Tianna Madison was expected to be the athlete to replace Kersee and has slighlt gone off course. Reese claimed the title at the 2009 World Championship and will look to defend that title already currently ranked the world the number 1.

5. Jamaican Sprint Dominance

Yes they have caught us and our now surpassing us. The Jamaican men currently dominate the short sprints. In the 100 meter dash there are currently five Jamaicans running sub 9.90. That does not include Yohan Blake who ran a barely wind-aided 9.8 early in the season. The lack of an American 100 meter threat can be contributed to many things, drugs, lack of interests and better coaching in Jamaica.

The youth this past season does give us very encouraging signs for the future however majority of our best sprinters are lost in football. Jamaican Jazeel Murhpy is the next big sensation and has no other focus than track and field. There have been great American sprinters who have become nobodies or average athletes on NFL teams. Sprinters such as Trindon Holliday and Jacoby Ford make you wonder what could have been. Holliday was exceptionally gifted, if he had a solid track and field base he would have run 9.8 in college. Where is Holliday now? There is still room for optimism but even more room for concern.

6. Sally Pearson threatens American sweep in the 100 meter hurdles

Pearson has been on a tear this outdoor season in the hurdles. Currently with a world leading time of 12.48 Pearson is the Diamond League leader in the event having won 4 times. American's Danielle Carruthers, Kellie Wells and Dawn Harper are capable of defeating Pearson but haven't. All have ran 12.5 this season which should make for an interesting World Championship.

With the world championships coming around the corner, expect our next post to be the first of a 4 part preview.

Update

2011-07-26T20:04:00.000-07:00

Busy summer, will be posting soon. I will definitely do a IAAF World Championship preview.

Summer Track and More

2011-07-06T19:33:00.001-07:00

So I am back yet again. The NCAA season is officially over only 1 month until the NCAA cross country season starts. However for the many of us that watch professional track and field were are in the middle of the regular season. Let's take a look at some of the big stories in professional and NCAA track and field.

FLORIDA GATORS FALLS SHORT FOR A 3RD STRAIGHT TIME.

Boy oh boy. Another disappointing ending for the Florida Gators at the NCAA Outdoor Championship. We cannot take anything away from Texas A&M, however the Gators had so many opportunities to win the men's NCAA Outdoor crown. Jeff Demps not qualifying in the 100 meter dash, Christian Taylor not qualifying in the long jump, Eddie Lovett not qualifying in the 110 hurdles, the 4x100 relay not finishing the race and the 4x400 relay falling short. The truth of the matter is, if just one of those stories turned positive the Gators would be National Champions. There is always next year Gator fans (including me), Dedric Dukes, Hugh Graham and Marquis Dendy will arrive this fall and a huge boost. I am curious to know if they have recruited a 100 meter guy as well.

USAIN BOLT COMEBACK IN FULL EFFECT

As a track fan I just sometimes and sit in amazement with what this athlete can do. Bolt is simply fantastic. After coming off a leg injury from last season Bolt defeated Asafa Powell in their first show down of the season with a time of 9.91 in the 100 meters. To open up your season against Asafa Powell and win is a pretty special. This year so far Bolt has not blown anyone away in the 100 but he needs to be wary of his country men, Powell and rising star Steve Mullings at the World Championship in Daegu.

SANYA RICHARDS-ROSS RETURN NOT AS SMOOTH AS EXPECTED

It has been somewhat of a difficult year for Sanya Richards. She has not been as dominant as in years past. She is slowly getting into shape. Richards ran a seasonal best of 50.61 to finish second to Amantle Montsho at the Lausanne, Switzerland Diamond League meet. Richards stated in a interview that the comeback was more difficult than expected. I still think Richards has was it takes to win the World Title but she will have to earn it and work on her endurance.

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BLANKA VLASIC

Vlasic high jump Goddess. She has dominated the event over the past few seasons. This year though she has lost twice. Both at Diamond League events. Vlasic is 27 years of age and is in great shape, I do not expect to see her continue down a losing path by championship time Vlasic should be in perfect form.

The summer track season is in full effect. Expect for there to be some major noise in the coming weeks as many of the world's best athletes compete in the Diamond League meets.

Next Post: Review of the Diamond League Meet in Paris

Update

2011-06-30T21:19:00.000-07:00

Sorry I was out for so long, we were out of internet service. Our next post will be a season review. We will also talk about the USA Championships and the professional outdoor season. Thank you for all those that still read.

Collegiate Update #3

2011-06-07T17:37:00.000-07:00

Men's Sprints and Jumps Preview

The 100 meter dash is the glamour event of the NCAA Championship and all major track and field competition. This year the 100 meter dash is huge for the team battle between the three powers, Florida, Florida State and Texas A&M. Jeff Demps of Florida is the defending champion and currently ranked number 1 in the nation with a wind aided 9.96. There will be strong competition from Florida State's Maurice Mitchell and Ngondizashe Makusha. Demps must have a strong frame a mind and put the false start at the SEC Championships behind him. Demps is clearly the favorite in the event.

The 200 meter dash is expected to be a huge point boost for Florida State in the team competition. The Seminoles have Maurice Mitchell and Brandon Byram expected to score well in the event. Rakeeim Salaam of Oklahoma however is the current favorite. Salaam currently leads the nation with a time of 20.05.

In the long sprint 400 it has been a lackluster outdoor season after such a solid indoor season. This is also true in the professional ranks. This could be the start of a great summer. Kirani James ran a 44.8 indoors at the SEC Championship and has already matched that feat outdoors. Texas A&M''s Tabarie Henry and Demetrius Pinder will be strong competition to be in the event and both have also ran 44.8.

The 110 high hurdles is perhaps the most intriguing event. Omo Osaghae of Texas Tec missed all of last outdoor season with an injury and has set the season a fire with his great performances. Andrew Riley of Illinois and Barret Nugent wait in the wings and have the speed to match Osaghae. Nugent has already beaten Osaghae this season at the Texas Relays. Osaghae however has been flawless since then. Osaghae enters the meet as favorite, don't count out defending champion Riley.

The 400 hurdles has perhaps one of the best collegiate 400 hurdlers of all time. Jeshua Anderson has won the title twice before as a freshman and as a sophomore. Last season Anderson unfortunately came up short. This season he has been solid all season. Anderson has nearly a full second on the entire field and leads the NCAA with a time of 48.13. No other athlete is under 49 seconds.

The vertical jumping events is where Florida expects to score huge points. The Gators Christian Taylor and Will Claye are currently 1-2 in the triple jump and both are ranked in the top 10 in the long jump. Claye is Florida's biggest threat to double. Makusha of Florida State leads the NCAA with a mark over 27 feet and will try to see to it that 10 points is given to the Seminoles.

The High Jump may be absent Derek Drouin the defending champion from Indiana but there is a group of new stars in this event that are ready to take his place. Erik Kynard of Kansas State is the clear favorite for the title having leaped to 7-7 and the number 1 ranking. Fellow sophomore Ricky Robertson of Ole Miss will be tough for Kynard to shake. If Kynard wants the title it is going to possibly take a personal best.

The Pole Vault as usual is always an intriguing event at the championship meet. Senior Scott Roth is the clear favorite and with a season best of 18'9.25 may treat the fans in Des Moines, Iowa to a 19 foot performance for the win.

Collegiate Update# 2

2011-06-06T16:46:00.000-07:00

Instead starting a series based off the regional results, instead we will move to a preview of the meet.

Monday- Women's Sprints and Jumps

Tuesday- Men's Sprints and Jumps

Wednesday- Men's and Women's Distance and Throws

WOMEN'S SPRINT PREVIEW

In the sprints it has been one incredible year. Performances and times we have not seen in quite some time. So far this season there have been two athletes under 11 seconds in the 100 meters, 13 athletes under 23 seconds in the 200 meters and 4 athletes under 52 seconds including a pair of freshman. The NCAA meet is shaping up to be a barn burner.

In the 100 meters Jeneba Tarmoh of Texas A&M has been the story all season. After her 10.94 performance at the Texas Relays, albeit wind aided, she has been stamped as number 1. She has been undefeated all outdoor season and I expect for that to stay. It will take a sub 11 performance to beat Semoy Hackett of LSU or English Gardner a true freshman from Oregon.

In the 200 meters Kimberlyn Duncan is the first real 200 meter star from LSU since Muna Lee. Kelly Ann Baptiste was great but never a real threat to win the title. As a sophomore Duncan has already won her first title winning the indoor crown. Her 22.18 performance as the LSU Alumni Gold meet stands alone as the best 200 meter performance since the mid 90's. She is not ready to challenge the NCAA record but will be sooner rather than later. Teammate Hackett and Tarmoh remain the top two threats.

In the 400 meters a stunning upset took place at the Big 12 Championships win Diamond Dixon a freshman from Kansas took down senior Jessica Beard of Texas A&M. Beard was having a great season, showing great speed in the 200. Beard is still favorite to win the title after winning indoors, however she must do her best to earn it. Joanna Atkins the champion in 2009 remains the top threat.

Senior Nia Ali of USC is having her best year yet at USC. Technically sound in the 100 hurdles and using her solid speed to power over each hurdle. Ali currently is tied for the top time in the country in 12.74, wind aided. Freshman Tiffani McReynolds of Baylor has lit up the Big 12 with that same time. With Brianna Rollins of Clemson out, Ali and McReynolds are the two to beat. Ali is my pick to become champion.

The 400 hurdles has to be the most competitive it has been in years. A total of 10 girls running sub 57 in the event. Ellen Wortham of Tennessee was already an expected All-American in the event, but what was so shocking was her performance at the SEC meet where won in 55.70 to beat Cassandra Tate defending champion from LSU. Wortham will have to put on a similar performance to claim the NCAA crown, Latoya James of North Carolina and Tierra Brown of Miami will be strong challengers.

In the vertical jumps, Mara Griva a freshman from Nebraska is in strong position to complete the double. In the long jump she is currently ranked number 1 with a leap of 21-11.75 and in the triple jump she is 3rd with a leap of 45 3.75. Kim Williams of Florida State looks to defend her title in the triple jump but Griva will be a tough competitor to shake.

In the high jump Brigetta Barrett of Arizona has remained the top performer all season including indoors. Her 6'4 performance makes her a huge favorite to win the title.

The Pole Vault has belonged to Tina Sutej of Arkansas. Once part of that great trio from a year ago, Sutej has had quite a season and continued in her winning ways with a NCAA leading performance of 15-1.5.

Collegiate Update

2011-05-26T15:29:00.000-07:00

THE FINALS ARE HERE!!

First of all, I apologize for being away for so long, but you know the reason.

This past weekend we were treated to the second year of the new regional format for NCAA Track and Field. As stated last year this is so pointless. I do not understand why the outdoor season can mirror the indoor season with a provisional qualifying time and a automatic qualifying time. But instead we get the first two rounds of the NCAA finals as our regional format.

EASTERN CONFERENCE REVIEW

There was a nice little debate on flotrack.com over the weekend of which coast was more tough. My vote went to the eastern conference. The reason is due to the fact that the best teams are in the region. Florida and Florida State are currently 1-2 in my book. This past weekend the Gators and Seminoles did not nothing to diminish that.

In the sprints the major qualifiers for the men are Jeff Demps of Florida and Maurice Mitchell of Florida State in the men's 100. In the 200 Mitchell and Horatio Williams of LSU were tops. In the long sprint Kirani James of Alabama and Clayton Parros of North Carolina were the best qualifiers.

In the high hurdles Barret Nugent of LSU and defending champion Andrew Riley of Illinois still reigned supreme in their event both qualifying to the NCAA Championship meet.

In the jumping events Florida was well represented. In the long jump and triple jump Florida qualified both of the championship jumpers in Will Claye and Christian Taylor. From Florida State Ngondizashe Makusha also qualified and will try and stop the 1-2 finish from Florida in the long jump.

The high jump is missing a key ingredient, Derek Drouin of Indiana defending NCAA Champion is out with an injury. Future star from Ole Miss sophomore Ricky Robertson did qualify and is one of the favorites to win the the national title. In the pole vault top qualifying honors went to Cori Mattix out of Michigan State.

In the middle distance events Robby Andrews of Virginia and Casimir Loxsom of Penn State, both returning All-Americans qualified for the NCAA Meet. Matthew Gibney took home top honors in the mile qualifying in a time of 3:46.29.

In the shot put true freshman from Auburn Stephen Saenz was top qualifier. Saenz has been solid all season competing very well as a freshman for Auburn, putting up big time marks. He will be a serious threat at nationals.

This was an abbreviated review, just discussing some of the more notable qualifiers. Please don't forget the PREFONTAINE CLASSIC will be on TV this weekend live on NBC.

NEXT POST: WOMEN'S EASTERN CONFERENCE REVIEW

Update

2011-05-21T06:17:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I currently am recovering from pneumonia after just having had the flu. The internet in our home is also down. Please bare with me I plan to get back to weekly postings. Thank you for your continued support.

Weekend Review

2011-05-02T18:56:00.000-07:00

This past weekend is one of the best weekends for track and field. The last weekend in April always includes the Penn Relays. The Penn Relays is America's premier track and field event. This three day carnival attracts over 100,000 fans from through the North and Central American continent. To go along with the Penn Relays there was the USC-UCLA Dual and the Drake Relays.

PENN RELAYS (MEN)

LSU DOMINATES SPRINT EVENTS

It was all about LSU. Under Dennis Shaver the LSU men have become even more competitive in the sprint events. Shaver has focused strongly on developing some depth. At the Penn Relays it was clear LSU had the superior stick work. The Tigers were surprisingly the only team under 40 seconds in 400 meter relay. It seems three key teams (Florida, Texas A&M and TCU) struggled to get the baton around well. The LSU tigers clocked in 38.77 in the 400 relay almost breaking the meet record set by TCU. The quartet included Keyth Talley, Horatio Williams, Tristan Walker and Gabriel Mvumvure.

In the 800 meter relay there was more a challenge. The Texas A&M Aggies took LSU to the line. The Tigers held on to win in 1:20.62. The time is the 8th fastest collegiate team in Penn Relay history. The quartet consisted of Riker Hylton, Horatio Williams, Tristan Walker and Gabriel Mvumvure.

In the 1,600 meter relay there was no quit in the LSU Tigers as they pressed towards the finish line against Texas A&M. It was a game of cat and mouse with each leg between LSU and Texas A&M. In the end Texas A&M senior Demetrius Pinder was just strong enough to hold off LSU. Pinder ran a 44.9 to hold off Ryker Hylton of LSU. Texas A&M clocked in at 3:01.73. Along with Pinder the Texas A&M quartet included Bryan Miller, Tran Howell and Tabarie Henry. LSU clocked in at 3:02.33.

Mvumvure also claimed the 100 meter dash running a 10.33 in to a decent headwind. Mvumvure is the 2nd ever LSU tiger to win the 100 meter title at the Penn Relays. Teammate Barret Nugent tried to defend his 110 meter hurdle title, Nugent fell short finishing 2nd in 13.70. Omo Osaghae of Texas Tech took the event in a time of 13.35. Teammate Bryce Brown finished 2nd in the 400 hurdles at 50.92 while Leford Green of Johnson C. Smith claimed the title in 50.00.

Osaghae was joined by Jamele Mason, Brandon Tucker and Shane Brathwaite to claim the Shuttle Hurdle Relay title over Florida.

In the Sprint Medley Relay Penn State was able to outlast the University of Florida after an amazing race. Penn State clocked in at 3:17.10. The group included Aaron Nadolksy, Brady Gehret, Casimir Loxsom and Ryan Foster.

In the 4xMile Princeton claimed the title as the first Ivy League title since 1931. The group of Chris Bendsten, Donn Cabral, Kyle Soloff and Mark Amirualt. The winning time of 16:19.98 included a 4:02.8 anchor from Amirault.

In the Distance Medley Relay Villanova won the 24th title in the event. After a great starting leg from Brian Tetreault and excellent anchor from Matthew Gibney, Villanova was too much for Arkansas to compete with. 24 titles in one event is just pure dominance.

FIELD EVENT WINNERS

LONG JUMP: MARQUISE GOODWIN (TEXAS) 26-3.5

TRIPLE JUMP: OMAR CRADDOCK (FLORIDA) 54-0 (BACK TO BACK TITLES)

SHOT PUT: HAYDEN BAILLIO (TEXAS) 64-0.25

DISCUS THROW: JAMES PLUMMER (RUTGERS) 191-1

HAMMER THROW: WALTER HENNING (LSU) 208-3

JAVELIN THROW: BRANDON HEROUX (WILLIAMS AND MARY) 239-9

HIGH JUMP: MAALIK REYNOLDS (PENN) 7-3.25

POLE VAULT: JARED JODON (VIRGINIA TECH) 17-0.75

ACC Outdoor Championship Review

2011-04-27T17:58:00.001-07:00

What a great meet. One of the best things about the NCAA Outdoor season is the early conference championships. The ACC has long been one of the best conferences in track and field with great distance racing and sprinting, that was on display this past weekend. We watched as the usual suspects defended their crowns, the Clemson women and the Florida State men. For Clemson it was their fourth in a row and for Florida State it was their seventh.

Women

In the sprints Clemson dominated. Stormy Kendrick completed the individual double by winning the 100 and 200 in 11.25 and 23.09. Teammate Marlena Wash finished 2nd in the 200 with a time of 23.26 but claimed the victory in the 400 with a time of 52.28. Her performance was more than a second greater than her closest competitor.

Brianna Rollins fell just short of defeating Tierra Brown of Miami(FL) who won clocking in at 12.94 over Rollins 12.99. Rollins led a 2-3-4 finish in the 100 hurdles for Clemson. Brown was the expected winner in the 400 hurdles but much to every one suprise Latoya James of North Carolina took the crown in a time of 55.83. Brown finished second but needed medical attention near the finish line. Lets hope her season is now over after the great performance she gave over the weekend.

In the relays Clemson claimed the 4x100 relay in 44.27 with a team of Michaylin Golliday, Stormy Kendrick, Misha Morris and Jasmine Edgerson. North Carolina outlasted Clemson in the 4x400 relay with a winning time of 3:34.42. The team included Christine Johnson, LaToya James, Tasha Stanley and Zoey Russell.

In the distance events Clemson got a big lift from Kimberly Ruck who won the 10,000 meter run in a time of 33:47.85. Alyssa Kulik provided a solid 8 points to Clemson after a second place finish in the 3,000 meter steeplechase in 10:05.51. Senior Stephanie Garcia won the event and was the sub 10 minute performer in 9:55.10.

Hometown senior Kate VanBuskirk of Duke made sure she would go out on top since her school was the host of meet. VanBuskirk ran a stellar race from beginning to end clocking in at 4:16.68 to win the 1,500.

In the 800 Jillian King of Boston College had to fight off a strong North Carolina trio to win the title in close battle down to the line. King's winning time of 2:04.88 was just enough to hold off Ashley Verplank of North Carolina in 2nd at 2:04.99.

In the 5,000 meter run Florida State was led by a freshman. Freshman Jessica Parry took home the title 16:14.74. Her performance was a great one winning by more than 8 seconds.

In the jumps senior Kimberly Williams of Florida State was the discussion. Williams has been one of the greatest collegiate jumpers ever. She has multiple national championship medals in the triple jump and many All-American honors in the long jump. Williams did not dissapoint by claiming the jumping double winning the long jump in 20-6 1/4 and leap of 46-1 1/4 to set a ACC and stadium record in the triple jump. Clemson was second in both jumping events along with multiple scorers in both events.

April Sinkler was one of those athletes who finished 2nd for Clemson in the long jump but she took the title in the High Jump with a mark of 5'10.50. Teammate and freshman Lauren Terstappen provided solid team points as well in the pole finish 2nd scoring 8 points. Terstappen tied Florida State's Lizbeth Mabry's of mark of 13'3.75, however Mabry had fewer misses.

In the throwing events Virginia Tech had two great team performances winning the shot put and hammer throw keeping them inside the team competition. Freshman Samira Burkhardt had a throw 52'3.25 and Doretea Habazin won the hammer with 224'3".

Kristen Batts a senior from Maryland went out on in top in the discus, on her final throw 160'11 to overtake Duke freshman Erica Brand. Brand's teammate made up for her runner-up finish claiming the Javelin with a mark 155'1.

In the heptathlon, the ultimate event Clemson again showcased their power finishing 1-2 in the event. Senior Liane Weber claimed the title with a total point score 5,463 and fellow senior Patricia Mamona followed with a total of 5,293.

This is becoming pretty routine for Clemson and they will continue to grow to become a national championship contender.

NEXT POST: MEN'S Review and Penn Relays Preview

OUT SICK!

2011-04-25T20:27:00.000-07:00

Sorry the for the lack of posts, been dealing with the flu. I will try and have an ACC Championship Recap and or Penn Relay preview sometime this week. Thanks for your patience and understanding.

Season Update

2011-04-14T19:29:00.000-07:00

We have now reached the middle of April. We have learned a lot about some of the premier teams in Collegiate track and field but there are still some teams who have not displayed their hand. The Florida and Texas Relays have past, both had there ups and downs. Let's review some of the season's best.

MEN

SPRINTER OF THE SEASON (so far)

Senior Demetrius Pinder of Texas A&M is lighting the track on fire. A positive representative of his country, the Bahamas, Pinder has taken over as the go to guy for Texas A&M in the sprints. Earlier in the season Pinder defeated 400 star Jeremy Wariner in the 200 that shows he will be competitive this summer at the world championships in Daegu. Pinder's time of 20.54 is currently ranked number 2 in the country. Pinder is also ranked number 2 in the country in the 400 with a time of 45.06 behind teammate Tabarie Henry at 44.83. Pinder also anchored the Texas A&M 4X400 meter relay to a time of 3:00.45 a new Texas Relay's record.

Honorable Mention: Jeff Demps

FIELD ATHLETE OF THE SEASON (so far)

Ngonidzashe Makusha of Florida State has been a sensational long jumper all season. Makusha claimed the NCAA Indoor title over Will Claye of the University of Florida and has not looked back. Makusha set a Texas Relay's record last weekend with a winning mark of 27'6.75. His mark beat his competition by more than a foot. Makusha has the same margin over the country as he is currently ranked number 1. Makusha is huge in the team battle for Florida State. Keep your eye on him this outdoor season.

DISTANCE RUNNER OF THE SEASON (so far)

Ciaran O'Lionaird a senior from Florida State is getting his season off to a great start. O'Lionaird a transfer from the University of Michigan leads the NCAA in the 1,500 with a time of 3:41.02. O'Lionarid is also ranked number 2 in the 10,000 with a time of 28:32.30. With the ACC Championships around the corner. Expect O'Lionarid to be on the top of the podium often.

FRESHMAN OF THE SEASON (so far)

Prezel Hardy of Texas A&M was the number 1 sprinting recruit last season. Hardy has not disappointed for A&M this season. Hardy currently ranks 6th in the country and tied with another freshman. However Hardy is having a much better 200 meter outdoor season currently ranked number 9 with a personal best of 20.74. Hardy was also given the tough task of anchoring the 4x100 relay that is currently ranked number 1 clocking in at 38.71 to win the Texas Relay's title. Hardy definitely has a bright future and is an athlete to watch out for.

NEXT POST: WOMEN

Weekend Review Part 2 Florida Relays

2011-04-05T20:04:00.000-07:00

Women's Review

Florida Relays

This was interesting weekend for the Women. The host, The University of Florida, is in serious rebuild mode at this time. Majority of the teams big points come from freshman. From South Carolina University indoor 60 meter champion LaKya Brookins also had a so-so performance in the 100 meter dash. Brookins finished 6th overall with a time of 11.64. That time is not indicative of her great 7.09 60 meter performance and the indoor championship. It is still April and Brookins has a lot of time to improve. This meet was not a major firecracker for the women.

The most outstanding performance of the weekend goes to Francena McCrory. On Day 1 McCrory stunned the crowd with a phenomenal performance in the 400 clocking in at 50.50. McCrory's time is currently ranked number 1 in the world. This time really should not have been a surprise last indoor season she ran 50.54 indoors to set an indoor American record. McCrory is certainly capable of a sub 50.0 performance and can be considered for medal contention this outdoor season at the World Championships.

Cory McGee was a bright spot for the Gators. The talented freshman displayed her versatility as a distance runner by winning the 800. McGee clocked in at 2:07.45 to claim the victory. She did not compete in her best event the 1,500. McGee is amongst a great crop of female middle distance runners in the United States. The future is looking bright for American distance running and for the University of Florida.

Ti'erra Brown a senior from Miami also had a noteworthy performance this past weekend. Brown clocked in at 56.91 to win the 400 meter hurdles. Brown did not compete in the high hurdles all indoor season and may solely be focusing on the 400 hurdles to prepare for the latter part of the outdoor season. Brown is the defending USA National Champion and a runner up from the NCAA Championship last outdoor season. Brown is getting off to a great start to her season.

In Day 2 the Relays were ruled by the professional athletes. The Speed Divas which consisted of Marshevet Myers, Natasha Hastings, Lauryn Williams and Bianca Knight, won the 4x100 relay, 4x200 relay and 4x400 relay. The Divas clocked in at 42.75 in the 4x100 relay to set a new meet record, 1:31.02 in the 4x200 relay and the only team under 3:30 in the 4x400 relay with a time of 3:29.67. The Divas will be competing at the Texas Relays which should have its own great professional competition.

Top collegiate performance go to the Central Florida Knights who finished 2nd in two events with times of 43.53 and 1:32.81 respectively. Clemson was 2nd in the 4x400 relay in 3:35.18. The 4x800 relay belong to the ladies of North Carolina with a winning time of 8:53.92. The time does not excite you but was still a great performance.

It is still early in the season and although there were no noteworthy field performances at the Florida Relays there have been some great collegiate performances this season elsewhere. We will discuss those performances in our next post.

Next Post: A quick weekend recap of other meets.

Weekend Review

2011-04-04T19:30:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was the first weekend of the month of April. Normally the first weekend in April gives insight in to were programs (USC) this weekend lets us know where they stand overall. USC does not run majority of their program indoors. Plenty of action took place this weekend let's review the Florida Relays.

MEN'S REVIEW

FLORIDA RELAYS

The University of Florida hosted 67th Florida Relay competition. The Florida Gators have a very large bulls eye on their back after winning the NCAA Indoor title. At the championship meet indoors the Gators went through some adversity whether it be injuries or simply bad performances. However they still were able to come out on top and claim the title. This past weekend Florida experienced some adversity.

Day 1 of the Florida Relays is a more individual competition for the collegiate and professional athlete. Eddie Lovett, Jarius Cooper and Gray Horn competed in the 110 meter high hurdles minus American hurdle star David Oliver who was absent. Lovett and Cooper performed admirably for their first meet. Lovett clocking in at 14.26 to finish 11th overall and Cooper clocking at 14.31 to finish 16th overall. Not the performances they had this past indoor season, but the guys have two months to go and Holloway always preaches to his athletes get better every week.

Demps may have lifted the Gators spirit with his NCAA leading time of 10.07. The time is an improvement off last season even with the small headwind. We may see a sub 10 performance by the end of the month. Keith Ricks of Virginia Tech also had a great performance clocking in at 10.33 to finish 3rd in the race and 2nd amongst collegiate athletes.

Shariff Webb a senior from the University of Kentucky had serious bad luck this past indoor season. At the SEC Championships he was the favorite to win and was tripped in the middle of the race. At the indoor national championships his time finished in the top 8 but he did not qualify to the finals because of automatic berths. Webb ran a solid race against Penn State's Ryan Foster and broke a 25 year old meet record with a winning time of 1:47.19. Webb's time currently ranks number 2 in the nation. Webb can definitely be considered a favorite to claim the outdoor crown.

On Day 2 it was all about the team which meant relays were in full effect. Things did not exactly start off right for the Gators. In the 4x100 Pure Athletics claimed the title with a time of 38.74 breaking the meet record. The Seminoles of Florida State took 2nd clocking in at 38.87 and the Gators were 3rd with a time of 38.91. I must admit as a Gator fan (as if you could not tell) I was a little upset with the loss to Florida State. However we must keep in mind this unit of Eddie Lovett, Leonardo Seymore, Terrell Wilks and Jeff Demps may not be the final group at the end of the season. For Florida State what a great time, the Seminoles tied LSU for the nation's top time. The group consisted of, David Ambler, Ngonidzashe Makusha, Brandon Byram and Maurice Mitchell. We must also remember this group ran that time without Charles Clark.

The 4x200 relay did not allow for the Gators to have any comfort either. On the second leg while in the lead Tony McQuay again came up injured with his hamstring. McQuay may need to sit until May and be slowly worked back into the swing of things. An unattached group won the race with a time of 1:21.23. The top collegiate time goes to South Carolina who finished 3rd overall in 1:22.83.

The 4x800 relay was a great race from start to finish. The professional group of G.W. Express Nike took the title in 7:28.65 over a young Florida time who finished 2nd with a time of 7:29.13.

The 4x400 relay did not feature Florida or Florida State but did feature George Mason. George Mason finished top amongst the collegiate teams and 3rd overall with a time of 3:06.47. G.W. Express Nike took the event with a world leading time of 3:00.80.

It is only early April there is still plenty to be had. But with the injury bug now attacking William Wynne and Tony McQuay how long can Florida's well rounded team last. Florida State is coming on strong. Do not expect for the Gators to still be ranked number 1 with the new rankings but by mid-season their grit and determination may push them back in the driver's seat.

**Something I Noticed**

The USC Trojans. What a great group they have this year. A phenomenal trio of 400 runners and a great pair of 400 hurdlers. To add to that a decent short sprint core. The Trojans are a strong team and may have enough to claim the Pac-10 title. Freshman Josh Mance is representing USC well. Keep an eye out for the Trojans this weekend at the Texas Relays.

Next Post: Women's Review

THE OUTDOOR SEASON IS HERE !!!!!

2011-03-28T14:59:00.000-07:00

After a great indoor season, the outdoor season is finally here. Although the indoor season provides it own intrigue it is the outdoor season that track and field fans look forward to. Not just on a collegiate level but on a professional level as well. This is a championship year so the professional athletes will be out early to see where they are at in their training. There are already some great performances this season.

Josh Mance a freshman at the University of Southern California (USC) ran like a veteran at the Trojan Invitational to clock in at 46.18 to win the 400. Mance defeated alumnus Lionel Larry and junior Joey Hughes. Teammate Bryshon Nellum also has been a pleasant surprise this early in the season with a time of 20.81 in the 200 at the Ben Brown invitational. This could shape up to be the best USC team we have seen in a while. The Trojans definitely earned their preseason ranking of being the 6th best team in the nation.

Jessica Young of Texas Christian University (TCU) has begun the season breaking records. This past weekend at the Arizona State Invitational Young ran a school and nation's best 52.27 in the 400 to claim the victory. Young already has the top time in the 100 with 11.14. Young is looking to claim the outdoor title after coming close in recent years.

Jessica Pixler a senior from Colorado has also started the season strong as well. Pixler won the 5,000 meter race at the Stanford Invitational with a time of 15:25.58. Pixler defeated a strong field that included freshman standout Megan Goethals of Washington. Pixler's time ranks number 1 nationally.

This weekend's big track meet

The most notable track and field meet this weekend is the Florida Relays. For the first in a couple of years the Florida Relays and Texas Relays are ran at two different times. The Florida Relays is a two day meet with great action on both days at every level of track and field. Marvin Bracy of Boone High School will be headlining story for the high school athletes. Miami Northwestern should be the highlight of the meet as a team.

Florida versus Florida State will be the story in the college section. Both Men and women have top ranked teams, the battle will be more interesting with the women. The Florida men are currently ranked number 1 in the nation while Florida State is currently ranked number 4.

The professional athletes will be lead by hurdle star and defending national champion David Oliver. The Pure Athletics group which is heading by sprint coach Lance Brauman will bring their athletes as well. This should be a great meet with great weather.

NCAA Championship Men's Review

2011-03-16T14:36:00.000-07:00

Part 2 of Championship Review (NCAA)

The University of Florida went through a roller coaster of emotions to claim their title. The Gators truly displayed why they are heavy favorites and how much amazing depth they have. The Gators Tony McQuay tweaked his hamstring at the end of the 400 and it was on display in the 200 meter preliminaries. McQuay was the only athlete the Gators had in the 400 and 200, and was ranked in the top 2 in both events and is a heavy factor in the 4x400 relay. McQuay was only part of the problem on day 1, Terrell Wilks ranked in the top 6 in the 60 meter dash does not qualify and SEC Champion freshman in the 60 meter hurdles Eddie Lovett does not qualify. With all of that the Gators were still able to win by 12 points.

Jeff Demps was part of the solution for the Gators. After having an average start in the preliminaries that placed him in lane 3 Demps scorched the track clocking in at 6.53 to win the event. In the race Michael Granger of Ole Miss looked to be in great shape to beat Demps with another phenomenal start. Demps was able to close strong to claim the title.

Mookie Salaam of Oklahoma was a non factor in the 60 meter dash after stunning the crowd with his performance on Day 1 in the 200. Salaam ran a 20.39 in the preliminaries to run a 20.41 in the finals to claim the title over Maurice Mitchell of Florida State. Unfortunately began to cramp up at the end of the race.

With McQuay down in the 400, Kirani James of Alabama was free to dominate the 400. However in the second section of the event James was tripped up, fell and did not complete the race. Demetrius Pinder of Texas A&M took the title in a time of 45.33. Pinder like Beard rode the back of a great crowd at Texas A&M.

Fred Samoei of Alabama claimed the title in the 800 with a time of 1:48.33. Michael Rutt of Connecticut led most of the race and Samoei played a bit of cat and mouse to beat Rutt down the stretch.

Miles Batty of BYU won the distance medley relay with his teammates Brian Weirich, Chris Carter and Justin Hedin with a time of 9:29.28 to set a facility record. Batty who anchored a great mile leg on the relay claimed the individual mile title clocking in at 3:59.49, one of two guys who broke the four minute mark in the finals of a great race.

Stanford junior Elliot Heath claimed the title in the 3,000 meter race clocking in at 8:03.71.

Leonard Korir of Iona defeated favorite Sam Chalenga of Liberty to break a facility and meet record and claim the title in 13:26.01. Chalenga has been one of the better long distance runners in collegiate history, big win for Korir.

In the field events the Gators were well represented but the problems did not stop there. Top shot put thrower Kemal Mesic injured his hand prior to the meet and did not allow for the Gators to score points in the event. Leif Arrhenius of BYU took the title with a toss of 65-4 1/2.

In the weight throw favorite Walter Henning of LSU continued his winning ways with a mark of 72-8 1/2. Henning was the only thrower to surpass 70 feet.

The jumps was an area in the Gators could truly count on. In the triple jump there was no 1-2-3 sweep, however there was a 1-2 finish. Two time national champion Christian Taylor fell to teammate Will Claye who leaped to 56-10 to claim the title. Claye was also a big factor in the long jump finishing 2nd to Ngonidzashe Makusha of Florida State. Makusha had a winning mark of 26-8 1/2.

In the pole vault Scott Roth of Washington and Ben Patterson of Minnesota both reached the same height but Roth in fewer misses. Roth leaped 18-0 1/2.

In the high jump defending champion Derek Drouin of Indiana had to deal with the hype of Eric Kynard of Kansas State and Ricky Robertson of Ole Miss. Going into the meat defending Drouin was not even considered the favorite. Drouin blocked all that out to reach a height of 7-7 1/2 to take down both talented sophomores and win the title along with setting a facility record.

In the heptathlon what a great battle between seniors Miller Moss of Clemson and Lars Rice of Missouri. Rice led after day one between the two however Moss put together a solid day two to surpass Rice for the title. Gray Horn moved from 7th to 4th in the event to contribute 5 points to the Gators.

What a great indoor season, one of the best in a while. I like many of you are ready for the Outdoor Season. Our next post will be a preview of one of the BCS Conferences (PAC-10).

NCAA Indoor Championship Review

2011-03-13T17:12:00.000-07:00

The indoor season is now officially over. Congratulations to the University of Oregon women's track and field and the University of Florida men's track team on winning the team NCAA title. This meet at times left you with your emotions going all over the place (at least me). There were top performers and previous All-Americans not advancing. There were also some top performers winning convincingly. Let's review a great meet.

WOMEN'S REVIEW

Sprints

LaKya Brookins of South Carolina put on a clinic in the 60 meter dash. Brookins tied the NCAA record and broke the meet record with a time of 7.09. In the past Brookins has not been able to fully carry over her indoor performance to the outdoor season this season maybe a little different. Jessica Young of TCU was second clocking in at 7.17

In the 200 meter dash on a banked track having lanes 5 and 6 really matter. Kimberlyn Duncan of LSU proved that along with the average performances from those lanes. Running from lane 5 Duncan clocked in at 22.85 over Jeneba Tarmoh of Texas A&M at 22.88. Duncan is a sophomore with a personal record of 22.78. Duncan seems to be the next star out of LSU.

Jessica Beard was simply amazing. Pushed by her home crowd, Beard ran a indoor personal best 50.79 to claim the title. Beard capped off a phenomenal career at Texas A&M and maybe this outdoor season we can see a sub 50 second performance.

Brianna Rollins of Clemson was a surprise winner in the 60 hurdles with a time of 7.96 over true freshman Tiffani McReynolds of Baylor. Rollins had the only sub 8 second performance of the season. Favorite Christina Manning out of Ohio State did not make it to the finals.

DISTANCE

Oregon's Jordan Hasay live up to expectation. Hasay completed the rare double winning the mile and 3,000 meter races. Hasay claimed the mile in a time of 4:33.01 over Kate Van Buskirk of Duke in 4:33.71. Hasay clocked in at 9:13.71 in the 3,000 in a close battle against Sheila Reid of Villanova.

In the 800 Chanelle Price of Tennessee was the clear cut favorite, for part of the race it looked as though Price was finally going to live up to the hype. Unfortunately that was not so, Lacey Bleazard of BYU came storming around the track the last 100 meters to hold off Jillian Smith of Michigan to win with a time of 2:04.09.

Senior Jackie Areson of Tennessee took home the title in the 5,000 clocking in at 16:04.16.

JUMPS

Senior Kimberly Williams from Florida State had the best chance to double in the jumps. Williams entered the championship meet as the top triple jumper in the nation and one of the best long jumpers in the nation. Williams did not disappoint in the triple jump winning by more than 1 foot with a mark of 45-9 3/4. Williams finished 2nd in the long jump with a mark 21-0.
Torie Bowie of Southern Mississippi won the event with a winning mark of 21-4 3/4.

Preseason favorite Brigetta Barrett of Arizona lived up to the hype winning the high jump in 6-2 3/4. One foot higher than runner-up freshman Shanay Briscoe of Texas.

Tina Sutej of Arkansas didn't break the 15 foot barrier however her consolation prize is the national title. Sutej mark of 14-7 1/4. Sutej, a junior, will have another chance later this season.

THROWS

Julie Labonte of Arizona interrupted the 1-2 finish that Oklahoma had planned. Labonte's winning throw of 57-6 1/4 was her 2nd throw in the competition. Tia Brooks still finished for Oklahoma with a runner up performance of 57-1.

Felisha Johnson of Indiana State claimed the weigh throw title with a facility record of 74-5 1/2.

PENTATHLON

Brianne Theisen of Oregon claimed another NCAA record. At the championship meet she scored a total of 4,540 points in the pentathlon. Theisen has replaced Jacquelyn Johnson as the premier college pentathlete and heptathlete. The outdoor season should be exciting for Theisen.

Next Post: Men's Review (I promise)

NCAA Championship Meet Preview

2011-03-08T19:14:00.000-08:00

It is finally here. After months of waiting the NCAA Indoor Championship meet will be held this weekend at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. This past weekend many athletes punched their tickets automatically at last chance meets such as Terrell Wilks of Florida matching his personal best with a time of 6.59 in the 60 meter dash. This weekend the team battles are heavy along with the individual battles, it is the championship meet.

Women's preview

SPRINTS

Lakya Brookins of South Carolina has been phenomenal all season in the 60 meter dash. Brookins has only one loss on the season against Clemson's Stormy Kendrick. Every race since that Brookins has been a win and a better time. Two seasons ago Brookins set the facility record by winning the indoor national title in a time of 7.13 seconds, her season best so far is 7.14. Only one other athlete has ran under 7.20, Jessica Young of TCU. Young has a season and personal best of 7.18 and will be Brookins strongest challenger.

In the 200 LSU has the potential to sweep the event. The Lady Tigers have three of top four entrants. Sophomore Kimberlyn Duncan has become a breakout star claiming the top ranking with a time of 22.78 ran at the SEC Championships. Teammates and transfers Semoy Hackett and Rebecca Alexander rank number 2 and 4 respectively. Jeneba Tarmoh ranked number 3 with a time 22.88 is the best athlete to challenge this strong trio.

The 400 belongs to Jessica Beard a senior from Texas A&M. Beard has yet dip under 50 seconds either indoor or outdoors but her 22.9 200 meter speed shows she has the talent. Beard ran a 51.68 at the Big 12 Championship to claim the title and may run under 51 seconds at the indoor meet. The next collegiate 400 meter star is freshman Briana Nelson of Texas. Nelson was second to Beard clocking in at 52.18 which currently ranked number 3 in the nation. Nelson along with senior Shelise Williams of Arkansas will push Beard to indoor personal best.

JUMPS

In the long jump and triple jump is a battle of two athletes. Seniors Chantel Malone of Texas and Kimberly Williams of Florida State. Malone and Williams rank 1 and 2 in the long jump with Malone as the national leader. In the triple jump the pair rank 1 and 4 with Williams getting the edge. Although Malone is ranked number 4 in the triple jump Malone's championship performances argue against her rank and Malone has a great chance to dethrone the defending champion Williams in the triple jump.

In the high jump Brigetta Barrett as predicted at the beginning of the season would be the favorite to win the NCAA title. Barret currently has leaped to a season best 6 feet 3 1/2 inches. Tynita Butts of East Carolina will attempt to challenge Barrett, but the event is Barrett's to lose.

Tina Sutej of Arkansas has been so dominant over the past two seasons in the pole vault. Sutej set a personal best at the SEC Championship leaping to 14 feet 10 3/4 inches. Sutej may jump 15 feet at the championship meet to cap off a great season.

DISTANCE

The distance events will be key in the team battle. Oregon who is defending champion and currently ranked number 1 in the nation has to score big in this area to combat LSU's powerful sprinting core.

In the middle distance events the 800 and mile the Ducks will be counting on their youth to come up big. In the 800 the Ducks only entrant is freshman Laura Roesler currently ranked number 8 in the nation. Roesler will have to fight off Michigan sophomores Rebecca Addison and Jillian Smith currently ranked number 2 and 4. Lea Wallace of Sacramento State is currently ranked number 1 with a time of 2:03.07.

In the mile sophomores Jordan Hasay and Anne Kesserling are ranked number 1 and 3. Senior teammate Zoe Buckman will join the group and looks to score big team points. Kate Van Buskirk of Duke will be a tough challenge for Hasay in the mile. Hasay will attempt the rare double by competing in the 3,000 meter race and challenge Lucy Van Dalen of Stony Brook.

THROWS

The shot put features a dynamic duo from Oklahoma in Karen Shump and Tia Brooks. Shump and Brooks rank number 2 and 5 respectively and will look to repeat their 1-2 finish at the Big 12 Championships and the NCAA Championship meet. Senior Faith Sherrill of Indiana who is ranked number 1 looks to end the hopes of a 1-2 finish for Oklahoma and claim the title.

The weight throw also features its own duo from Southern Illinois with Gwen Berry and Jeneva McCall. Berry and McCall rank 1 and 3 in the country and will look to fight off D'Ana McCarty of Louisville and Felisha Johnson of Indiana State.

PENTATHLON

Brianne Theisen of Oregon has made no one miss the dominance of Jacqueline Johnson. Theisen has been solid over the years for Oregon and early this season set a new NCAA record. The junior will look to defend her crown and set the record again.

Championship Weekend Recap

2011-03-03T20:11:00.000-08:00

Championship weekend was another great success. As predicted here there were plenty of automatic qualifiers and personal bests. We also learned that our top ranked programs both men and women lived up to the hype. The Oregon women won the MPSF conference title and The Florida men won the SEC conference title. The championship picture is becoming more clear.

TOP SPRINTER

Women

The top sprinter of the weekend goes to Lakya Brookins of South Carolina. Brookins claimed the 60 meter dash title in a time of 7.14 at the SEC Championship meet. Brookins' mark is the number 1 time in the nation and 0.01 off her personal best. Brookins is the clear favorite to win the national title next weekend. Brookins won in at all in 2009 with her personal best of 7.13 at College Station.

Men

Sophomore teenager Kirani James of Alabama and Grenada, takes the award for top male sprinter. James is currently ranked number 1 in both the 400 and 200 and may try for the double at the championship meet. This past weekend at the SEC Championship James clocked in at 44.80, a new SEC meet record and the fastest time in the world this year. James also became only the 3rd collegiate athlete to run under 45 seconds indoors and his performance ranks number 2 all time in collegiate history. James is the clear favorite to claim the title.

TOP THROWER

Women

Sophomore thrower Julie Labonte of Arizona won the MPSF conference title in the shot put with a mark of 57'9. Labonte's performance ranks her as 3rd in the nation and the early favorite to claim the outdoor title. Labonte's performance also states that Arizona has a strong program that can compete with Arizona State in the throwing events.

Men

Luke Pinkleman a junior from Nebraska is the top thrower of championship weekend. Pinkleman won the last throwing title for Nebraska as a member of the Big 12 with a throw of 65'10.25. His throw ranks him number 2 in the nation.

Top Jumper

Women

The ACC is home to the jumper of the week. Kimberly Williams put on a phenomenal performance at ACC Championship meet. Williams pulled off the double winning the long jump in 21-6 and the triple jump in 45-9.75. Williams is the defending champion in the triple jump and is favorite to win the event again. Williams will compete against Chantel Malone of Texas for the NCAA Championship in both events.

Men

On his last jump of the meet, Christian Taylor of Florida leaped to 56-11.5 to claim the SEC title and earn the top jumper of the week honor. Taylor whose winning streak ended two weeks ago was able to overcome teammate Will Claye with a phenomenal performance in the triple jump. Taylor led a 1-2-3 finish for the Gators and helped the Gators to the SEC team title. Currently the Gators rank 1-2-3 in the nation and should finish that way at the national meet. However Claye maybe the national champion and not defending champion Taylor.

Top Distance Runner

Women

Jackie Areson of Tennessee is the top distance runner of the week claiming two titles at the SEC Championships. Areson won the 3,000 meter run in a time of 9:10.49 and ran a leg on the winning Distance Medley Relay team. Areson also was honored this week, she was added to the Bowerman watch list.

Men

Dumisane Hlaselo of Florida by way of South Africa completed the distance double. Hlaselo won both the mile and 3,000 meter races at the SEC Championship and anchored the Distance Medley Relay team that finished 4th. Hlaselo is currently ranked 4th in the men's mile and one of the favorites to win the NCAA Championship title.

This coming weekend is more about the individual and less about the team. This weekend is all about the last chance meets. This is the final weekend were athletes try to automatically qualify for the NCAA Championship meet or improve on there chances for final selection on Monday.

Next Post: More in depth conference to conference review. (Hopefully).

Wilma!!! Black History Month Honoree

2011-02-27T11:32:00.000-08:00

Wilma Rudolph

Wilma Rudolph one of the best black female athletes and track and field athletes in world history. Rudolph won three Olympic Gold Medals at the 1960 Rome Olympic Games by winning the 100 meter dash, 200 meter dash and 400 meter dash. Rudolph was given many nicknames for her phenomenal effort at the games, most notably she was called La Gazzella Negra by the Italians of Rome. Rudolph is known as of the most famous Tennessee State Tigerbelles of all time.

Rudolph's rise to fame was not easy. Born one 22 children. Rudolph suffered from the polio virus which caused her to have infantile paralysis. The diseased forced Rudolph to wear a brace on leg and foot. Rudolph also developed many other diseases as a child; chicken pox, measels, whooping cough and scarlet fever. None of that including having to return to Nashville to have her twisted leg straighten. It was not until age 12 was Rudolph able to shed her brace.

She was discovered Ed Temple the track coach for the Tennessee State Tigerbelles. Rudolph only competed in track due to the break in basketball. Temple new talent when he saw it. At the age of 16 Rudolph traveled with the American team to the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne. Rudolph ran the 3rd leg on the 400 meter relay team that claimed bronze.

Rudolph retired at a young age as well at 22. Rudolph decided to focus on her education and becoming a elementary teacher. Rudolph was inducted into the National Black Sports and Entertainment Hall of Fame in 1973, the National Track and Field Hall of fame in 1974 and the Olympic Hall of Fame in 1983. Wilma Rudolph is an icon and model athlete for all to follow. May her tremendous contribution to African-Americans in sports and to the sport of Track and Field never be forgotten.

CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND

2011-02-24T15:14:00.000-08:00

Preview of Championship Weekend

This is one of the best weekends all year for track and field fans, college championship weekend. There is a multitude of conference championships, BCS and non-BCS alike. This weekend there will be many more automatic qualifiers to the NCAA Championship meet. There will also be great team performances, Florida men and Oregon women will have to earn their number 1 rankings this weekend.

SEC Preview (Men)

This conference is so dominant on the national level with national champions both individual and team. This season it is the usual suspects Florida, LSU and Arkansas. Florida is nationally ranked number 1 and LSU is nationally ranked number 2. Both have two great sprint and jump programs. Expect for Florida's quality distance core to be the deciding factor. Do not count out host Arkansas and the superior depth at distance and strong group of jumpers and sprinters.

Athlete of the Meet: Will Claye (Florida)

Conference Champion: Florida (Mike Holloway)

BIG 12 Preview (Men)

Texas A&M came up short last season finishing 2nd to a well rounded Oklahoma team. Oklahoma may not be able to match A&M's sprint depth but is solid in all phases of track and field. Gerald Phiri vs Mookie Salaam in the sprints will be huge in the team battle. For Oklahoma State look for German Fernandez to reach his 2009 form in which he was NCAA Champion in the mile. Texas A&M has added the 800 to their arsenal and should be enough to overcome Oklahoma.

Athlete of Meet: Gerald Phiri ( Texas A&M)

Conference Champion: Texas A&M (Pat Henry)

BIG 10 Preview (Men)

The team race in the Big 10 is very interesting. There are four solid teams with the capability to win the championship, Wisconsin, Indiana, Minnesota and Iowa. All four programs have top performers in all phases of track and field. This meet may not be decided until the 4x400 relay and if it takes that Iowa is currently ranked number 1 in the relay. However Indiana may possess the most firepower.

Athlete of the meet: Andrew Bayer (Indiana)

Conference Champion: Indiana

ACC Preview (Men)

This conference has been dominated by Florida State, the Seminoles are seeking their 8th in a row. This season should not be any different. With a plethora of sprinters and jumpers, a solid group of distance runners and throwers; Florida State is the clear favorite to win again. Maurice Mitchell is currently number 1 in both 60 and 200 meter dashes. Mitchell's 20.70 in the 200 ranks number 2 in the country. Mitchell is a big part of Florida State's title hopes and will be added to the 4x400 relay. Robby Andrews of Virgina hopes to lead his team to ending the Seminoles reign. Andrews the favorite of the 800 may not provide enough for his team to win.

Next Post: Continue with the Previews.

Weekend Review Number 2

2011-02-17T19:05:00.000-08:00

This past weekend was another great weekend in the NCAA. There were a lot of great individual performances and great team performances. We are winding down towards the post season more athletes have become automatic. The Tyson Invitational was the meet of the weekend followed by the Husky Classic with the most automatic performances.

Ladies Review

Most Impressive****

The most impressive performance this past weekend came from the Tyson Invitational. Junior Jacqueline Coward of Central Florida is performing as she was expected to coming out of high school. Coward claimed the 60 meter hurdle title in a time of 8.06 to tie for the number one time in the nation and earn automatic berth to the NCAA Championship. Coward was a stand out in high school setting a national record that may not be broken for a while.

Most Improved****

Senior Jackie Areson of Tennessee earns the most improved nod, Areson claimed the 5,000 meter title at the Husky Classic against great west coast competition. Areson clocked in at 15:39.81 to automatically qualify and claim the top spot in the nation. Areson is the top senior on a strong Tennessee squad.

Freshman of the week****

Cory McGee of the University of Florida is the easy favorite for this title. McGee competed at the Husky Classic at the University of Washington against great distance powers Oregon and Tennessee. McGee is the only freshman to automatic qualify for the National Championship meet in the mile and is currently ranked 4th in the nation. 4:36.53 was the time for McGee.

Field Performer of the Week

Florida State senior Kimberly Williams was the field performer of the week winning the triple jump at the Tyson Invitational with a winning performance mark of 45'5.75. Williams performance pushed her to the top mark in the nation and earned an automatic berth. Williams will be counted on heavily to help her team surpass Clemson as the ACC Indoor championship.

Men's Review

Most Impressive****

The most impressive performance comes from the field athlete of the week. It is very hard to automatically qualify in one event each week, our top performer qualified in two in one meet. Will Claye of the University of Florida already lead the nation in the triple jump. He improved on that performance last weekend at the Tyson Invitational with a leap of 55'10.25, Claye also earned an automatic berth in the long jump with a leap of 26-1. It is quite possible we may say a 56' mark from Claye this indoor season.

Most Improved****

Tony McQuay a teammate of Will Claye at the University of Florida earns the nod for most improved athlete. McQuay started the season a little injured running a 47.11 two weeks ago at the Virginia Tech Elite meet. McQuay clocked a 45.95 in the 400 meter dash at the Tyson Invitational and followed that with a time of 20.88 in the 200. McQuay is definitely an athlete to keep an eye on as we head into championship season.

Freshman of the week****

Stephen Saenz of Auburn was part of a great group of freshman last week, this week Saenz was clearly the cream of the crop for freshman. Saenz won the shot put last week at the Iowa State Classic defeating teammate Eric Werskey and defending champion Kemal Mesic of Florida. Saenz will have to keep the fire burning as we enter championship season, he is currently ranked number 1 in the shot put.

Big Weekend Review

2011-02-07T20:15:00.000-08:00

This past weekend there was a plethora of great meets. The premier meet of the weekend is always the New Balance Collegiate Invitational in New York, the Virginia Tech Elite Meet, Notre Dame Meyo Invitational and the Sykes-Sabock Challenge Cup were also competitive as usual. There were plenty of great performances and athletes who have punched their tickets to nationals. Let's review a great weekend.

Ladies Review

THE MOST IMPRESSIVE**

The most impressive performance this weekend came from USC (University of Southern California) senior Nia Ali at the New Balance Collegiate Invitational. Ali sat out last season and has began this season with a bang. Ali clocked in at 8.06 in the 60 hurdles defeating a strong field. In her first race Ali has already qualified for the NCAA Indoor Championship.

THE MOST IMPROVED**

The most improved performance was at the Notre Dame Meyo Invitational. Rebecca Addison of Michigan put on a great showing in the women's mile placing first with a huge personal best of 4:40.62. Her performance ranks 3rd nationally and best in the Big Ten.

FRESHMAN ON THE RISE**

The freshman on the rise is Jasmine Stowers of LSU. Stowers is one of three automatic qualifiers in the 60 hurdles in the nation. Stowers finished 2nd behind Ali at the New Balance Collegiate with a time of 8.13. Stowers is currently the top ranked hurdler in the SEC. The top ranked athlete in the SEC is a true honor and Stowers is a freshman who looks to dominate for a while at LSU.

FIELD PERFORMER OF THE WEEK**

Junior Tina Sutej of Arkansas continued her dominance in the pole vault. Sutej leaped to a height of 14 7- 1/4 to claim the pole vault title at the New Balance Collegiate Invitational earning an automatic qualifying spot to Nationals. With her recent performance we could see a 15 foot performance at the end of the indoor season.

Men's Review

THE MOST IMPRESSIVE**

The most impressive performance this weekend goes to Jeff Demps of Florida. Demps opened up his season with automatic qualifying 6.57 in the 60 meter dash at the Virginia Tech Elite meet. Demps personal best was set last season at 6.56, Demps may challenge the NCAA record of 6.45 set by Leonard Myles-Mills of BYU.

THE MOST IMPROVED**

Keiron Stewart of Texas made great strides in the 60 meter high hurdles at the New Balance Collegiate Invitational. Stewart broke the tape at 7.68 earning the only automatic qualifying time in the event this season. Stewart just a sophomore will challenge his countrymen Andrew Riley of Illinois for the NCAA title.

FRESHMAN ON THE RISE**

There is not one single freshman that stood out this weekend, but there are four great freshman who should impact the championship discussion. Prezel Hardy of Texas A&M, Stephen Saenz of Auburn, Eddie Lovett of Florida and Brycen Spratling of Eastern Michigan my alma-mater.

Hardy is currently ranks 5th nationally in the 60 meter dash with a time of 6.61 just 0.01 off from the automatic mark. Hardy is going to be relied on to provide big points for Texas A&M.

Saenz of Auburn is the only automatic qualifying male freshman in the nation. Saenz competes in the shot put and has a season best of 63-7.75. That mark places Saenz 5th on the national list.

Eddie Lovett of Florida is the top freshman hurdler in the country with a season's best of 7.88. Lovett will be a threat to win at the SEC Championship meet and potentially the NCAA Championship meet.

Spratling maybe the best sprinting freshman Eastern Michigan has had since Hasley Crawford. Spratling's time of 46.48 ran at last week's Meyo Invitational. Spratling is currently the only freshman in the nation under 47 seconds.

FIELD PERFORMER OF THE WEEK**

Christian Taylor of Florida has continued his winning streak in the triple jump. Taylor became the 3rd gator to automatically qualify in the event by leaping to victory at 54-6. Taylor currently is ranked 2nd in the nation behind teammate William Claye. Taylor is the defending NCAA Champion and is definitely on track to defend that crown.

UNTIL NEXT TIME*******

Texas A&M Men's Challenge Preview

2011-01-28T21:00:00.000-08:00

This meet would have been greater had Curtis Mitchell not decided to go professional. Although Mitchell will not be competing there are plenty of other great athletes who will be. This meet has the chance to have an automatic qualifier in almost every event.

Sprints

This should be a barn burner. Gerald Phiri of Texas A&M is headline favorite to win 60. Phiri is currently ranked 3rd in the 60 with a season's best of 6.63 and 2nd in the 200 with automatic qualifying 20.80. Markus Henderson of Texas Tech and Terrell Wilks of Florida will challenge Phiri for the challenge title in the 60.

In the 200 we will likely see another another automatic qualifier added to the list, either Torrin Lawrence of Georgia, Rakieem Salaam and or Antonio Sales of South Carolina. Lawrence comes into the race with most fan fare after having ran a 45.03 last indoor season. Salaam will push Lawrence wire to wire and will have the preferred lane in the race. Sales however has the best time.

Tabarie Henry of Texas A&M should rule the 400. Henry has no real competition in the race as he is the only athlete to run under 46 seconds indoors and outdoors in this race.

The hurdles features some great competition including Oklahoma senior Malcolm Anderson, senior Bryce Brown of Texas Tech, Wayne Davis of Texas A&M and William Wynne of Florida. All have the potential to win the race. Brown has looked the best this entire season and currently leads the NCAA with a time of 7.74, this could be his race to earn the automatic qualifier which is 7.70.

Jumps

This is a pretty competitive field in the high jump that includes to stellar sophomores, Erick Kynard of Kansas State and Ricky Robertson of Ole Miss. Robertson currently leads the NCAA with a leap of 7-5.75, it may come down to who has the fewest misses and Robertson should be the victor.

The long jump will feature triple jump star Christian Taylor of Florida and sensational sophomore Bryce Lamb of Texas Tech. Lamb has the better long jump game and is more suited for the event, Taylor a great triple jumper will have to jump a personal best to beat Lamb. I expect Lamb to win and earn a automatic qualifying mark.

Florida may honestly have the best trio of triple jumpers in the nation. Omar Craddock a sophomore has already qualified for the national championships with his performance two weeks ago at the Nittany Lion Challenge with a leap of 53-1.50. In this event William Claye, the transfer from Oklahoma, may earn his automatic bid as well. Claye has the better talent but Craddock is already hot for the season, Craddock should win with a personal best. Missing from the triple jump is Taylor but will make his presence known in the long jump.

Georgia looks to sweep the men's pole vault with a group that includes two freshman. Paul Malquist and Caleb Ebbetts are the two freshman who are expected to perform well for the Bulldogs, they will look to junior John Smith for leadership. Matt Schuler of South Carolina will look to stop the Georgia sweep and potentially win the event.

Distance

The 800 will be the debut of Georgia star junior Aaron Evans. Evans had a sensational outdoor season last summer with a personal best of 1:46.26 which set a Bermuda national record. No other athlete in the field should be able to dip under 1:50 other Evans.

Dumisane Hlaselo and Derek Wehent of Florida hope to lead a 1-2 finish over Kevin Williams of Oklahoma in the mile. Hlaselo is the South African Junior Record holder in multiple events and will be a great addition to the University of Florida.

James Uthmeier of Florida and Silas Kemboi of Texas Tech will battle it out in the 3,000 meters. Kemboi should prevail because of speed but Uthmeier will be hard to beat with his strong experience in the event after becoming all-conference in the 3,000 meter steeplechase.

Throws

Junior Kemal Mesic of Florida looks to claim the shot put over conference rival Israel Machovec of Georgia. Machovec has not thrown this season but does have a personal best over 60 feet. Mesic is currently ranked 4th in the country with a throw of 62-1.25 and is the clear favorite to win.

The weight throw will be dominated by two athletes, Mike Zajac of South Carolina and KP Singh of Oklahoma. Singh has had the better season so far currently ranked 2nd in the nation with a throw of 69-2.75. Zajac had a better season last year and this maybe the meet were Zajac climbs to the top over Singh.

Texas A&M Women's Preview

2011-01-28T14:26:00.000-08:00

Texas A&M Women’s Conference Challenge SEC VS BIG 12

Sprints & Hurdles

Let’s be honest, this is the reason why most, including myself, will be watching the live broadcast online. There is no question that sprinters and hurdlers will be the headline for both men and women. Texas A&M is coming a dominate performance against LSU. In this meet the only team that can challenge the Lady Aggies are the Gamecocks from South Carolina and conference mate Oklahoma, maybe.

LaKya Brookins of South Carolina will enter this meet as the defending challenge champion and current facility record holder. Brookins set the facility record back in 2009 to win the indoor national title in 7.13. Brookins is currently ranked 3rd in the NCAA this season with a seaon’s best of 7.24. Brookins will face strong opposition from Jeneba Tarmoh of Texas A&M and her teammate Gabby Mayo. Brookins teammate Shayla Mahan should be in the mix as well.

The 200 will be Jessica Beard’s to lose. Beard who is currently ranked number one in the NCAA and is the only athlete competing with a season’s best under 23 seconds. It is hard to believe Beard can pull off back to back sub 23 performances but she should win over Candyce McGrone of Oklahoma.

With Beard solely focusing on the 200, the 400 is left open. Ebony Eutsey a true freshman from Florida and her teammate Lanie Whitaker can be considered as favorites. Eutsey is coming off a strong anchor at the Nittany Lion Challenge two weeks ago. Taylor Evans of Texas Tech and Nadonnia Rodrigues can challenge for the victory as well. Rodrigues has an indoor personal record of 52.86.

In the hurdles senior Natasha Ruddock of A&M is the favorite to defend her title. Ruddock has the meet record in 8.16 and will look to lower her season best of 8.25 against a strong field that includes teammate Gabby Mayo and Latoya Greaves of Oklahoma.

Jumps

The triple jump, also known as Georgia versus Texas A&M. This event includes a strong group of triple jumpers from both Georgia and Texas A&M whose names will be mentioned come national championship time. Leading the way for Georgia is Colleen Felix and Maria Augustis who currently enter the challenge with the top two entries. Sasha-Kay Mathias and true freshman Jordan Wilson will lead the way for Texas A&M. This is a loaded field with five athletes with entries surpassing 42 feet including Kay of A&M, Felix and Augusts and their teammate LaTroya Darrell of Georgia and Oklahoma senior Jasmine Simmons. Felix is the expected winner with a entry of 44-9.50 could possibly surpass 45 feet.

Texas A&M may get outdone in the triple jump but may have better luck in the long jump, another true freshman Lisa Steinkamp of Texas A&M has the top entry in 21-0.50, Nina Kokot of Kansas State, Felix of Georgia and Brittany Bozeman of Ole Miss will challenge her for the crown.

Georgia will also have a very strong presence in the high jump. Saniel Atkinson and Carin Walker will look to lead the Bulldogs with a 1-2 finish. Walker currently has the best season performance reaching a height of 5-8.75 but will have to beat Atkinson to claim the title who is lthe ead entry into the meet.

Shade Weygandt is all alone at the top in the pole vault. The only vaulter in the field with a personal best over 14 feet. Weygandt is the clear favorite but will have to fight off three South Carolina vaulters in true freshman, Petra Olsen and Angela Rummans and junior Allie Nicosia.

Throws

In the shot put it's all about Oklahoma. Karen Shump and Tia Brooks finished 1-2 at the Big 12 Championships last season and Shump earned All-American honors with a 2nd place finish at the national meet last outdoor season. Bailey Wagner a teammate of Brooks and Shump will also contribute to a solid showing from Oklahoma. Kelly Closse of Texas Tech is the best chance to ruin the hopes of a sweep for Oklahoma. Closse is also the favorite to win the women's weight throw and will be challenge by Juliana Smith of Ole Miss and Alesha Asijie of Georgia.

Distance

The distance events will be all about Texas Tech. One could argue that Texas Tech has the premier distance program of the south excluding Tennessee. In the 800 Purity Biwott will look to lead the way Caroline Karunde and Caroline Jepleting will represent in the women's mile. Karunde's sister Winrose and teammate Rose Tanui will aide Caroline Karunde in a possible sweep in the 3,000. The only distance event were a Red Raider is not favored to win is the 5,000. Tara Upshaw of Texas A&M will lead a small group an earn possibly the only distance victory for the Aggies.

Next Post: Men's Preview

Jeff Porter Men's 60 Meter Hurdles 7.70.MOV

2011-01-22T16:06:00.001-08:00

Tiffany Ofili Women's 60 Meter Dash 7.41.MOV

2011-01-22T16:06:00.000-08:00

Tiffany Ofili Women's 60 Meter Hurdles 8.07.MOV

2011-01-22T16:05:00.001-08:00

Michael Ray Garvin Men's 60 Meter Dash 6.64.MOV

2011-01-22T16:05:00.000-08:00

SEC Women's Preview

2011-01-18T19:03:00.000-08:00

Much like the men, the women of the Southeastern Conference are strong in the sprints, jumps and hurdles and have a solid group of distance programs. It may seem as though the women maybe further along in the distance discussion than the men. With a championship distance program in Tennessee and nationally recognized programs in Florida, LSU and Arkansas. This season those same programs are in competition for the team title and possess very well rounded programs that can compete for the national title.

Sprints & Hurdles

LSU has the history that no other school in the NCAA has in women's track and field. The only program with success even remotely close is UCLA of the PAC-10. When sprinting and hurdling is brought up LSU is always the first program that comes to mind. The dominance on a conference and national level is well known with multiple NCAA and SEC Champions and this season LSU will continue to be that good.

LaKya Brookins of South Carolina is the biggest threat to LSU in the 60 meter dash. Brookins returns as the defending champion having ran a 7.18 last season and a 7.13 in 2009. Brookins is the obvious favorite having already automatically qualified for the NCAA Championship meet by clocking in at 7.25 last weekend at Virginia Tech. Semoy Hackett a transfer student at LSU and Takeia Pickney a true freshman last season and Shaniqua Ferguson of Auburn can truly challenge Brookins for the conference title. Ferguson finished 2nd last season to Brookins and is the defending champion in the 200, teammate Nivea Smith will help Ferguson in going 1-2 again in the 200.

In the long sprint Arkansas has reigned supreme as the best in the conference the past few seasons. Shelise Williams is returning champion and will have help from teammates Regina George and Edina Brooks to score serious team points. Jenna Martin of Kentucky, Joanna Atkins of Auburn and Lanie Whitaker of Florida will look to challenge Williams for the conference crown.

The hurdles is the one event the SEC that has taken a fall. The production has just not been there. Tenaya Jones of LSU was expected to carry the torch but the past two seasons Jones has not reached that level of production that Nickeisha Wilson, Jessica Ohanaja and Angel Boyd reached while she was a freshman. I believe this season Jones is the clear favorite and will finally produce like previous LSU alumni have. Jones will face strong competition from Janica Austin of South Carolina.

Jumps

The SEC historically has been the premier jumps conference for women, last season results left little doubt that it will change anytime soon. Shara Proctor of Florida has been the best dual jumper dominating the triple jump and long jump. With Proctor now a graduate of Florida, Melissa Ogbourne of LSU is in the best position to complete the double. Ogboure returns as runner-up from last season in the triple jump and is the 2nd best returnee in the long jump. Rachel Jenkins of Ole Miss will match Ogbourne jump for jump in the long jump and has the best shot of taking the title other than Ogbourne.

Brittani Carter of LSU is the defending champion in the high jump and is the best hope in the conference to crack the 6'0 barrier indoors. Carter broke the 6'0 barrier last outdoor season and was able to claim the high jump title at both the Penn and Texas Relays. Maya Pressley of Auburn is Carter's toughest competitor and will challenge for the conference crown and may need a personal best above 6'0 to do it.

Last season Arkansas dominated the pole vault with three athletes scoring in the conference finals and three athletes qualifying for the national meet. Tina Sutej is the defending champion and lone returnee from the trio that scored at the SEC meet last season. Kristen Keith a teammate of Sutej will try to fill the void left behind. Rachel Laurent LSU is also an athlete to keep an eye on, Laurent a high school star is close to knocking Sutej off the top and claim the title for herself, do not be surprised if Laurent wins this season and picks up huge team points for LSU.

Throws

Mariam Kevkhishvilli was everything in the shot put, Kevkhishvilli won multiple national and conference titles for Florida and her dominance will not be missed by her competitors. Keely Medeiros of Florida will look to pick up the mantle for Florida but she will be challenged by Annie Alexander of Tennessee who is the top returnee in the shot put after her 2nd place performance last season. Fidela James a teammate of Medeiros finished 4th in the weight throw last season and will look to earn major team points for the Gators against top returnee from Georgia in Nikola Lomnicka.

Distance

Tennessee has been the flagship university for the SEC in the distance events having won two indoor national titles in 2005 and 2009. J.J. Clark has been one of the best distance coaches in the country for quite some time. Clark a bit of a trail blazer is one of the few African-American head coaches at a major university. Having coached his wife in Jearl Miles-Clark his sisters in Joetta Clark Diggs and Hazel Clark, coach Clark has had international success as well. Phoebe Wright a great 800 runner under Clark graduated last season leaving a huge void to be filled in the half mile event. Chanelle Price the 2008 Gatorade Track and Field athlete of the year will look to fill that void. Price finished 2nd behind her teammate Wright last season and is the early season favorite to win the 800. Sofie Persson of Ole Miss, Stephanie Brown of Arkansas and Brittany Hall of LSU will be strong competition for Price to defeat.

Price's teammates Brittany Sheffey and Jackie Areson look to dominate the mile, 3,000 and 5,000 meter races. Sheffey a favorite in the mile and 3,000 and Areson the defending champion in the 5,000 and favorite as well in that event will look to aid Tennesse in a potential distance sweep. Florida's Rebecca Lowe will look to challenge Sheffey in the 3,000 and Areson in the 5,000 while teammate Stacey Johnson along with Kristen Gillespie of Arkansas will challenge Sheffey in the mile. Joining this conversation is true freshman from Florida in Cory McGee who has already clocked in at 4:46.70 in the mile this season.

This will be another banner year for the SEC and has already gotten off to a great start.

Conference Champion: LSU

Conference Runner-up: Tennessee

SEC Men's Preview

2011-01-12T19:42:00.000-08:00

Just pure dominance. When it comes to the SEC that is what everyone is currently talking about. The SEC has dominated football with its speed and has dominated track the same way. The SEC both men and women have produced some of the greatest NCAA Champions in the sprints and relays. Not only is the SEC great in the sprints but thanks to Arkansas, Alabama and Tennessee distance is also a strong point of the SEC. This coming season expect for much of the same and possibly even greater results from this phenomenal conference.

Sprints & Hurdles

The most talked about section of this conference, especially for the men. The SEC is returning the defending NCAA Champion in the 60 meter dash in Jeff Demps of Florida who ran a season best last year of 6.56. Last indoor season Marcus Rowland of Auburn stunned Demps with a sensational performance in the 60 meter dash with a time of 6.62 to win the conference title. Expect for Demps to get his revenge but do not be surprised if Rowland is the winner.

In the 200 Rowland is the clear conference favorite now that Calvin Smith has graduated. Challenging Rowland will be sophomore Tony McQuay of Florida and Horatio Williams of LSU. Williams joins LSU after spending two great seasons at Hinds Community College running a personal outdoor best of 20.48

McQuay of Florida joins a spectacular returning cast in the 400. Torrin Lawrence who seems to perform better indoors than out was All-World last season running a indoor personal best of 45.03 to claim the conference and NCAA title. Last outdoor season star freshman Kirani James and Tavaris Tate of Mississippi State showcase their freshman talents with strong seasons. Tate with a personal best of 44.86 and James with a personal best of 45.01 went onto win the SEC Outdoor Title as well as indoors. It is hard to predict a champion but Lawrence is the king of indoors and will be the favorite throughout the season unless McQuay, Tate or James prove otherwise.

In the hurdles Curtis Frye's South Carolina program has dominated this event for years by either winning this event or having more athletes than anyone else. While Florida and Tennessee have had some great success, South Carolina has been very strong in this event. Returning for the Gamecocks is one of the favorites to win in junior Booker Nunley. Nunley's only challenge at the conference meet and national meet was the other favorite in the race Barret Nugent of LSU. Nugent claimed the conference title last season and will try to do the same this season. Both Nugent and Nunley have great speed and good technique, but Nunley in his third year under Frye's system maybe ready to overtake Nugent with superior technique. I do not think LSU has a hurdle program that can match South Carolina.

Jumps

The SEC challenges the Big 12 for the nation's premier jumping conference. The Conference has had some great Olympians and NCAA Champions from schools such as LSU, Arkansas, Auburn and Florida. This season is no different. Florida returns an impressive group of jumpers. Christian Taylor, Omar Craddock and transfer Will Claye all have what it takes to help the Gators sweep the men's triple jump and or sweep the long jump. Taylor is the returning conference and NCAA Champion while Craddock and Claye are returning All-Americans. Taylor is not the most impressive long jumper in the conference with his inconsistency in the event but perhaps the most talented and likely to win along with being the top returnee. LSU also has a great stable of jumpers in Zedric Thomas, Demar Forbes and transfer Kyron Blaise. Thomas finished 2nd to Taylor last indoor season in the triple jump and fourth in the long jump and will look to challenge Florida's triple jump success.

In the High Jump Ole Miss looks to dominate this event as well as the Gators plan to in the triple jump. Ole Miss is returning the top two performers from last seasons indoor championship. Ricky Robertson lived up to the hype he generated in 2009 as All-American high school athlete by claiming the crown for himself with a height 7-4 1/2, teammate Brian Knight finished in a close 2nd and will assist Robertson in going for the 1-2 sweep for the Ole Miss Rebels.

In the Pole Vault LSU and South Carolina have a very strong presence. Both LSU and South Carolina are returning All-SEC athletes from last season. LSU is returning three while South Carolina is returning two. LSU has the best chance for a 1-2 finish with Thomas Reinecke and Joseph Caraway. Both Reinecke and Caraway were true freshman last season with Reinecke finishing 2nd and returning as the top vaulter. Marvin Reitze and Matt Schuler will look to try that same feat for South Carolina.

Throws

Florida and LSU don't just battle it out in the men's sprints and jumps but the two programs are excellent in the throwing events, each returning the champion in the two throwing events during the indoor season. Kemal Mesic of Florida is the returning shot put champion and Walter Henning of LSU is the returning champion in the weight throw. Both are seniors and look to go out on top in there signature event. In the shot put Mesic looks for team assistance from Jeremy Postin who had a solid freshman season. In the weight throw Michael Lauro will aide Henning in team points and possibly challenge for a 1-2 finish. LSU will rely on Henning in the shot put and in the weight throw Postin along with David Triassi, a true freshman last season as well, to score big team points for Florida.

Distance

Yes distance is the last section to be discussed. Although the conference has had it share of great success from Arkansas, Alabama and Tennessee there is no question the conference is known more for its speed. However with Arkansas in the picture the SEC cannot be ignored since the program has been able to win 40 NCAA titles and countless individual titles.

LSU has joined the ranks as a solid distance program in the conference, mainly in the middle distances. In the 800 were LSU has been king for the past few seasons in depth they return a great trio of runners. Richard Jones is returning champion from both indoors and outdoors. Jones 1:47.78 last season earned him an automatic berth to last season's NCAA meet and put Jones in National championship discussion. Jones remains in the discussion as not only a favorite to win the conference but a strong change to win the NCAA title as well. Sadiki White a true freshman last season was big for LSU finishing 2nd to Jones at the conference championship and will be a strong challenger for the title. Garrek Thompson rounds out the trio and will to add to the great depth of LSU.

In the mile Arkansas and Alabama will be well represented. Arkansas returns a strong group of outstanding runners in Michael Chinchar, Rick Elliott and Omar Abdi; returning for Alabama Joel Rop and Julius Bor. Rop is the top returning athlete but will face strong opposition in Chinchar.

The Long distance races strongly feature the usual suspects in Arkansas and Alabama but Arkansas maybe king in this area. In the 3,000 Arkansas is returning three All-SEC athletes after having five athletes score last season. Top returnee is Solomon Haile who as a true freshman last season finished 2nd behind teammate Dorian Ulrey. Eric Fernandez and Lane Boyer will look to aide Haile in the scoring big team points for the Razorbacks. In the 5,000 the top returnee is not from Arkansas or Alabama but from Auburn is Ben Cheryiout. Cheryiout maybe the early season favorite but Fernadez of Arkansas and Moses Kiptoo of Alabama are also favorites to challenge Cheryiout for the title.

Another great year for the SEC, it never gets old. With track and field having a relevant world championship at the end of the year this could be a year to remember, especially when the Olympics are only one year away.

CONFERENCE CHAMPION: FLORIDA

CONFERENCE RUNNER-UP: LSU

Vanier Joseph EMU Invite.MOV

2011-01-09T20:24:00.000-08:00

Womens 60 Hurdles EMU Invite

2011-01-09T20:23:00.000-08:00

Women's 60 Meter Dash EMU Invite

2011-01-09T20:22:00.000-08:00

Big 12 Men's Track and Field Preview

2011-01-04T19:01:00.000-08:00

The men in the conference maybe welcoming the departure of Colorado and Nebraska as they prepare for their new conferences. Nebraska has been a thorn in the side of many great programs in this conference. Nebraska has done a great job with their hurdlers, jumpers and throwers over the years. The bulk of Nebraska's team points at the championship meets come from those three areas. The Cornhuskers are also a threat in the sprints and relays which help in winning . Colorado has been the premier distance in the Conference. The Buffaloes have great alumni that include Dathan Ritzenhein, Jorge Torres, Adam Goucher, Marc Scrutton and Brent Vaughn. With those two programs gone expect for Texas and Texas A&M to be the central figures to replace their presence, Texas in distance and Texas A&M in hurdlers and jumpers. The Buffaloes and Cornhuskers should still have a great final year in the conference.

Sprints and Hurdles

Last season Rakieem Salaam of Oklahoma stunned Gerald Phiri of Texas A&M in the men's 60 meter dash. Salaam clocked in at 6.69 to beat the conference leading Phiri. I expect for Phiri to have a better performance this season and win the event.

Phiri's teammate Curtis Mitchell was not only the talk of the conference but the talk of the nation last season. Although Mitchell was highly touted junior college athlete his performances last season were nothing short of amazing and slightly unexpected. Mitchell won the NACAC U-23 200 meter dash in 19.99 to lead the NCAA last outdoor season. Mitchell is the defending conference champion and national champion and should continue that success throughout the season, there really is not anyone who can challenge him.

In the long sprint Texas A&M again looks to assert its depth and dominance in this event. Although Baylor historically has been the dominant force in the conference in this event, the Aggies are returning a lot of top tier talent. Defending champion Tabarie Henry, Demetrius Pinder, Bryan Miller, Tran Howell and Michael Preble are the athletes Texas A&M will be counting to prove that point. Baylor will look to Marcus Boyd and Zwede Hewitt to challenge the Aggies.

In the hurdles Ronnie Ash was the dominant figure in the conference last season transferring from Bethune Cookman as defending NCAA Outdoor Champion to Oklahoma. Omo Asaghae was the 2009 Big 12 Indoor and Outdoor champion and lost his crown to Ash. With Ash now in the professional ranks, Asaghae is the leading favorite to win the title. Wayne Davis the high school national record holder missed his freshman season due to injury and has already started the season fast with a time of 7.85. Davis who runs for Texas A&M is another candidate to win the conference title along Keiron Stewart of Texas.

Distance

Historically Colorado has been the premier distance program in the conference. However last indoor season did not go well for the Buffaloes. Iowa State was well represented last indoor season with multiple athletes in all the distance events. Oklahoma State the premier cross country program this season will challenge Iowa State for distance supremacy.

In the middle distance events Baylor will join the party with their two returning 800 meter runners James Gilreath and Gavyn Nero. Gilreath is the defending conference champion and will be strongly challenge by Joey Roberts of Texas A&M. Roberts clocked a school record early this season with a time of 1:49.47. Iowa State will look to challenge Baylor in the men's mile with defending Champion Hillary Bor. German Fernandez the phenomenal freshman from 2009 will look to rebound and challenge Bor after a average season.

In the long distance races Colby Lowe of Oklahoma State is defending champion in the 3,000 and favorite to defend his crown, Bor will look to challenge Lowe in the 3,000. David Adams of Nebraska will also challenge Lowe after finishing 2nd last indoor season and is another defending champion in the conference in the 5,000. Thomas Farrell of Oklahoma State and Kevin Schwab of Oklahoma will challenge Lowe in the 5,000.

Jumps

What a great conference the Big 12 has been in the jumping events. There are plenty of NCAA Champions and All-Americans in all the jumping events including another defending champion in Nebraska's Paul Hamilton. Hamilton is the returning champion in the high jump. Eric Kynard of Kansas State is Hamilton toughest challenger. Kynard in 2009 was the nation's top high school athlete in the high jump.

Hamilton's teammate Nicholas Gordon is one of two returning NCAA Champions in the conference. Gordon was the 2009 NCAA Indoor Champion in the Long Jump andMarquise Goodwin of Texas was the NCAA Outdoor Champion last season. Although both return with great NCAA Championship experience neither won the indoor title in the long jump, Bryce Lamb of Texas Tech took the crown last season and will try to defend his title. Lamb is also the favorite to win the triple jump.

In the Pole Vault Hayden Clark of Texas and Nate Polacek of Nebraska are the top two returning competitors in the pole vault after the graduation of Jordan Scott from Kansas. Clark should be the favorite to claim the title.

Throws

What a great conference for throwers, Mason Finley of Kansas is the defending champion in the men's shot put and is currently the high school record holder in that event after a phenomenal 2009 campaign in high school. Another high profile sophomore in Hayden Baillio of Texas was be the biggest challenge to Finley defending his crown.

K.P. Singh of Oklahoma is the defending champion in the men's weight throw. Singh maybe better suited for the hammer throw, but Singh is not only expected to defend his title in the weight throw at the Big 12 Championship but compete to win the NCAA title in the men's weight throw.

Conference Champion: Texas A&M

Runner-Up: Nebraska

*** Our next post will look into everyone favorite conference, the SEC***

Big 12 Women's Track and Field Preview

2010-12-27T19:03:00.000-08:00

It is sad to say this is the last of the Big 12 Women's track and field preview. After this season the Big 12 will lose Colorado and Nebraska to the Pac-10 and Big Ten respectively. The new name of the conference has yet to be determined. Nebraska has long had a presence in the conference with there great depth in middle distance and field events. Colorado has been a great distance program producing the likes of Jenny Barringer who owns the American and collegiate record in the women's steeplechase. Those two programs will be missed in the conference.

The Sprints however have dominated the talk of this conference for years. Under Bev Kearney the University of Texas women's track and field program was the dominant program in the conference from 1998-2007. Kearney has coached stars such as Sanya Richards, Raasin McIntosh, Ashlee Williams, Moushami Robinson, Suzainn Reid, Lakiesha Backus, Nichole Denby, Angie Vaughn and other greats. In 2004 Texas A&M decided to change all that by hiring former LSU Head Coach Pat Henry. Henry had won 25 National Championships and has been known as one of the best recruiters of all time for excellence in getting a quantity of great athletes. The past few seasons have been dominated by the sprint core from Texas A&M including 4 straight Big 12 titles, but with Kearney's 2nd ranked recruiting class things may change for the Longhorns.

Sprints & Hurdles

Jeneba Tarmoh of Texas A&M did not really impress last indoor season coming back from a 1 year transfer lay off. The outdoor season was a different story, Tarmoh had a excellent outdoor season with personal bests of 11.19 and 22.65. Tarmoh is a serious threat to win the 60 and 200 meter title and currently has the conference lead with a time of 7.34 ran at the Reville Invitational. Teammate Gabby Mayo will provide a great challenge to Tarmoh in the 60 and will look to defend her double by winning the 60 hurdles as well. Mayo won both events last indoor season with a time of 7.30 in the 60 meter dash and 8.05 in the 60 meter hurdles. Natasha Ruddock and Vashti Thomas also from A&M are to be noticed in the hurdles for the conference crown as well.

In the long sprints Jessica Beard is alone at the top. Beard has been the premier 400 meter runner in the conference her entire career at A&M. I don't expect for that to change. Texas has a deep crop of 400 runners to challenge Beard with Angele Cooper, Stacey Ann Smith, Chantel Malone, Alicia Peterson, Kendra Chambers and true freshman Briana Nelson and Danielle Dowie. Yes all of these young ladies are capable of qualifying for the finals in either the 400 meter or 600 yard races. Cooper, Smith and Peterson are returning All-Conference performers and will be Beard's strongest competition.

Jumps

The high jump has important team points up for grabs. Senior Audrey Svane of Nebraska is the top returning high jumper and will be counted for points for Nebraska who looks to use there strength in the field events to combat the sprint power of Texas A&M and Texas. Texas and Texas A&M have strong competitors in the high jump from Victoria Lucas for Texas and Daphne Fitzpatrick from A&M. Lucas is best challenger to Svane to win the conference title.

In the horizantal jumps senior Chantel Malone of Texas plans to complete the long jump, triple jump double. Malone is the defending champion in the long jump and one of the top returnees in the triple jump. The Longhorns also have true freshman A'Lexus Brannon. Brannon was the nation's best high school athlete in the triple jump and runner up in the long jump. Vashti Thomas of A&M will look to challenge the two Longhorns.

In the pole vault Nebraska looks to earn big team points here. The Cornhuskers return 3 All-Conference athletes in the event including senior Natalie Willer. Shade Weygandt of Texas Tech is the returning champion and should have no trouble winning but Nebraska will earn big team points.

Distance

Lisa Koll of Iowa State was the queen of distance last season after Sally Kipyego of Texas Tech had graduated two seasons ago. Caroline Karunde is the next great distance runner from Texas Tech as the defending champion in the mile and top returnee in the 3,000. Betsy Saina also looks to be the next distance runner from Iowa State as the top returning athlete in the 5,000. Another Karunde, Winrose sister of Caroline looks to challenge Saina for the conference title.

Throws

The Shot Put will likely be a repeat of last season. The Oklahoma Sooners had two freshman finish 1-2 in the conference last season in defending champion Karen Shump and Tia Brooks. Skylar White of Baylor also a sophomore will look to challenge the two Sooners.

The Weight Throw also has a defending champion in Alena Krechyk of Kansas. Chelsie Bonds will be Krechyk biggest threat to repeat as champion.

This looks to be another great year for the Big 12, unfortunately it will the conference's last run. Hopefully it ends with a bang.

Conference Champion: Texas A&M

Next Post: Men's Big 12 Preview.

Big Ten Track and Field Women's Preview

2010-12-21T20:08:00.000-08:00

Similar to the men this conference has been a phenomenal distance conference for women. Unlike the men there have been solid sprinters and hurdlers in the past, such as Savetheda Fynes, Perdita Felicien, Tiffany Ofili, Tonja Buford-Bailey, Danielle Carruthers, Rachelle Boone and others. The Big Ten has always traditionally been of the top 2 hurdle conferences with plenty of NCAA Champions, most recently a three peat from Tiffany Ofili from 2007-2009. This season is no different.

Sprints/Hurdles

Shavon Greaves Penn State's one woman wrecking crew may not have to carry so much of a load this year. Redshirt freshman Mahogany Jones is healthy and back to take some of the load away from Greaves and take over after Greaves graduates this season. Greaves is not only a Big Ten favorite but a potential favorite to win the NCAA title as well. Last season Greaves lead the NCAA with a time of 22.98 in the women's 200, the only sub 23 performance last indoor season. Greaves had sub-par outdoor season but will look to continue her success as the dominant Big Ten sprinter. Kylie Peterson of Minnesota and Christina Manning of Ohio State will look to challenge Greaves.

In the women's 400 Shaniqua McGinnis is all that really matters. McGinnis burst onto the scene with a time of 52.65 indoors to win the conference title. McGinnis is definitely the easy favorite to win and defend her conference title. Ashley Kelly of Illinois will be a strong challenger to McGinnins.

The hurdles this season are very difficult to predict. Aleesha Barber has graduated and Charnee Lumbus of Michigan is not going to use her final year of eligibility. Tamika Robinson of Illinois, Manning of Ohio State, Letecia Wright of Ohio State and Julian Purvis are all challengers to win the conference title. Like last season the champion will represent the Big Ten well at the NCAA Championship meet.

Distance

After a lack luster outdoor season Danielle Tauro will look to rebound and put herself individually in the University of Michigan record books. After a stellar high school career many would have expected for Tauro to have earned a individual Big Ten title and All-American honors, but she has not. Tauro has been a great leg on the Distance Medley Relay teams for Michigan and many indoor All-American honors in that event. Tauro had her best championship effort finishing 2nd last indoor season in the women's mile. Tauro is my favorite to win the women's mile and get the no championship monkey off her back. Betsy Flood of Iowa should be Tauro's greatest competition.

Also from Michigan Jillian Smith and Rebecca Addison look to aide the Michigan distance core in the women's 800. Smith is the defending conference champion indoors and missed outdoors due to injury. Expect for the two to try and pull off a 1-2 finish. Kaitlyn Peale of Michigan will be looked upon for points for the Wolverines too, Peale is the top returning 5k runner for the Big Ten and can be considered and early favorite to win. Peale missed the outdoor season due to injury.

Throws

The Pendleton sisters of Michigan look to lead the way in both the weight throw and shot put. In order for them to do that they have to take favorite Faith Sherill of Indiana in the Shot Put and Weight throw down. The Pendleton's had great success last outdoor season winning the women's discus throw, although that event is not done indoors the Pendleton's will look to improve upon their indoor throwing slump of a year ago and show their great talent. Allison Liske of Michigan will also help Michigan in challenging Sherill in the women's shot put.

Jumps

In the women's long jump Todea-Kay Willis of Minnesota and Leah Uber of Purdue should battle for the conference title. Willis won the conference title last outdoor season and Uber finished 2nd. However Kelsey McKinney of Ohio State will look to claim the title herself and add big time points for the Buckeyes. Tofunmi Akeredolu and true freshman and Ohio State record holder Erin Busbee of Michigan can also be considered challengers for the title crown. Akeredolu missed last season due to injury.

McKinney of Ohio State is the top returning performer in the women's triple jump from last season, however the event is still up for grabs with no clear cut favorite Jordan Holgren of Wisconsin and Tanaya Lloyd of Penn State will strongly contest McKinney for the conference crown.

Michigan State's Rebecca Bucholtz is the favorite to win the women's high jump after claiming the conference title last outdoor season. Emily Breslin of Purdue will also look to win the title as well after finishing tied for 3rd last outdoor season.

After the graduation of Alicia Rue Minnesota will look to senior Samantha Sonnenberg to continue Minnesota's winning way in the Pole Vault. Teammate Becca Pilkerton will look to assist Sonnenberg in team points.

Pentathlon

Dorcas Akinniyi of Wisconsin is the defending champion in the event after having scored 3,979 points. Akinniyi now a junior should only improve upon those points and win the conference title. Bucholz of Michigan State will try and challenge Akinniyi for the crown but will have a hard time challenging the defending champ.

CONFERENCE CHAMPION: PENN STATE
CONFERENCE RUNNER UP: MINNESOTA/MICHIGAN

Next Post Big 12 Conference Preview, Women

Big Ten Men's Conference Preview

2010-12-15T18:53:00.000-08:00

The Big Ten has been a great conference for decades. Perennial powers Wisconsin, Michigan and Ohio State have remained in the championship picture consistently. Starting fall of 2011 Nebraska will become apart of the Big Ten. Nebraska's mutli-talented program which can excel at every level in track and field will add to the Big Ten's great depth. However this season has its own big story, Wisconsin, they just keep on rolling.

Distance

Distance is what the Big Ten is all about. The conference of the Midwest has many great distance programs in Michigan, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Ohio State, Iowa, Penn State and Minnesota.

Penn State is definitely a contender in the distance events. The Nittany Lions return four athletes who all ran under 1:50 in the men's 800. Seniors Owen Dawson, Lionel Williams and Ryan Foster will look to challenge Casimir Loxsom. Loxsom as a true freshman last season won the big ten outdoor title in the 800. Foster the 2009 800 champion may look to reclaim his title and earn a new title in men's 1,600. Ben Blankenship will be a strong challenger from Minnesota along with Rob Finerty from Wisconsin. The Badgers also look for Mohammed Ahmed to lead a 1-2 finish in the men's 5,000, sophomore standout Maverick Darling will join Ahmed in that effort.

Sprints and Hurdles

The Big Ten has grown by a grand margin in the men's sprints. In the 90's Ohio State dominated the sprints with Chris Nelloms the 1993 NCAA Champion at 200 meters. Ohio State was sprints in the Big Ten during the 90's. Long thought to be just a distance conference the sprint programs in the conference have stepped up to compete on a national level.

This season two Riley's plan to walk away as double champions. Andrew Riley of Illinois stunned everyone by beating Ronnie Ash last season to win the NCAA Outdoor title. Riley completed the double last outdoor season in the 100 meter dash and 110 hurdles at the Big Ten championships. Last indoor season Riley fell short in the men's 60. Expect for Riley to obtain the double by winning the 60 meter dash and 60 meter hurdles with his superior speed. Josh Hembrough of Purdue should be a great challenge.

Steven Wiley of Iowa, no relation to Andrew, hopes to complete the tough double by winning the 400 and 200. Riley claimed the outdoor title in the men's 400 with a 46.12 performance. Riley came up short in the men's 200 to Stephen Robinson of Ohio State. With Robinson gone Riley is clear favorite to claim the title. Thomas Murdaugh of Ohio State is the biggest threat to Riley winning the men's 400 title after having won the event in 2009. Murdaugh also split 44.65 last season to carry the Ohio State 4x400 relay to All-American honors and will be looking to rebound this season.

Jumps

Derek Drouin of Indiana will remain alone at the top in the men's high jump. Drouin had a spectacular season which culminated in a NCAA Championship both indoors and outdoors. Drouin is the easy pick for NCAA Field Athlete of the Year.

Korbin Smith of Ohio State is also a defending Big Ten champion, although not as successful as Drouin, Smith hopes to gain more national recognition this season. Smith won the outdoor title last season with a jump of 24-7. Ironically Robert Peddlar of Michigan was the indoor champion and hopes to defend his indoor title and maybe win the triple jump as well.

Senior Ben Patterson of Minnesota is another defending conference champion in the Men's Pole Vault. Teammate Brock Spandl and Michigan State senior Logan Lynch will challenge Patterson for the crown. Lynch and Spandl are great vaulters in his own right, however it's Patterson title to lose.

Throws

Joe Kovacs of Penn State will look to win the men's shot put as well as the weigh throw. Lonnie Pugh of Michigan State is the true favorite in the men's weight through but Kovacs could be thinking double.

Heptathlon

The Heptathlon had an amazing freshman last season in Jack Szmanda of Minnesota. Szmanda finished second to teammate and defending champion R.J. McGinnis. Szmanda is an early favorite to win the event but will see great competition from Cliff Miller of Michigan State and teammate Spandl.

Next Post: Women's Big Ten Conference Preview

ACC Indoor Track and Field Men's Preview

2010-12-09T20:16:00.000-08:00

Unlike the women of this conference the men's version of the ACC has always been very well rounded. Excellent sprint programs in Florida State and Clemson, great distance programs in North Carolina, Duke and Virginia along with a great conference full of talented athletes in the field events. However the conference has been getting stronger in the sprints and in jumps in the past few years especially from schools such as Florida State. The Seminoles had won three straight NCAA Outdoor titles from 2006-2008. Although the past two years they have been close to regaining that championship form this maybe the season that takes them over the top again. The Seminoles will get the championship start from competition in the conference.

Men's Sprints & Hurdles

Florida State suffered from the lost of Charles Clark to injury, Johnathan Borlee who left early and Brandon O'Connor to undisclosed issues. Maurice Mitchell, Kevin Borlee and Brandon Byram stepped up to continue that great Florida State tradition. Mitchell won the men's 60 meter dash last season. Mitchell is the headline favorite in the men's 60, looking to defend his title against Keith Ricks of Virginia Tech. Mitchell will also be challenged and aided by the return of teammates O'Connor, Bryam and Clark in the men's 200 that could be a 1-2-3-4 sweep for the Seminoles. Borlee will lead the Seminoles in the men's 400 but will be challenged by a deep group of North Carolina Tar Heels. Clayton Parros, Charles, Cox and Ian Williamson will look to again to challenge the Seminoles for long sprint supremacy.

In the men's hurdles it is Clemson, Miami and everybody else. Clemson is returning four All-Conference performers from last season in Spencer Adams, Charlton Rolle, Claudio Carpini, and Marcus Maxey. Returning for the Hurricanes of Miami is Devon Hill who will try and defend his indoor title that he won last season clocking in at 7.78.

Distance

Like the women of this great conference the men have a great distance tradition. Virginia had the recruit of the year last season in Robby Andrews. Andrews won the NCAA Indoor title as a freshman and when many thought he would hit the freshman wall, he didn't. Andrews went on to finish second at the NCAA Outdoor Championship. Andrews personal best of 1:45.54 was the nation's best time last season and Andrews is easily the favorite to repeat as champion. Lance Roller a teammate of Andrews will provide great competition, Roller won the outdoor ACC crown and could upset Andrews in his bid for another indoor crown.

Virginia has another talented middle distance runner in Sintayehu Taye. Taye won the outdoor ACC title and is early favorite to repeat. Teammate Brett Johnson and Michael Hammond of rival Virginia Tech will be strong challengers and could win the conference title themselves. Hammond is especially dangerous to Taye's hopes, Hammond was the indoor conference champion last season. Hammond's teammate William Mulherin is also dangerous, Mulherin won the Penn Relays mile and is the defending outdoor champion at 5,000 meters, he should carry that success indoors as well.

Jumps

It's fair to say that the ACC is one of the three best jumping conferences in the country and could arguably be the best. Senior Madanha Chibudu of Florida State will look to defend his title in the men's long jump. Chibudu has been apart of the Seminoles great staple of jumpers going back to their last championship season. Josh Fowler of Clemson, a senior as well, will contest Chibudu for the conference title and was a great challenge last season.

With Alphonso Jordan gone Austin Davis of North Carolina ND and Marcus Robinson of Virginia both of whom are seniors, will compete for the men's title in the triple jump. There is not a headline favorite since both are capable of winning the title.

In the men's pole vault Hunter Hall looks to aide in helping Virginia Tech sweep again. Last indoor season the Hokies went 1-2-3 with Hall leading the way. Hall is the early favorite to defend his title but teammates Jared Johnson and Yavgeniy Olhovsky will look to win the event themselves. Olhovsky proved to Hall last outdoor season that he is capable of winning the crown by winning it.

Throws

The main event in the throws is always the shot put. With Steve Marcelle gone Michael Putman of Florida State will look to step and take the crown. Putman did not have the greatest indoor performance finishing 7th, however last outdoor season Putman finished 2nd to Marcelle. Alex Padgett of Clemson will also be a contender for the men's shot put crown. Putman's place in this event will have a huge impact on the points race for the conference crown.

CONFERENCE CHAMPION: FLORIDA STATE
RUNNER UP: VIRGINIA

NEXT POST: MEN'S BIG TEN PREVIEW

ACC Indoor Track and Field Women's Preview

2010-12-06T19:29:00.000-08:00

It is amazing how this conference keeps growing over the years. For such a long time the SEC was the premier conference for everything involving sprints, hurdles, jumps and relays. Today the NCAA has become more diverse and each conference has something that they are instantly recognizable for. Outside of having a phenomenal core of distance programs, the ACC is becoming very powerful in the sprints and hurdles. The ACC arguably has the most depth when it comes to hurdling programs. Clemson, North Carolina, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Virginia, and Miami (FL) have shown to be the best hurdle programs in the conference and are among the best in the NCAA. The conference as a whole should be ready for a great year. Let's preview the women's side in preparation for the season.

Sprints and Hurdles

When the topic of sprints in the ACC comes up three programs come to mind all the time, Miami, Florida State and Clemson. Those three programs come up in the discussion regardless of sex. Marecia Pemberton of Florida State flew on to the scene last season by winning the outdoor title in the women's 100 meters with a wind-aided 11.12. During the season Pemberton clocked a personal best at the Florida Relays with a time of 11.20. Clemson had another star freshman in Stormy Kendrick who was the top representative for the United States at the World Junior Championships in the 200 meters in which she would win the World Junior Title. Kendrick finished 2nd in both short sprints last seasons and definitely favored in the 200 and could beat Pemberton in the 60 meter dash.

The 400 maybe the conference's achilles heel, no real threat nationally in this event however there is some solid performers. Ti'erra Brown of Miami is the top returning 400 meter hurdler but she does not openly compete in the 400 meters, Brown however will likely compete in the 400 during the indoor season in preparation for the outdoor season. Along with Brown other 400 hurdles who will compete in the open 400 include teammates and twins Tameka and Takecia Jameson and Brittany Pringley of Clemson maybe the best overall 400 runner.

In the hurdles the University of Miami may have the deepest team in the country. Competing for the Lady Hurricanes in the 60 hurdles will be Brown, the Jameson sisters and Brittney Clarke. Challenging Brown and her teammates could be Latoya James of North Carolina and freshman star Bridgette Owens from Clemson and her teammates Brianna Rollins and Michaylin Golladay.

Jumps

Clemson's April Sinkler pulled a double last outdoor season winning both the High Jump and Long jump at the conference meet. Sinkler's teammate Patricia Mamona is the best challenge to that effort. Mamona won the NCAA Outdoor title in the Triple Jump and was an All-American in the long jump. Kimberly Williams of Florida State looks to interrupt the Clemson jumps dominance by defending her conference title and also provide a challenge in the long jump. Terri Ann Grant of Georgia Tech and Patience Coleman of North Carolina could pose as a potential threat to Sinkler and her goal to repeat as a conference champion in the women's High Jump.

The pole vault is the hands of senior Amy Fryt of Duke. Last outdoor season Fryt was the only athlete in the women's pole vault to reach 4.00 meters. Fryt looks to finally win the indoor title but must be mindful of Amy Morrison and Caroline Kennedy of Clemson who look to claim the title for Clemson and what could be a jumps sweep.

Distance

For so long the ACC was mainly a distance conference with perennial powers, North Carolina, Duke, Florida State, Wake Forest and Virginia producing All-American talent. Although the conference has become amazingly well rounded the conference is still producing All-Americans and NCAA Champions in this area.

On the women's middle distance races North Carolina looks to represent themselves well. In the 800 Dominique Jackson and Tasha Stanley look to contribute a potential 1-2 performance while in the 1,500 Ashley Verplank will have to take over for Brie Felnagle who graduated. Caroline King of Boston College is another potential champion in the women's 800. Katie Van Buskirk of Duke will challenge Verplank for the conference title in the women's 1,500.

Long distance in this conference simply belongs to Wake Forest senior Anna Nosenko who won the Outdoor titles in the 5,000 and 10,000. Clemson's Kimberly Ruck will be the main challenger to Nosenko's long distance dominance after having finished 3rd and 2nd respectively last outdoor season.

Throws

With only two throwing events in the indoor season the impact that the throwing events have on the team title grow more important. Lawanda Henry a junior from NC State is a headliner in both the shot put and weight throw. Henry is the defending champion in the women's weight throw and was the runner-up last indoor season. Henry was able to avenge her indoor loss with an outdoor crown. Henry's chances of performing the double are very high. Maureen Laffan of Virginia the defending champion in the women's shot put will look to repeat to put an end to Henry and her hopes of the double.

Heptathlon

Kiani Profit is the easy pick for champion in the women's indoor pentathlon. Profit is the only returning athlete having scored over 4,000 points, the next best returning athlete did not even reach 3,800 points. Profit's ability to sprint, hurdle and jump well should help easily claim the conference crown and compete for an NCAA title.

Next Post: Men's ACC Conference Preview

Blog Update

2010-12-05T21:50:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the lack of updates for this month. This has been a personal month for me, growing spiritually was the reason for the absence. It is time to put a pause on the best of series and get ready for the indoor season. The next posting either on December 6 or December 7 I will post a ACC Conference preview as the first of the conference previews prior to the indoor season. The five other conferences include, Big Ten, Big East, Big 12, SEC and Conference USA. I also would like to state that in the future I will have some youtube videos put up as well. Thanks so much for your continued support I look forward to taking this blog to the next level.

THE BEST OF SERIES CONTINUES

2010-11-05T20:45:00.000-07:00

Let's continue the best of series with the 400 hurdles and our next post following this category will be in preparation for the upcoming indoor season.

The 400 hurdles can arguably be the most grueling sprint in track and field. It is the sprint version of the steeplechase without the water jump. 10 barriers surround the 400 meter track and the object is cleanly clear each hurdle with great speed and endurance. Not only is this event difficulty physically but technically it is very tough. The United States has had some decent success in the women's 400 hurdles and held the world record in the event for almost a decade thanks to Kim Batten. The one blemish is that the United States has never had a woman win this event at the Olympic Games. There have 3 different silver medalist and 2 different bronze medalist. Although the success has not been golden for the United States the programs in the country help to develop great potentials.

5. Louisiana State University (LSU)- Yes let's all continue to slurp the LSU kool-aid. This an event LSU has not had dominant success but is great at develop the talent they have. The Tigers also have there share of NCAA Champions such as Nickeisha Wilson, Debbie Parris and Schowanda Williams. Shaver has placed an emphasis on the event having developed Nickiesha Wilson into a 53.97 performer to set a school record. Currently on campus for LSU is young talent Cassandra Tate who won the SEC Outdoor title in her first year in the event. Tate is definitely a future great to watch out for along with freshman recruit Jasmine Stowers. The Tigers could potentially have two young All-American 400 hurdlers on their team.

School Record Holder:
Nickiesha Wilson 53.97

4. South Carolina University- Curtis Frye is widely regarded as one of the best hurdle and 400 meter coaches. His success is well recorded with a list including Olympic Champions and medalists. The 400 hurdles is the one event were he has not had an NCAA Champion but excellent production. A list of All-Americans include Lashinda Demus, Krystal Cantey, Shevon Stoddart and Tiffany Ross-Williams. Currently at South Carolina Janica Austin and star freshman Amber Allen will look to put South Carolina back at the top of the SEC 400 hurdle picture. With Frye's ability to develop his 400 meter runners with a great combination of speed and endurance along with allowing his hurdlers to have great technique and speed it seems as if the 400 hurdles should be Frye's best event, I expect for Allen and Austin to be great hurdlers for the Lady Gamecocks.

School Record Holder:
Lashinda Demus 54.70

3. University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)- I know what you are thinking, isn't this low for the Bruins. Right now I say no. Bobby Kersee is one of the great coaches ever for the 400 hurdles. He has coached plenty of NCAA Champions in this event that have ran for UCLA including Nicole Leach, Sheena Johnson, Joanna Hayes and Janeen Vickers. Throughout Kersee's career has been known as a great coach when it comes to technique especially in the hurdles. Kersee has the rare coaching ability to make this event more about the athletes technique and less about their speed. Turquoise Thompson is the next in line of great 400 meter hurdles from UCLA.

School & NCAA Record Holder:
Sheena Johnson (Tosta) 52.95

2. University of Miami, FL ( THE U)- Amy Deem program is one very well rounded program, especially in the sprints. Although the Hurricanes do not have the history that all the other programs have but they are definitely the team of the hear and now. The Hurricanes could possibly have a NCAA Champion and 3 All-Americans in this one event alone. Currently on campus is NCAA runner up from 2010 and the USA Outdoor Track and Field champion in 400 hurdles, Tierra Brown. Assisting Brown are All-American twins Takecia and Tameka Jameson. Deem's program has built on the success that Dominique Darden had while attending Miami. Joining this great All-American group is Thandi Stewart the 2nd ranked long hurdler in the country in high school by clocking in at 40.45 and running a 400 in 53.79. Stewart should be a great contributor to the Hurricanes dominance in the 400 hurdles.

School Record Holder:
Ti'erra Brown 54.74

1. University of Texas (UT)- Texas has been solid in this event while under Kearney. There have been a total of 6 runners under 56 seconds in school history in the 400 hurdles and multiple All-Americans. Raasin McIntosh, Melaine Walker, Angel Patterson, Tanya Jarrett, Keasha Downer, Alyssa Aiken and Natasha Neal were all stars under Kearney. Walker is definitely the cream of the crop having won a world championship and Olympic Gold medal for her native Jamaica. Kearney has turned Angele Cooper to a developmental 400 meter runner in to a All-American in the 400 hurdles in just two seasons. Cooper also has a solid personal best in the 400 with a time of 52.18 ran last season. Watch for Cooper to compete for the NCAA and Big 12 title. Assisting Cooper with developing a great core of 400 hurdles is Jamaican star freshman Danielle Dowie and Ashley Starks.

School Record Holder:
Raasin McIntosh 54.16

BEST OF SERIES CONTINUES

2010-10-13T19:54:00.000-07:00

MEN'S LONG SPRINTS PROGRAMS

As stated in my last post the United States is perhaps the best country at producing long sprinters pre-Usain Bolt. Even though Bolt is the king of the 200 the United States has plenty of youngsters and depth to look forward to. Thanks to some of the great college programs the United States should continue to produce Olympic and world champions. The best programs in my opinion are.....

5. Texas A&M University (TAMU)- I know Texas A&M does not have the history but Texas A&M is definitely the now. Pat Henry has brought the same dominant sprint style program to Texas A&M. In the past couple of years Texas A&M has been very solid in producing champions and All-Americans in the long sprints. Under Henry sprinters such as Chris Dykes, Tabarie Henry, Gerald Phiri, Tran Howell, Bryan Miller, Curtis Mitchell, Michael Preble and Demetrius Pinder. Henry, Phiri, Howell, Miller, Mitchell, Preble and Pinder. Mitchell is the returning indoor Champion and has been an excellent well rounded sprinter. Expect for Mitchell to defend his title along Henry and Pinder vying for the title in the 400. Pinder has gone under 45 seconds and Henry will follow. Mitchell may also be the next great collegiate 200 meter runner to go under 20 seconds. Texas A&M is returning their entire 4x400 NCAA Championship unit and will be challenging LSU'S relay record. While Henry's Aggies are still in the beginning stages with the current state of the program and his solid recruiting efforts watch out for the Aggies this coming season and in the future.

Gerald Phiri
School Record Holder
200 Meters: 20.29

4. University of Southern California (USC)- USC has been one of the best programs for long sprinters in NCAA History. With plenty of NCAA Champions and Olympic Champions that include James Sanford, Quincy Watts, Clancy Edwards, Lennox Miller, Ken Randle and Billy Mullins along with a host of other champions this university has been a shining example of consistent greatness. Under Ron Allice and sprint coach John Henry Johnson the success continues. Under sprint coach John Henry Johnson he has had great success with turning the average sprinter into an All-American and turning a great sprinter into an NCAA Champion. In the 200 Johnson has coached Phillip Francis, Edward Harvey, Wes Felix, Marvin Anderson and Charles Lee. Francis the most successful out of the group with a personal best of 20.39 and sits 4th on the schools all-time list. Johnson helped to develop an injury prone Francis from a 21 second runner to a 20.39. In the 400 Johnson has had success with Lionel Larry, Jerome Davis, Paul Greene, Bryan Krill, Joey Hughes and Reggie Wyatt. Davis an NCAA Champion under Johnson, Larry was runner up in both 2007 and 2008. With a roster full of 400 talent including Hughes, Wyatt and freshman Joshua Mance the Trojans look to keep on moving.

James Sanford
School Record Holder
200 Meters: 19.94

Quincy Watts
School & NCAA Record Holder
400 Meters: 43.50

3. Louisiana State University (LSU)- While Pat Henry was the head coach the long sprints was a staple at LSU. Henry made sure to have a competitive group of long sprinters that included 2004 Olympic bronze medalist Derrick Brew in the men's 400. LSU track and field success also began before Pat Henry with Efram Coley who held the school record in the 200 from 1980 to 1996. Dennis Shaver took over the program in 2005 and has done excellent job with his long sprinters. Xavier Carter, Kelly Willie, Richard Thompson, Siraj Williams, Melville Rogers, Reginald Dardar and Armanti Hayes have all succeeded under Shaver. Other greats under Henry include, Alleyne Francique, Pete Cooley, Robert Parham, Curtis Perry, Glenroy Gilbert, Byron Logan and Mike Alridge. LSU has also had phenomenal success in the men's 4x400 relay always competitive at the SEC and NCAA Outdoor and Indoor Championships. LSU is also the current NCAA record holder in the 4x400 relay with a 2:59.59 performance in 2005. The record breaking team includes, Reginald Dardar, Bennie Brazzell, Kelly Willie and Xavier Carter. Current athletes at LSU to keep an eye on include Robert Simmons, Caleb Williams and 2010 Junior College champion Riker Hylton.

Derrick Brew
School Record Holder
400 Meters: 44.29

Xavier Carter
School Record Holder
200 Meters: 20.02

2. University of Florida (UF)- It is well documented my love for Mike Holloway. I think he is the best sprint coach in the NCAA. Holloway's success is well documented. Holloway coached Kerron Clement to a indoor world record in the men's 400 at the 2005 NCAA Indoor Championship and also to a collegiate record of 47.56 in the 400 meter hurdles at the NCAA Outdoor Champion the same year. Holloway has a had a multiple athletes earn All-America honors and over the course of his coaching career has made Florida one of the best sprint programs in the country. Great long sprinters under Holloway include John Capel, Bernard Williams, Willie Perry, Aaron Armstrong, Calvin Smith, Rickey Harris, Geno Smith and of course Clement. Perry is an athlete who developed well under Holloway arriving in Gainesville with a personal best of 21.33 and after his junior year had a new personal best of 20.42. The most shocking part of the improvement is Perry never finished the season. Smith and Harris had high school pr's at 46.17 and 46.21 respectively. After four years with Hollway Harris and Smith both have ran under 45 seconds. John Capel is another great example of Holloway's program, as a high school senior Capel clocked a personal best of 21.02 and after 2 years with Hollway had a new personal best of 19.87 the current school record. On campus right now for the Gators are sprinters Tony McQuay, Jovon Toppin, Terrell Wilks, Christian Taylor and freshman Blake Heriot. Although the Gators have lost Calvin Smith they should still be considered a threat in the 4x400 relay and 400 and 200 meter races.

John Capel
School Record Holder
200 Meters: 19.87

Kerron Clement
School Record Holder
400 Meters: 44.57 (i)

1. Baylor University- Carol Lewis makes this statement every year at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. There is death, taxes and Baylor winning the 4x400 relay. The Baylor Bears have won 10 NCAA titles in the event. Clyde Hart has made Baylor the 400 meter school. The most notable alumnus Michael Johnson 6 time Olympic Gold Medalist and World record holder. While at Baylor Michael Johnson was a star in the men's 200 under Hart winning the NCAA title at the 1990 NCAA Championship. Baylor is also the only school that has more than 10 athletes that have ran under 45 seconds in the men's 400. The top 10 include, Jeremy Wariner, Michael Johnson, Darold Williamson, Raymond Pierre, Brandon Couts, Marlon Ramsey, Raoul Howard, LaJerald Betters, Deon Minor and Zeke Jefferson. Hart requires his athletes to have the perfect blend of speed and endurance needed for a 400 meter runner. In the 200 Trey Harts has a indoor NCAA title after winning the event in 2009. Reggie Witherspoon and Courtney Thomas are two other great 200 meter runners that have had All-American success under Hart. Zwede Hewitt and Marcus Boyd are two athletes to watch at Baylor. These two long sprinters will have to carry the team after losing Harts and Thomas to graduation.

Jeremy Wariner
School Record Holder
400 Meters: 44.00

Michael Johnson
School Record Holder
200 Meters: 19.85

I don't think there is any argument who is number 1, it's clearly Baylor. There are a couple teams that I think are also premier programs, Florida State, Arizona State, Oregon and Ohio State. I look forward to big a season in this event both collegiate and professional. Are next topic will either be premier distance programs, top long hurdle programs and or a preview of the upcoming indoor season. Until next time...........................................................................................

The Best Of Series Continues...

2010-09-23T19:36:00.000-07:00

PART 5: THE LONG SPRINTS ( 200 & 400 METERS) *Women*

These two events are perhaps the two events were the United States have been so dominate. Looking at the many champions in the men's 400, the last time the United States did not win the 400 at the Olympic Games was Moscow in 1980 when our country did not compete. In the 200 the United States is all over the top 10, pre-Bolt the United States had the 4 fastest times of all time in 2007. On the women's side there has been dominance of that level but still great success. In the past couple of years the United States has done an excellent job in developing championship level 400 meter runners compared to the mid to late 90's were the United States were more concerned with beating the Russians in the 4x400 relay than individually. There have been a few college programs that do a great job of developing their 200 and 400 meter runners. Let's look at the top 5.

5. The University of Miami, FL (The U)- Amy Deem is one of the best sprint coaches not only in the United States but in the world she has two well known Olympic medalist to thank for that including Lauryn Williams silver medalist in the women's 100 and Debbie Ferguson in the women's 200 a bronze medalist. Amy Deem has done well with developing great 200 meter runners. Lauryn Hills after just three years was able to improve from running 24.0 to 22.46. Charlette Greggs was able to be a solid double performer running a personal best of 51.65 in the 400 and a personal best 22.85 in the 200. Joining the two was Murielle Ahoure, who coach Deem had the pleasure of only coaching for one season to a personal best of 22.78. Krista Simpkins before she transferred ran a 51.95 in the prelims and a time of 52.16 in the finals to win the NCAA title at the 2008 Indoor Championships proving the Canes can produce quality 400 runners. Deem has solid 400 meter runners currently in Ti'erra Brown, Takecia and Tameka Jameson who are all 400 hurdlers as well. Watch out for Thandi Stewart and Ashton Purvis to add serious depth to the Hurricanes long sprints depth chart, the best is yet to come for Deems stellar program.

200 METER SCHOOL RECORD HOLDER LAURYN WILLIAMS

4. Louisiana State University (LSU)- The school that can be nicknamed as Sprinters U has had solid success and performances in the long sprints. LSU is not just a school for 100 meter sprinters. The Lady Tigers have been able to produce 5 NCAA Champions in the women's 200 meter dash. Those athletes include Dawn Sowell, the NCAA record holder since 1989, Ester Jones ('90), Dahlia Duhaney ('92), Zundria Feagin ('96) and Peta Gaye-Dowdie ('00). Muna Lee did in fact win the women's 200 indoors in 2003 but for these ranking they are solely based on outdoor performances. LaTarsha Stroman has the schools only 400 meter title winning the event in 1997. However the Tigers have had countless All-Americans and 4x400 relay NCAA Champions. LSU holds the NCAA Outdoor Championship meet record with a school record of 3:25.26 and held the NCAA record in the women's 4x200 relay from 2003-2009 as the first women's program to go under 1:30 by clocking a 1:29.78 at the Penn Relays. The school has had sub 51 second performers including school record holder Stroman who ran a time of 50.60, Hazel Ann-Regis is 2nd with a personal best of 50.64 and Nadia Davy with a personal best of 50.66. Current tigers expected to succeed include Kimberlyn Duncan and Takeia Pickney in the women's 200 and Siedda Herbert and Latoya McDermott in the women's 400. With the talented youth on their time the Tigers look to continue their success in the long sprints well into the future.

LSU & NCAA 200 METER RECORD HOLDER: DAWN SOWELL (22.04)

3. Texas A&M University- Although the history at Texas A&M isn't as rich as LSU but Pat Henry has brought his teachings and winning attitude to Texas A&M. Pat Henry is entering his 7th season at and has already won back to back titles with a solid group of sprinters returning. Coach Henry with his assistance of Vince Anderson done an excellent job of developing their 200 and 400 meter runners. Athletes such as Porscha Lucas, Simone Facey, Jeneba Tarmoh, Clora Williams, Jessica Beard and Allison George. Clora Williams the 2006 NCAA Outdoor champion at 400 meters and Simone Facey along Porscha Lucas winning the 200 meters. Facey winning the 200 in 2008 and Lucas winning the 200 in 2009 and 2010. Although the Aggies have lost Lucas to graduation Jeneba Tarmoh is next in line to dominate the 200 for the Lady Aggies. The Aggies can also boast about their new 4x200 relay record which included Beard, Tarmoh, Lucas and Dominique Duncan. The upcoming season watch out for Jessica Beard hopefully she can finally win that title in the women's 400. Still in the early stages the Texas A&M program has already made it's mark with its long sprinters.

Texas A&M SCHOOL RECORD HOLDER:
PORSCHA LUCAS (22.36)

2. South Carolina- You have to hand it to Curtis Frye he turned a program for irrelevant to very relevant. His ability to coach hurdlers have already been discussed. Frye also has done a solid job developing 400 meter runners. His list of athletes and phenoms include Demetria Washington, Mikele Barber, Tiffany Ross, Lashinda Demus, Natasha Hastings, Melisa Barber, Brandi Cross, Stephanie Smith, Tonique Williams, Shalonda Solomon, Eric Whipple and Aleen Bailey. Of these girls Frye has developed multiple NCAA Champions and NCAA record holder. Champions in the 200 include Shalonda Solomon and Aleen Bailey, in the 400 Natasha Hastings and Demetria Washington. Even better stats include the amt of athletes he had that gave under 23 seconds, Solomon, Hastings, Whipple, Bailey, Washington and Barber. Sub 51 second performers include Hastings, Barber twins and Smith. Currently on the Gamecocks roster is Nadonnia Rodrigues she is next great 400 meter sprinter under Frye and possible NCAA Champion in the future.

SCHOOL & NCAA Record Holder at 400 meters:
Natasha Hastings (49.84)

SCHOOL RECORD HOLDER at 200 meters:
Shalonda Solomon (22.36)

1. University of Texas (UT)- Beverly Kearney has been one of the best coaches in track and field the 1980's. Kearney has had success wherever she has gone. When she arrived at the University of Texas she took it to another level, never mind that it was already a national caliber program, Kearney won championships and developed Olympic stars. Kearney has specialized in developing long sprinters. Kearney has won 6 NCAA Outdoor titles in the 4x400 relay since she has been coach at Texas. Her list of phenoms in the 200 and 400 include, Merlene Frazer, Sanya Richards, Nanceen Pery, LaKeisha Backus, Alexandria Anderson, Ashlee Williams, Aminah Haddad, Bianca Knight, Suziann Reid, Toya Brown, LaTashia Kerr, Jerrika Chappele, Nakiya Johnson and Moushami Robinson. As you can see that list is long and doesn't include the current athletes on campus. The 400 meter champions under Kearney (Sanya Richards and Suziann Reid) and the 200 meter champions under Kearney (Frazer, Perry, Knight and Backus-indoors). Knight only competed for Texas for the indoor season running a NCAA record 22.40 indoors and likely could have challenged Dawn Sowell's NCAA outdoor record had she stayed. Currently at Texas, Kearney is loaded with long sprint talent including Kendra Chambers, Angele Cooper, Briana Nelson, Alicia Peterson, Stacey Ann Smith and Chantel Malone. The Lady Longhorns should be a sexy pic for the 4x400 relay title for indoors and outdoors. Briana Nelson is my early season prediction for the freshman Big 12 Athlete of the year.

SCHOOL RECORD HOLDER: Sanya Richards (49.89)

** Next is the Men's long sprint programs. **

Best of Series Part 4

2010-09-13T19:26:00.000-07:00

THE 100 METER SPRINTER

I am back by the grace of God, I thank him for making all thing possible.

Let's continue the best of series with the best 100 meter schools for men. I admit it I had a hard time putting this list together. There are so many great programs in the United States that develop great 100 meter sprinters. The five schools I chose have been able to develop their sprinters every year.

5. The University of Southern California (USC)- This was track and field's first sprinting dynasty. In the 60's and 70's USC was known for its great success in sprinting at one point winning 9 straight NCAA titles. A total of 28 titles mostly because of its phenomenal sprint program. The only negative about selecting USC in this list is that they have not had an NCAA Champion in the 100 since 1978 Clancy Edwards. I attribute that to recruiting I have not seen the Trojans recruit that many super 100 meter sprinters out of high school. Its seems to be the goal of USC to develop sprinters around 10.4 to 10.6. Ron Allice is the director of Track and Field at USC but the develop of the sprinters are mainly left up to John Henry Johnson. Prime examples of their great developments are Phillip Francis, Wes Felix, Ahmad Rashad, Garry Jones, Kareem Kelly, Sultan McCullough, Darrell Rideaux, Marvin Anderson and Charles Lee. Four athletes in particular improved dramatically under Johnson's tutelage. Ahmad Rashad improving from 10.56 to 10.10 in just three years. Although Rashad ran faster times in 100 in high school the 10.56 is the only top time he has that wasn't wind-aided. Also keep in mind Rashad could have ran a 10.0 something unfortunately his top time this past season was wind-aided and he also false started at the NCAA Championships. Garry Jones improving from 10.5 to 10.23 in four years although he was injured almost every season. Phillip Francis 10.5 to 10.1 became on of the best ever at USC winning PAC-10 titles in both 100 and 200 in 2006. Finally there is Wes Felix older brother to star Allyson Felix. Wes was not even a finalist in the 100 in High school, although his time of 10.6 was nothing to sneeze at he was mainly known for his 200 speed. By his senior year he improved to a time of 10.2. I wonder what Johnson's program would be like if he would recruit guys running 10.3 and 10.2 already.

School Record Holder
James Sanford 10.02

4. Louisiana State University (LSU) known for its great history in the sport has flourished with 100 meter sprinters with Dennis Shaver. Dare I say it, I think Dennis Shaver is a better sprints coach for men than Pat Henry. Their history is the sprints under Pat Henry was acquiring good depth to put together excellent relays. Recent 100 sprinters including 3 national champions make LSU hard to beat. Xavier Carter in two years went from a 10.3 to a 10.09, Richard Thompson went from a 10.5 to 9.93 and Trindon Holliday went from a 10.3 to a 10.0 while playing football, I wonder what Holliday could have done had he focused on track and field solely. Other great sprinters under Shaver include Kelly Willie and Jerell Hill. Look for Rynell Parson to be another great champion for LSU, Parson sat out last year with an injury.

School Record Holder
NCAA Record Holder
Richard Thompson 9.89

3. University of Florida- It pains to put Mike Holloway this low on the list. Holloway has done a phenomenal job with developing his sprinters. In the 100 meters he has recruited guys running 10.5 and turned them into 10.1 performers. Great performers under Holloway include, Dennis Mitchell, Daymon Carroll, Bernard Williams, John Capel, Willie Perry, Ahmad Jasmine, Kyle Farmer, Jeremy Hall, Terrell Wilks and Jeffrey Demps. Recent stars Jeremy Hall and Terrell Wilks were good athletes in high school but became household names under Hollway. Wilks improving from a 10.6 to 10.1 in the men's 100 and still has his senior season. Hall in three seasons went from 10.44 to 10.08, unfortunately Hall did not have a great outdoor season unable to continue his All-American success individually by only running a 10.3 his senior year. Willie Perry arrived in Gainesville running a 10.52 and in three years was able to run a 10.12 and of course there is school record holder and Olympic medalist Bernard Williams who was able to run a 9.99 under Holloway coming from a 10.08. Holloway unfortunately lost a big recruit in Jeremy Rankin who transferred to Oklahoma, I don't know whether it was the average year he had or the fact that he wanted to be closer to home. I expect for Blake Heriot top incoming recruit to be able to make an early impact as a freshman. Wilks and Demps will have to provide the firepower without Rankin and Hall who graduated. Demps is the defending champion at 100 meters and should be able to repeat.

School Record Holder
Bernard Williams 9.99

2. Texas Christian University (TCU)- This school is known for this event the history TCU has had with the 4x100 relay is ridiculous. The athletes read like a who's who. Just some of the greats include, Raymond Stewart, Kim Collins, Jon Drummond, Michael Frater, Donovan Powell, Darvis Patton and Roscoe Tatum just to name a few. Recently TCU has not been the super 100 school it used to be in the 90's but it is still very relevant and doing well under coach Darryl Anderson, they have yet to win a 4x100 relay title but will soon and that is why TCU is number there history and there current sprinters. Current stars include Skye Dawson, Charles Silmon, Mark Barnes and Mychael Dungey. Expect for this group to put together a solid 4x1 performance. Silmon who finished second in the men's 100 at the World Junior meet will be someone to watch for this upcoming season.

School Record Holder
Raymond Stewart 9.97

1. Florida State University- As a Gator fan it pains me to say this, but it is what it is. The Seminoles have a phenomenal program and have done an excellent job developing their 100 meter sprinters. Cedric Nabe, Walter Dix, Greg Bolden, Michael Ray Garvin, Charles Clark, Derrick Baker, Rhoan Sterling, Ronald Wright, Maurice Mitchell and Brandon Byram and David Ambler. Walter Dix the most notable athlete of all these great sprinters. Dix clocked a 9.93 his junior year to win his second 100 meter title at Florida State. Harden has done an excellent job with the development of his sprinters, footballer Michael Ray Garvin is another great sprinter under Harden with a personal best of 10.1. Currently at Florida State is Mitchell, Ambler and Byram. Those three sprinters should continue the success at Florida State. Mitchell already earning All-American honors in the men's 100 and posting a personal best of 10.11. Keep an eye for Mitchell this coming outdoor season. Mitchell returns as the defending ACC Champion and looks to carry that success to the next level on the national stage.

School Record Holder
Walter Dix 9.93

**Sorry for the long wait, again my computer problems did not go away. The next post will be on 200 meter programs or 400 meter programs no decision as of yet. Thanks for reading. **

Personal Update

2010-08-23T22:02:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately my computer has gotten a viurs, I will try to continue my best of series and possibly talk some XC. If I am not able to do that I hope to be back before September thanks for your support.

Best of series Part 3

2010-08-19T18:50:00.000-07:00

Well I am back, let's continue our best of series by taking a look at the top 100 meter schools for women and why.

THE BEST 100 METER SCHOOLS FOR WOMEN

5. The University of Miami (FL)- What a great job Amy Deem has done as the coach for the University of Miami. Deem has developed world class talent from nothing and has made phenoms even better. Deem may not recruit a superstar but she has been able make them. Lauryn Williams was a top high school recruit from Pennsylvania and Detroit. Williams arrived on campus with a personal best of 11.53 and with in 3 years Williams ran a personal pest of 10.96 to win a silver medal at the 2004 Olympic Games. She has also developed sprinter Murielle Ahoure into a 100 meter threat with a personal of 11.09. Deem is also the coach of Bahamian sprinter Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie who has a Olympic medalist in the 200 meters and was also a member of the gold medal winning 2000 4x100 meter relay from the Bahamas.

4. University of Southern California- Yes this is one of the most historic sprinting programs in our countries history. Yes in the past the coaching staff has severely underachieved in this event but they have also have had some amazing success stories. For example, Inger Miller, Carol Rodriguez, Alexis Weatherspoon, Natasha Meyers, Torri Edwards, Miya Edmonson, Virginia Powell and Angela Williams the only athlete to win 4 straight times. Joining the Trojans this coming fall are Jessica Davis, Jenna Puterbaugh and Loudia Laarman. Davis has a personal best of 11.45, Puterbaugh of 11.76 and Laarman 11.71. Expect for those 3 to add great depth to a pretty good program. After last season 0 point performance at the NCAA meet expect for the Trojans to avenge themselves especially in the sprints.

3. University of Texas- Bev Kearney is one of the best sprint coaches in the world, she has been to recruit some of the best sprinters in the United States and turn them into even greater sprinters. The names under Kearney say it all, Lakeisha Backus, Nanceen Perry, Marshavette Hooker, Alexandria Anderson, Bianca Knight and Sanya Richards. Yes Richards was a great collegiate 400 runner but don't forget she won the 100 meters at the Big 12 Championship in 2003 and 2004. Kearney did not have strong success in this event last season, but expect Chalonda Goodman to regain her top form after missing part of last season due to injury and performing at average level during the indoor season.

2. Texas A&M University- Pat Henry is bringing his success from LSU to the Aggies and has already won back to back NCAA Championships. However Henry has yet to have that successful 100 meter champion he has been close with several great athletes such as Porscha Lucas, Allison George, Gabby Mayo, Jeneba Tarmoh, Dominique Duncan and Simone Facey. Facey obviously the best athlete under Henry having ran a personal best of 10.95. There is still plenty of talent returning with Mayo, Tarmoh and Duncan including Chandrell Stephens and incoming freshman Ashley Collier. The Aggies cannot take over the top spot until they start developing 100 meter champions, in a matter of time I expect for them to do just that.

1. The most historic program in women's collegiate history is the LSU Lady Tigers. No program has been known for its sprinters than LSU. The NCAA Champions ( Ester Jones, Cheryl Taplin, Sherry Fletcher, Kelly Ann Baptiste and collegite record holder Dawn Sowell). You also have greats, Cheryl Taplin, Zundra Feagin, Peta-Gaye Dowdie (200 NCAA Champion) Muna Lee, Stephanie Durst, Sadonna Thornton, Kwajelin Butler and Juanita Broaddus. There is no doubt during Pat Henry's tenure as the head coach of LSU this is an event that the Tigers consistently excelled in. Now under Dennis Shaver's director the program has not fallen off. Shaver has developed Kelly Ann Baptiste and Sherry Fletcher into champions. Watch for Takeia Pinckey and Kimberlyn Duncan under Shaver these two will be the next great sprinters from LSU.

BEST OF SERIES PART 2 MEN'S 110 HURDLES

2010-08-03T07:40:00.000-07:00

Let's continue our best of series by taking a look at the 5 best men's programs for 110 high hurdles.

The United States has been able to enjoy for years having the talent and coaching for this event. So many great olympic champions including Allen Johnson and Roger Kingdom. They are so many great programs in the country but 5 truly standout.

5. Southern California Univeristy- Southern Cal has one of the most storied traditions in this event the NCAA Champions in this event alone set USC apart with 9 individual champions. Although USC is not the dominant sprint power it was in the 60's and 70's they are still very relevant. The Trogans have Oscar Spurlock and Brandon Ames returning. Spurlock is returning as an All-American and Ames is returning after having a solid season clocking under 14 seconds multiple times. Ames may have earned the individual honors had he not been injured during the end of the season. USC could have a 1-2 finish in the Pac-10 along with having 2 All-Americans.

4. University of Florida- Yes, I know this is my favorite sprint program and I will probably get complaints for taking the Gators over the Trogans. I don't allow the past truly affect the present in my decision in ranking these programs. The Gators under Mike Hollway have had an excellent 110 hurdles history, Rickey Harris, NCAA Champion Josh Walker, Kalinka Pitt, Dennis Martin and William Wynne. Wynne currently is the top hurdler on campus and unfortunately missed all of last season injured. If Wynne had been healthy the Gators are the obvious pick for the national title. Along with Wynne return is Jarius Cooper who has been up and down and maybe looking to make some major improvements. Eddie Lovett the nation's top high school hurdler will also join the two and we are still waiting on a possible second recruit. The Gators look primed for a strong season in the SEC.

3. Nebraska University- Billy Maxwell is the sprints and hurdles coach for the Cornhuskers. Maxwell has done a phenomenal job as coach, athletes such as David Davis Jr., Kirkland Thornton and Lehann Fourie. Fourie ended the season as an All-American and 2nd best hurdler in the Big 12 conference. Eric Lund returns as the top hurdler for the Cornhuskers, expect for Maxwell to develop Lund into an All-Conference level while developing other talent on the roster.

2. Texas Tech University- Wes Kittley hurdle program has been one of the best hurdle programs in the country for a long time. Kittley has produced All-Americans Omo Osaghe, Shawon Harris and Marlon Odom. Currently Jansen Hyde, Brandon Tucker and Jamele Mason will look to carry on the great tradition of All-American hurdlers for Texas Tech University. Osaghe did not compete last outdoor season and may have another season to compete to add to the great hurdle depth of the Red Raiders of Texas Tech. Tucker and Mason should make great improvements in another season under Kittley's system.

1. South Carolina University- Also known as the other USC. The Gamecocks under Curtis Frye have been the most successful program at producing 110 hurdlers Terrance Trammell, Jason Richardson and Johnny Dutch are just to name a few. Booker Nunley looks to be the next great Gamecock under Curtis Frye. Nunley finished second at the NCAA Indoor Meet and even injured last outdoor season was able to garnish All-American honors and perform admirably at the SEC Outdoor Championship. As long as Curtis Frye is at South Carolina I think the Gamecocks are the easy pick to be the best 110 hurdles program.

NEXT POST: TOP 5 WOMEN'S 100 METER PROGRAMS.

Back in the best possible way

2010-07-26T07:32:00.000-07:00

Now that I may have consistent access to a computer I want to begin a new series examining the best universities in the country in an event that they do well. I call it the BEST OF series. Today I want to examine one of my favorite events, the short hurdles. The short hurdles is the sprint version of the hurdle race, for women 100 meter hurdles and men 110 meter hurdles. It is hard to pin point the best university in the country at the event because our country does such a phenomenal job with hurdlers. So lets examine the top 5 schools on each side and why.

THE BEST 100 METER HURDLE PROGRAMS (WOMEN)

5. Clemson University- Under the direction of Lawrence Johnson the lady tigers have flourished, they are becoming a excellent sprint program bust most importantly a great hurdle program. Johnson was the original hurdle coach at Virginia Tech University that discovered the talents of Queen Harrison and Kristi Catlin. The Tigers return a formidable group, Michaelyn Golliday, Patricia Mamona and Brianna Rollins. The Tigers will receive help from star recruit Bridgette Owens-Mitchell a two time state champion from Michigan along with being an All-American. Watch for the Tigers to put together an excellent shuttle hurdle relay team to compete with the Aggies.

4. University of Michigan - Women's Head Coach Mike Henry has a great mind for coaching this event. He has taken averaged talent and turned it into something golden. He has also taken developed talent and turned it into something pheonomenal. For three seasons 2007-2009 Tiffany Ofili of Michigan dominated the women's 100 meter hurdles. She was not heavily recruited in high school even though she ran a 8.61 at the 2005 Michigan Indoor State Meet. Ofili is perhaps one of the greatest if not greatest winning hurdler ever. Charnee Lumbus is taking over as the top hurdler for the Wolverines, all are still waiting on Julian Purvis to see what she can do but recruits Amber Smith and Erin Busbee from Cleveland Collinwood should make a name for themselves this coming season.

3. University of Miami (FL)- This program has become one of the best at this event in the past couple years. Tierra Brown, Takecia and Tameka Jameson makes for a phenomenal group. Brown is a early pre-season favorite to win the 60 meter indoor title. All three have the potential to be sub 13.2 hurdles and Brown returns as the runner up from the indoor season. The Canes return Deandra Doyley and Brittney Clarke to assist Brown and the Jameson twins. Also recruit Nicole Cummings should not only add depth in the hurdles but the jumps as well. The Hurricanes will have a very deep hurdle core entering this coming season and will need to this group to perform well in order to compete in the ACC which looks to be the best conference for the 100 hurdles.

2. Virginia Tech University- It's hard to put this program number 2 but the number 1 program is just as deserving. The Virginia Tech program is one the best at developing speed and technique. The Hokies say goodbye to two phenoms in Kristi Catlin and Queen Harrison. Kristen Brown will have to carry the torch for the Hokies, Brown an All-American should be the next great Hokie.

1. Texas A&M University- Pat Henry has brought his phenomenal talents from LSU to Texas A&M. The hurdles was a staple at LSU for many years, under Henry at LSU were greats Joyce Bates, Tananjalyn Staley and Lolo Jones. At A&M Henry has a trio of great hurdlers including Gabby Mayo, Natasha Ruddock, Vashti Thomas and Dominique Flemings. Both Mayo and Ruddock have the ability to run under 12.8, Thomas will be a junior and Flemings will be a sophomore. The Aggies could be the first women's team to have four sub 13 second hurdlers. A repeat as the best shuttle hurdle relay team is a definitie possibility.

Next Post: Men's 110 Hurdles best 5 programs.

Will be back soon

2010-07-22T07:44:00.000-07:00

Right now I don't have immediate access to a computer, I should be able to post a story either Saturday July 24 or Sunday July 25 just give me some time. Trust me I miss writing about the greatest sport in the world and have some amazing stories to tell.

Weekend Recap

2010-07-12T07:03:00.000-07:00

A excellent weekend for American collegiate tracksters. The United States led in the medal count at the NACAC U23 Championships. There were also great performances by collegians from different countries.

Starting in the sprints, Curtis Mitchell of Texas A&M avenged his NCAA Outdoor defeat by running a wind legal 19.99 in the semi-final to a wind aided 20.06. Mitchell surprisingly lost the 200 at the NCAA Championship meet to Kentucky's Rondell Sorillo. Mitchell should be the big star next season. Mitchell's teammate Demetrius Pinder represented the Bahamas in the men's 400 finishing third with a respectable 45.93. Tavaris Tate of Mississippi State and Joey Hughes of USC were able to complete a 1-2 finish in the 400 with Tate winning in 45.36.

Former NCAA Champion Ronnie Ash of Oklahoma was able to dip under the 13 second barrier in the men's 110 hurdles with a wind aided 12.98 to add another gold medal for Team USA. Another former NCAA Champion was able to score gold for Team USA, Jeshua Anderson of Washington State won the men's 400 meter hurdles in 49.33.

One of the highlights for American distance runners was Charles Jock who won the men's 800 in 1:45.65 a dominating performance over Georgia's Aaron Evans who was representing his native Bermuda. Ahmed Osman won the men's 10,000 in 30:38.22 to lead a 1-2 finish in the event showing a bright future for American distance running both middle and long distance. Colin Mickow was a distant second to Osman.

Next Post: continue our recap of the men's and women's performances at the NACAC U23 Championships.

COMING SOON....

2010-07-09T07:26:00.000-07:00

I know its been a while since I have written anything, a myriad of personal issues is causing that. There should be a post about the professional scene along with the upcoming collegiate track and field season.

NCAA Championsip Meet Review

2010-06-16T19:01:00.000-07:00

What a weekend. It seems as though Oregon University should be the host of the NCAA Championship meet every year, great atmosphere and phenomenal performances all weekend. Instead of my normal way of reviewing Championship meets I am only going to focus on the team race and the best individual performances.

Men's Review

The Men's team race definitely lived up to the hype. For the second year in the row it came down to the very last event. Unfortunately for me my favorite track team the Florida Gators were on the losing side yet again. The 4x400 relay which was absent Christian Taylor who was still competing in the long jump had a fantastic anchor leg from senior Calvin Smith who anchored a 43.69 split. Unfortunately without Taylor the Gators finished third clocking in 3:01.87 while the eventual champions Texas A&M clocked in at 3:00.89. It seems as though Pat Henry's squad was just too much for Gators although the Aggies won by one point keep in mind they did that without the 4x100 relay for the second year in a row.

The Gators had great individual performances from Christian Taylor who won the Men's Triple Jump leaping to 56-10 almost three full feet better than 2nd place. Jeff Demps was able to run sub 10 with a 9.95 performance with a slight headwind that would still make his performance a sub 10 second run.

Ashton Eaton was unable to break the Men's Decathlon NCAA record but still put on a great performance in the event scoring a total of 8,457 points. Eaton did have some bad luck in the men's long jump by not making it to the finals.

The long jump was the final and most watched event, Gators only needed for Christian Taylor to finish 2nd to win it although he was predicted to win the event. Unfortunately Taylor was only able to finish 4th. The Aggies depth in the sprints and jumps was too much to overcome for the Gators.

The two most surprising performances came from Andrew Riley of Illinois and Rondel Sorillo of Kentucky. In the men's 110 meter hurdles Ronnie Ash was a virtual lock with his solid performances all season long, however in the finals Riley went toe to toe with Ash and was too much coming off the final hurdle to win in 13.45. Sorillo was facing the same challenge, Curtis Mitchell had dominated the men's 200 since January of this season, in the finals Mitchell who is a slow starting sprinter could not overcome Sorillo who had a solid start and a even better finish.
In the end Mitchell's 2nd place 8 point finish was enough for the Aggies.

One of the most amazing performances however did not come from the Aggies or the Gators, however it came from the hometown Oregon Ducks senior Andrew Wheating who became the 4th man ever to win the 800 and 1,500 double. Wheating clocked in at 1:45.69 to beat freshman Robby Andrews of Virginia. Wheating also led 1-2-3 finish in the men's mile with a time of 3:47.94.

Women

The Women of A&M were also able to defend their NCAA title with a stunning performance on the track scoring 72 points, 20 points ahead of 2nd place Oregon. The Aggies performed like all the great Pat Henry coached teams, with phenomenal sprints, hurdles, jumps and relays. Porscha Lucas and Jeneba Tarmoh led the way for the Aggies. Lucas was able to defend her national title clockin in 22.82 while Tarmoh finished 2nd. Lucas was 2nd a day earlier in the women's 100 to Blessing Okagbare who clocked in at 10.98. Tarmoh finished 3rd in the women's 100.

In the 4x100 relay the Aggies were without star Gabby Mayo however Jessica Beard was able to anchor well for the Aggies who won the event in a time 42.81. Beard was joined by Lucas, Tarmoh and Dominique Duncan. Beard was also able to provide 8 big points in the women's 400 finishing 2nd behind Francena McCrory who won in 50.69, not the sub 50 performance she was expected to do.

The Ducks had some amazing individual performances most notably Brianne Theisen was able to win the women's heptathlon in 6,094 points. Freshman star Jordan Hasay finished 3rd in the women's mile clocking in at 4:16.43 while indoor champion Charlotte Browning won the event in 4:15.84 to keep the Gators in the team hunt. Mariam Kevkhishvili was another expected champion for Florida defending her national title with a throw of 59-5.

Lisa Koll was able to double in the two longest races of the meet the, 5,000 meter run and 10,000 meter run. Koll a senior for Iowa State looks to have bright future in long distance running.

*****

Now that the college season is over, our future posts will focus on professional and amateur athletics during this summer season.

NCAA Championship Men's Preview

2010-06-08T20:37:00.000-07:00

The Florida Men having been living by a code of Finish the Mission. If you are a Florida Gator track and field fan like myself you know why that has been the team statement. The past couple of years the Florida Gators have had an amazing string of 2nd place finishes. Last season they were in it to win at all championship meets last season and finished 2nd at all of them. This season the Gators have 2/3 major championships already won, the indoor NCAA title and the Outdoor SEC title hopefully the Gators can carry the winning success to the Outdoor championship meet against hometown favorite Oregon and sprint rivals Texas A&M.

Sprints
The sprints are an area where the Gators are looking to score heavy. The Gators while have to contend against a strong group of sprinters from Texas A&M, Mississippi State and cross state rival Florida State.

Jeff Demps has been unbeatable all outdoor season after running a dominant performance at both the SEC Outdoor and Regional meet Demps is poised to runaway with the 100 meter title and possibly put up a sub 10 second performance. Gerald Phiri of Texas A&M and Marcus Rowland of Auburn will be strong challengers.

In the 200 Texas A&M will look to add 10 huge points from indoor champion Curtis Mitchell. Mitchell has not lost at all this entire year indoor and out. Mitchell should continue his success at the outdoor meet, Terrell Wilks of Florida and Maurice Mitchell of Florida State should provide strong competition.

In the long sprint Florida and Texas A&M have a pair of athletes look to do well for the Gators, Tony McQuay and senior Calvin Smith for the Aggies Demetrius Pinder and Tabarie Henry. All four athletes have been having stellar seasons. Smith is currently the NCAA and World leader in the 400, however Pinder is looking strong after a mid season injury and Henry should not be overlooked. Beware of true freshman sprinters Tavarris Tate of Mississippi State and Kirani James of Alabama. I think Smith will put on one big performance for his final race.

In the hurdles Johnny Dutch of South Carolina is the best candidate for a potential double. However in the 110 meter high hurdles Ronnie Ash of Oklahoma has been solid, Ash is the defending outdoor champion and has performed well all season. With talented Jamaicans Andrew Riley of Illinois and Keiron Stewart of Texas, Ash is still the favorite.

Dutch's best chance for a title is in the 400 hurdles. At the regional meet Dutch put on a show with his stunning 48.12 performance clearly the NCAA leader. Defending champion Jeshua Anderson of Washington State has gotten the best of Dutch in the past couple of years but this maybe the year that Dutch finally gets his national title.

In the relay events Florida is currently ranked number 1 in both. I have to admit I am a little bit disappointed with the Florida Gators, there time of 38.81 in the 400 meter relay is a lot slower than I had predicted for them have hopefully with the challenge from Texas A&M, Mississippi State and LSU maybe the Gators can break their school record. The Gators 1,600 relay although currently considered underdogs are too me the team that can win it and maybe set a new NCAA record. Texas A&M and Mississippi State are strong competitors in this the 1,600 relay as well.

Distance

This where the Ducks will have strong crowd support. Andrew Wheating is trying to become the 4th athlete ever to win the 800 and mile double. Wheating is in the top three in both events. Indoor champion freshman Robby Andrews of Virginia, Richard Jones of LSU and Aaron Evans of Georgia will provide strong competition in the 800 and in the mile senior Lee Emanuel of New Mexico will be the main challenger in the men's mile.

In the 5,000 and 10,000 Sam Chalenga of Liberty is an easy favorite after having had a stellar season so far. Chalenga like Wheating is looking a rare doubles feat and he is alone at the top in both events.

Hillary Bor' of Iowa State is also a clear favorite to win his event, the men's 3,000 meter steeplechase. Senior Chris Barnicle of New Mexico will provide a great challenge.

FIELD

In the jumps Florida is expecting 20 huge points from the outstanding sophomore Christian Taylor. After Alain Bailey of Arkansas injured himself before the regional meet, Taylor clearly move to the front as the NCAA leader in the men's long jump. Taylor already the favorite in the men's triple jump after winning at the NCAA Indoor meet. Taylor will have team help from freshman Omar Craddock in the triple jump. Marquise Goodwin of Texas will be the main challenge in the men's long jump while Aggies Zuheir Sharif and Tyron Stewart will make it difficult for Taylor to win the triple jump.

The High Jump has been dominated by Derek Drouin of Indiana all season. Drouin was the winner during the indoor season and will be tough to beat the outdoor meet.

Scott Roth of Washington is the current favorite in the men's pole vault along with Jason Colwick of Rice to win the men's pole vault title.

In the men's shot put Kemal Mesic is expected to score big points for the Florida Gators and is huge peice in the team's title hopes. Mesic is currently ranked 2nd in the NCAA and is predicted by many to finish 2nd. With the pressure of a team title I would not be shocked if Mesic claimed the title. Senior Ryan Whiting of Arizona State is the clear favorite and will look to end a great career at Arizona State.

Whiting is also a favorite in the men's discus but will have to contend against true freshman Mason Finley of Kansas. Finley may have the top performance but I think experience may help Whiting at the championship meet.

Marcel Lomnický of Virignia Tech will go toe to toe with LSU star hammer thrower Walter Henning in the men's hammer. Henning has been phenomenal and dominant and should win the event.

Cyrus Hostelter of Oregon will be key in the team battle for the Ducks. The senior is the current favorite to win the title 10 huge points for the Ducks.

In the Decathlon the Ducks have another heavy favorite. Star decathlete senior Eaton has dominated the college decathlon the past couple of seasons. Eaton has speed like an All-American sprinter or hurdler and is a phenomenal long jumper. Eaton should put on a show that will have folks talking all weekend.

As stated yesterday this should be an amazing meet, with a fan base and crowd in Eugene this will hopefully be a solid positive for the sport of Track and Field.

NCAA Women's Championship Preview

2010-06-07T19:05:00.000-07:00

It is finally here, the Outdoor NCAA Championship. On Both the men's and women's side there is great team action along with great individual action. The championship meet returns to Eugene, Oregon home of the Oregon Ducks and a strong track community. If this meet can generate the atmosphere similar to the 2008 Olympic Trials this could be a great highlight for track and field.

One of the highlights of the meet is the great team battle on the women's side. The defending champion Texas A&M Aggies return a lot of athletes from their championship team including their NCAA record setting 400 meter relay that just recently at Regionals ran the second fastest 400 relay in history. The Aggies will have to contend against a strong LSU squad along with the hometown favorites the Oregon Ducks who are extremely well rounded.

Sprints

In the sprints LSU and Texas A&M are bringing a ton of depth in the event. Texas A&M qualified four girls in the women's 100 and three in the 200 while LSU qualified three in both short sprints. I expect for Jeneba Tarmoh to double, a feet not accomplished since Aleen Bailey of South Carolina in 2003. Keep an eye out for NCAA leader Blessing Okagbare of UTEP.

Tarmoh's teammate Jessica Beard may be the top seed in the 400 based on season best, however Hampton's Francena McCrory is a strong dark horse after running an a 50.54 during the indoor season to set an American Record. There are plenty of other challengers in the 400 such as defending Champion Joanna Atkins of Auburn and NCAA leader Keisha Baker of Oregon. This maybe the fastest 400 ever at the Championship meet, yes better than the great 2004 finish where there were four athletes under 51 seconds.

In the hurdles Texas A&M took a huge blow when Natasha Ruddock injured her leg during a warm up session and could not qualify. The Aggies will have to rely on Vashti Thomas and Gabby Mayo. The two stars from Virgina Tech however did not miss a beat running two great times at the East Regional meet, Queen Harrison and Kristi Catlin are capable of a 1-2 finish. Harrison will face a strong challenge from Ti'erra Brown of Miami in the women's 400 hurdles.

Texas A&M is likely to win the women's 400 relay, but watch out for LSU. LSU has yet to be able to get the baton around with their full unit against good competition this could be a great race. In the 1,600 relay Oregon is the clear favorite after dominating both Texas A&M and Arkansas at the regional meet.
Distance

Things have become a little interesting in recent weeks. Indoor champion Charlotte Browning of Florida has not looked invicible in her last couple of races but she is still a favorite to win the title in the women's mile. Lauren Bonds of Kansas and Zoe Buckman of Oregon will definitely give Browning a run for her money.

In the short distance race of 800 meters it's Phoebe Wright and LaTavia Thomas everyone else in the field are just competitors. Although Wright has gotten the best of Thomas the past couple of years, Thomas still has a devastating kick and would not be surprised if the senior can pull off the upset since she has already won the event two years ago.

Bridget Franek of Penn State University was the only athlete to break the 10 minute mark at the regional meet clocking at 9:56.12 to claim the top spot in the women's steeplechase.

In the women's 5,000 and 10,000 meter run's Lisa Koll of Iowa State will look to end her career on a big note with a double performance in the two long distance races.

Field Events

Mariam Kevkhishvilli the senior will look to defend her title in the women's shot put, there really isn't anyone in her weight class this is her event to lose.

The Pendleton sisters both Erin and Emily will look to score big points in the women's discus throw for Michigan but Samia Stokes of LSU and D'Ana McCarty of Louisville are both favorites to do well.

In the Hammer Throw Nikola Lomnická’ of Georgia will battle against Dorotea Habazin’ of Virginia Tech for the crown, Lomnická’ is the current favorite and should win the title.

Marissa Tschida is clear favorite to win the women's javelin, although a junior Tschida is definitely capable of winning this event convincingly.

In the women's long jump if Okagbare is the clear favorite. After a stunning 22-6 performance indoors at the championship meet Okagbare could possibly jump 23 feet. Shara Proctor of Florida looks to aid in her team's title hope with a possible upset here, Jamesha Youngblood will look to make some noise for the Oregon Ducks. Proctor is also a strong contender in the triple jump but rival Kim Williams is the defending champion and favorite to win the event.

The two amazing high jumpers senior Liz Patterson and freshman Brigetta Barrett of Arizona will look to make an amazing 1-2 finish in the women's high jump. They will have to contend against favorite Amber Kauffman of Hawaii.

The Pole Vault also has the potential for a 1-2 finish with Katie Stripling and Tina Sutej of Arkansas both near the top of the leaderboard. Favorite Kylie Hutson of Indiana State will be a strong competitor to beat.

The women's heptathlon is Brianne Theisen's event. The junior from the University of Oregon has lit the track and field up all season. Theisen will have strong challenges from two seniors, Kiani Profit of Maryland and Liane Weber of Clemson.

My top three: 1. Texas A&M (just too much speed and depth) 2. Oregon 3. LSU

Our next post we will take a look at the men's side, but appreciate the great competition on the women's side, should be an exciting meet.

Conference Championship Weekend Part 3

2010-05-19T20:27:00.000-07:00

BIG TEN

The Big Ten Conference is most known for its dominance in the distance areas. There are plenty of great programs in this conference, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio State, Penn State and Minnesota that produce great distance athletes. In recent years the Big Ten has grown as a very well rounded conference with great sprinters, jumpers and throwers. This past weekend the Big Ten held its conference championship and the women's competition had an array of great performances with Penn State claiming the title.

Championship Highlights

100 Meter Dash

Shavon Greaves 11.56 Penn State- Greaves has been one of the premier sprinters in the country and was able to prove that here defending her title.

200 Meter Dash

Shavon Greaves 23.28 Penn State- Greaves completing the double.

400 Meter Dash

Fawn Dorr 52.51 Penn State- The first title in a challenging double performance, Dorr has grown as a strong 400 meter runner.

100 Meter Hurdles

Aleesha Barber 13.11 Penn State- Barber returns to the top of the Big Ten, her last championship winner was an upset over Tiffany Ofili in 2008.

400 Meter Hurdles

Fawn Dorr 57.50 Penn State- Door Completed the phenomenal double and looks to be a top performer at the NCAA Championship meet.

800 Meter Run

Molly Beckwith 2:04.11 Indiana

1,500 Meter Run

Angela Bizzarri 4:15.12 Illinois- Star distance runner put on a solid performance in a great field winning by a hundreth of a second in the first of her double winning performance.

5,000 Meter Run

Angela Bizzarri 16:12.35 Illinois- The second title in a great day for the Illini.

10,000 Meter Run

Megan Duwell 34:02.12 Minnesota

3,000 Meter Steeplechase

Bridget Franek 9:48.26 Penn State- Franek stellar performance broke the conference meet record formally held by former NCAA Champion Anna Williard.

Long Jump

Todea-Kay Willis 20-9.25 Minnesota

Triple Jump

Nkeiru Ugwoaba 42-6 Purdue

High Jump

Rebecca Bucholtz 5-10.75 Michigan State

Pole Vault

Jenny Soceka 13-5.25 Wisconsin

Shot Put

Faith Sherrill 55-10.50 Indiana- Sherell's throw was conference meet record.

Discus

Erin Pendleton 184-09 Michigan- Pendleton led a 1-2 finish for the Michigan Wolverines with number 2 being her sister. Pendleton's performance was a meet record.

Javelin

Maggie Mullen 166-02 Ohio State

Hammer Throw

DeAnne Hahn 185-08 Minnesota

Heptathlon

Dorcas Akinniyi 5584 Wisconsin

A little exhausted, our next post we will take a look at Men in the Big Ten and the men in the Pac-10.

Conference Championship Weekend Part 2

2010-05-18T20:15:00.000-07:00

Let's continue our conference championship series and discuss the Big 12. The Big 12 in recent years has moved ahead of the ACC and Pac 10 as the 2nd best BCS Conference. One could make the argument that the Big 12 may be the all around best conference. The Championship meet this weekend certainly provided plenty of great performances in not so great weather, there were disappointments and surprises.

Big 12 Men

The team going in with the most buzz was Pat Henry's Texas A&M squad. Henry's team put on some stunning performances at the Texas and Penn Relays and are coming off an amazing indoor season. The Aggies certainly brought a championship team to the meet in the end it was the Corn huskers of Nebraska that took home the title. Nebraska did not have a stand out victory just a great effort through out the competition by the men of the corn. Oklahoma came in a close second and was definitely not be messed with their solid performances in the sprints as well. Texas A&M came in a disappointing third however a close third.

Highlights

100 Meter Dash: Gerald Phiri 10.13 Texas A&M

200 Meter Dash: Curtis Mitchell 20.46 Texas A&M

400 Meter Dash: Tabarie Henry 45.89 Texas A&M

110 Meter Hurdles: Ronnie Ash 13.31 Oklahoma- Big 12 Meet Record

400 Meter Hurdles: Bryce Brown 49.64 Texas Tech

800 Meter Run: Blake Irwin 1:48.40 Missouri

1,500 Meter Run: Johnathan Stublaski 3:43.31 Oklahoma State

5,000 Meter Run: John Kosgei 14:05.96 Oklahoma State

10,000 Meter Run: John Kosgei 29:24.21 Oklahoma State

3,000 Meter Steeplechase: Hillary Bor 8:47.82 Iowa State

4x100 Meter Relay: Baylor 39.36 (Marcus Boyd, Whitney Prevost, Courtney Thomas and Trey Harts)

4x400 Meter Relay: Texas A&M 3:04.45 (Tran Howell, Bryan Miller, Curtis Mitchell and Tabarie Henry)

Long Jump: Marquise Goodwin 26-0.75 Texas *Freshman

Triple Jump: Zuheir Sharif 52-8.75 Texas A&M

High Jump: Paul Hamilton 7-1.75 Nebraska

Pole Vault: Jordan Scott 17-8.25 Kansas

Shot Put: Mason Finley 62-8.75 Kansas *Freshman

Discus Throw: Mason Finley 197-05 Kansas

Hammer Throw: KP Singh 215-06 Oklahoma

Javelin Throw: Sam Humphreys 243-09 Texas A&M *Freshman

Decathlon: Nick Adcock 7704 Missouri

Big 12 Women

A great championship meet for the women, solid performances all around. The Aggies of Texas A&M won their 8th conference title and 4th in a row under Coach Pat Henry. Henry has brought his winning formula from LSU to Texas A&M and it seems to be working. The Lady Aggies followed Pat Henry's usual trait to success, Hurdles, Sprints, Jumps and Relays. The Aggies were dominant in all areas. Jeneba Tarmoh was the most outstanding athlete for the aggies winning the 100 meter dash, 200 and 4x100 relay. The Aggies are currently number 1 in the nation and this past weekend, even with a bad week for Gabby Mayo were able to perform phenomenally well. Lisa Koll of Iowa continued her long distance dominance with a double victory in the women's 5,000 and 10,000.

Meet Highlights:

100 Meter Dash: Jeneba Tarmoh 11.19 Texas A&M

200 Meter Dash: Jeneba Tarmoh 22.65 Texas A&M

400 Meter Dash: Jessica Beard 52.08 Texas A&M

100 Meter Hurdles: Natasha Ruddock 12.89 Texas A&M

400 Meter Hurdles: Kianna Elahi 57.40 Iowa State

800 Meter Run: Sara Stoakes 2:07.16 Kansas State *Freshman

1,500 Meter Run: Lauren Bonds 4:20.02 Kansas

5,000 Meter Run: Lisa Koll 15:22.42 Iowa State

10,000 Meter Run: Lisa Koll 33:51.74 Iowa State

3,000 Meter Steeplechase: Emma Coburn 9:56.53 Colorado

4x100 Meter Relay Texas A&M 43. 74 (Jeneba Tarmoh, Porscha Lucas, Dominique Duncan and Elizabeth Adeoti)

4x400 Meter Relay Texas A&M 3:31.79 (Andrea Sutherland, Donique Flemings, Ashika Charan and Jessica Beard)

Long Jump: Chantel Malone 21-0.50 Texas

Triple Jump: Ashika Charan 42-9.50 Texas A&M

High Jump: Victoria Lucas 5-8.75 Texas

Pole Vault: Shane Weygandt 14-2.75 Texas Tech *Freshman

Shot Put: Karen Shump 54-8.75 Oklahoma *Freshman

Discus Throw: Brittany Borman 174-05 Oklahoma

Hammer Throw: Alena Krechyk 206-07 Kanasas *Freshman

Javelin Throw: Amy Backel 182-05 Oklahoma

Heptathlon: Chante McMillian 5349 Nebraska

As stated earlier plenty of great individual performances for the Big 12, in our next post we take a look at the Big Ten.

Conference Championship Weekend!!

2010-05-17T19:25:00.000-07:00

Whew!!!!!!!!! What a weekend. Although three of the four BCS meets had to deal with a fight from mother nature there were still plenty of great times and performances. The Big 12, SEC, Big Ten and Pac-10 began the post season this past weekend. For some teams it was a great sign of things to come and for some teams the season cannot end any quicker. Let's first take a look at the SEC.

SEC WOMEN

A meet that involved multiple rain delays that lasted for hours still had some great performances. Although I feel the meet should have been moved after hearing about the floods weeks in advance before the meet, Tennessee still did a great job as host. Florida and LSU would be the team story for both men and women with different results.

In the sprints it was supposed to be a LSU domination, although LSU scored plenty of points in the sprints they only had won sprint victory coming in the 400 hurdles from Cassandra Tate who clocked in 57.12 to claim the title. Shaniqua Ferguson of Auburn was able to double in the sprints winning the 100 in 11.19 and 200 in 23.09. Teammate and defending outdoor NCAA Champion Joanna Atkins was able to win the women's 400 in 52.58. Another Auburn teammate Krystal Bodie led the 100 hurdles after the preliminaries but was unsuccessful in finishing in the finals while Kimberly Laing of Alabama was able to claim the title with a time of 13.32.

The Relays were very interesting as well, LSU favored in both did not claim either title, the team was not able to get the baton around again in the 4x100 relay and were not able to beat the nation's number 1 4x400 relay team in Arkansas who consisted of, Regina George, Shelise Williams, Karen Thomas and Whitney Jones to clock in 3:31.05. Auburn claimed the women's title with a time of 43.38, Ferguson was joined by teammates, Atkins, Shaquela Williams and Nivea Smith.

The distance events were quite a story as well, host Tennessee was a lock to win many events at the championship meet and score the bulk of their team points in the distance events and they did not disappoint. Phoebe the defending champion at 800 meters was able to defend her title with a solid 2:01.81 effort over the three LSU Tigers that included senior and runner-up LaTavia Thomas. Brittany Sheffey was the teams best hope in the 1,500 finishing second to Charlotte Browning who won the mile indoors at both NCAA's and the SEC meet. Browning clocked in a 4:13.96 while Sheffey clocked in at 4:19.34. Florida had two big performances in the women's 3,000 meter steeplechase to help aide their team title hopes, senior Julie Northrup and Genevieve LaCaze finished 2-3 respectively with times of 10:23.53 and 10:30.12. South Carolina's Beatrice Bouwitt was victorious with a performance of 10:20.14. The 5,000 meter senior Jackie Arneson of Tennessee was able to go out with a bang while fellow teammate Brittany Sheffey was a close second, their times were 16:20.89 and 16:21.93. Finally Bridget Lyons won the women's 10,000 with a 34:44.88 giving the Georgia Bulldogs 10 points.

The Jumps was were the Florida Gators were expecting to dominate, Shara Proctor certainly aided in assisting with that dominance. Proctor won both the women's long jump and triple jump with marks of 21-11.50 and 43-3.25. Arkansas was able to assert their Pole Vault dominance going 1-2 and tied for 3 scoring a total of 21 points alone. Tina Sutej lead the way with a leap of 13-9.75 senior teammate Janice Keppler was able to reach the mark with more tries. The High Jump was supposed to be the Brittany Carter show, Carter of LSU has already jumped over 6 feet multiple times this season, however freshman Maya Pressley of Auburn was able to come away with the title reaching a height 5-10.75, Carter of LSU was able to reach that mark however it took more tries.

The Throws was another area for the Gators to do well, this group also lived up to the hype. All word in the shot put Mariam Kevkhishvilli continued her dominance with a throw of 59-0 Kevkhishvilli was just shy of her meet record she set last season, teammate Kelly Medeiros was 2nd with a throw of 54-2.50. Senior Evelyn Dekkers was able to claim a conference title as well with a mark of 168-08, ten big points for the Gators. True freshman Ashley Miller of Florida was able hold her own in the women's discus throw reaching 164-05, just shy of Samia Stokes of LSU winning mark of 168-05. The Hammer throw was the only throwing event without any Gator points, Nikola Lomnicka of Georgia hurled the hammer 207-07 to claim the title.

LSU claimed the team title with their ability to score multiple times in almost every event they competed, the 4x100 relay was a huge disappoint hopefully they will get it together by Regionals this should be an interesting group was the get the baton around. For LSU this a great sign of things to come with such a young team.

SEC MEN

The Florida Gators have slipped to number 3 in the national rankings. Their sprinters, the strength of their team have been very inconsistent. Outside of Jeff Demps, we are still waiting on Jeremy Hall and Terrell Wilks to reach their sub 10.2 performances of last season. The Gators started off with some very poor performances in the men's 200 meter preliminaries. Calvin Smith was the only sprinter out of four to make it to the finals. However with a solid team effort the Gators were able to rebound and win the team title over LSU.

In the sprints Florida football star Jeffrey Demps claimed the titled clocking in at 10.06 over Marcus Rowland over Auburn. Kentucky senior Rondel Sorillo who claimed the men's title in 20.66, senior Calvin Smith of Florida was fifth scoring 4 points for the Gators. In the 400 Smith was able to live up to world leading mark of 44.81 finishing fifth clocking in at 45.42. Freshman star Kirani James of Alabama claimed the title clocking in at 45.01. Sophomore sensation Barret Nugent kept LSU's title hopes alive with his win in the men's 110 meter hurdles clocking in at 13.56 over Booker Nunley of South Carolina. Johnny Dutch of South Carolina defended his title with a time of 49.56 in the men's 400 meter hurdles.

The Relay races brought some surprising results, most surprising was Mississippi State over Florida in the men's 4x100 relay, it seems to me that maybe Jeremy Rankin should first leg over Chris Rainey, the men of Mississippi State clocked in at 39.09 while Florida clocked in 39.10. For Mississippi State, Justin Christian, Kendall May, Dwight Mullings and Tavaris Tate got the baton around the track in a blazing time. The Gators consisted of Rainey, Wilks, Hall and Demps. The 4x400 relay almost had a meet record. The Gators led Smith, Tony McQuay, Christian Taylor and R.J. Anderson clocked in at 3:02.69.

The Jumps were a huge highlight for the Gators. In the men's triple jump the Gators were able to score 18 points with Christian Taylor leaping to 54-8.75 to win while freshman Omar Craddock was 2nd with a leap of 53-7. Taylor scored 8 points in the men's long jump with a 2nd place finish mark of 26-10.50. Taylor's mark a championship jump in any other year however Arkansas Alain Bailey leaped to a world leading mark of 27-4.75. In the high jump the gators were only able to score 4 points with Frankie Hammond and Brian Turner in a tie for 5th place with a jump of 6-8.75. True freshman Ricky Robertson of Ole Miss was able to claim the title with a mark of 7-2.50. Senior Elliott Haynie of South Carolina claimed the men's pole vault title reaching a height of 17-3.75.

Similar to the women, the throws was an area for Florida to score well along with the Tigers of LSU. Kemal Mesic finished second twice for the Gators scoring 16 huge points. Mesic's throw of 60-1.25 was not enough to beat senior Israel Machovic of Georgia winning mark of 60-10.50 in the men's shot put. Colin Boeves of Kentucky reached 181-09 which was enough to beat Mesic's mark of 177-02. In the men's hammer throw the Gators were relying heavily on true freshman Jeremy Postin who set a school record early in the season, Postin placed 7th with a throw of 190-11. Walter Henning of LSU was just too much for the rest of the field with his winning throw of 237-03, not far from the meet record. Mario Ariet finished 5th in the men's javelin for Florida with his mark of 214-07. Brian Moore of Georgia added to the Bulldogs great day in the throwing events with his mark of 239-04 to claim the title.

The Gators were able to win their first team title since 1987 scoring 124 team points. Hopefully some of the sprinters can improve as the team gets ready for Regionals in two weeks. Our next post will be a Big 12 review.

THE SEASON FAR PART 2

2010-05-06T20:20:00.000-07:00

In part one we discussed the Florida Men and both men and women of Texas A&M. Let's continue our discussion of the best teams thus far with the Oregon women, Florida State men and LSU men and women.

OREGON WOMEN

A very well rounded team Vin Lanana has put together at Oregon. Since his arrival his goal was to wake up the women's program, he has done just that with a program strong in the sprints, jumps, distance and throwing events. Headlining the Lady Ducks are sprinters Amber Purvis and Keshia Baker. Purvis is one of the nation's fastest short sprinters with times of 11.38 and 23.00. Baker has a 51 second personal best. Senior Zoe Buckman and freshman star Jordan Hasay help carry the flag in the distance events. Buckman is currently ranked number 2 in the nation in the women's mile with a time of 4:12.80. The Ducks have heptathlon Brianne Theisen leading the nation with a score of 5942, look for the champion to defend her title.

FLORIDA STATE MEN

The Seminoles right now are taking a back seat in their home state after having dominated for 3-4 years. However the Seminoles still have a strong program to be proud of. The Seminoles had a outside chance of winning the title however that took a serious hit when it was announced that senior sprinter Charles Clark injured his quad and would be out for the season. Although they maybe out of the title hunt the Seminoles still have a lot of talent. Maurice Mitchell, Kevin Borlee and Brandon Byram are three talented young sprinters that will aide in the future success of the Seminoles.

LSU WOMEN

The Lady Tigers of LSU have the greatest collegiate track and field history. At one point the Tigers were able to generate 11 consecutive national titles from 1987-1997. They were able to generate three more titles in 2000, 2003 and 2008. All of the Lady Tigers national title teams except for two in 1987 and 2008 were coached by Pat Henry who is now the head coach of Texas A&M. Dennis Shaver has certainly done a fine job as Henry's replacement, Shaver winning his own national title in 2008 and will look to do it again this season. The majority of Shaver's team is young, however they are talented enough to compete with the Texas A&M Aggies and have enough certain seniors to lead them in the right direction. Seniors Samantha Henry and LaTavia Thomas led the team in the respected events. Henry leads the team in the 100 meter dash with the fourth fastest time in the nation at 11.18, Henry is third in the nation in the 200 with 22.94. LaTavia Thomas leads the nation in the women's 800 with a time of 2:01.40 while fellow senior Kayann Thompson is 2nd with 2:03.54 and junior Brittany Hall is third with 2:03.76. What's missing from the great LSU team is what the old LSU teams had plenty of, hurdlers. Shaver was able to recruit high school star Jasmine Stowers but more hurdlers are needed.

LSU MEN

The one thing I can say about Dennis Shaver is that he has definitely made the men more competitive. Henry did do a great job with the men's program winning three national titles 1989, 1990 and 2002 however they were always overshadowed by the women's program. Under Shaver it seems the team is on equal ground.

The Tigers have a very well rounded team similar to that of the Lady Ducks. The sprints as usual are loaded even after losing Rynell Parson. There has not been a word on Parson since he ran that sub 6.70 early in the indoor season. However Jerel Hill currently leads the team in 100 meter dash with a time of 10.34. The Tigers true sprint depth comes from the 400 were they have four guys that can go under 47 seconds starting with senior Armanti Hayes, Caleb Williams, Ade Alleyne-Forte and Robert Simmons. In the 800 they are equally successful with Jamal James, Sadiki White and freshman Sadiki White. Richard Jones is currently ranked number 2 in the national with a time of 1:46.90. Talented sophomore hurdler Barrent Nugent is a huge factor in LSU title hopes, his season best of 13.58 is currently ranked 4th in the nation. Freshman star Demar Forbes and Zedric Thomas currently pave the way for the Tigers in the jumps, Forbes with a team leading 25-10.75 has one of the top long jump marks in the nation. Forbes and Thomas should make a big splash this championship season.

THE SEASON SO FAR

2010-05-04T20:38:00.000-07:00

What a interesting season we have had so far in collegiate track and field. There have been so major let downs and wonderful surprises. We are now entering the conference championship season which is for some athletes there last meet with the team or the best shot to qualify in the new regional format. Let's take a look at how some teams have performed thus far.

Florida Men

The Florida Gators had an amazing indoor season. Freshman star Tony McQuay lit up the track in the 200 and 400 along with his senior Calvin Smith. Football phenom Jeff Demps led the team in the 60 meter dash and won the NCAA indoor title. Christian Taylor won the triple jump indoors. With all that the Gators accomplished during the indoor season the outdoor season obviously began with a ton of hype. In the beginning of the season the Gators were able to match the hype. The Gators put on a record setting performance at the Florida Relays, setting school records in both the 4x200 relay and 4x400 relay. Once the Gators arrived at the Penn Relays and lost alot of the fan fare they gained during the beginning of the season. A dropped baton in both the 4x100 and 4x400 relays and peforming a full second slower in the 4x200 relay. The past couple of years the Penn Relays have not been kind to the Gators and this year was certainly no different. With the team's below average performance there are doubts if Mike Holloway's Gators can finally win a outdoor title. The SEC Championships in Knoxville will be very telling.

Texas A&M Men

The Aggies were obviously the second best men's team entering the outdoor season. The Aggies have the phenomenal team success that the Gators have but were not given their chance because of the great performances the Gators put on early in the season. Junior Curtis Mitchell is the favorite to win the men's 200 meter title, Mitchell has certainly lived up to expectation after a great indoor season. Mitchell has served as a solid anchor on the 4x100 relay and excellent relay leg on the 4x400 relay. The depth the Aggies have in all the sprints will certainly aid to defending their outdoor title and the reason why they are currently number 1 on everyone lists. The Aggies will show their full fire power for the first time at the Big 12 Championship at the University of Missouri.

Texas A&M Women

Pat Henry seems to be the best win it comes to the sprints. After an extremely successful career at LSU, Henry has brought the succes to Texas A&M. The Lady Aggies have already won the Big 12 conference title three years in a row and have already won the NCAA title last season. This year's team is loaded with talent. Porscha Lucas, Gabby Mayo, Jessica Beard, Jeneba Tarmoh, Dominique Duncan, Natasha Ruddcok, Vashti Thomas and host of other phenoms. The teams wealth of talent and top rated peformers should give the Aggies a huge boost at the NCAA Championship. The Aggies don't have the middle distance strength that Pat Henry's LSU teams had but they are getting their. The ability to score in every sprint event and the ability to dominate the jumps will aide them in winning the outdoor title. The Big 12 Championship held at the University of Missouri should see the women's team raise up the trophy for the fourth time in a row.

Thanks for being readers, our next post we will discuss the Oregon Women, Florida State Men and LSU Men's and Women's program.

PENN RELAY'S WOMEN REVIEW

2010-04-28T20:16:00.000-07:00

Texas A&M's new collegiate record in the women's 4x200 relay highlighted a phenomenal weekend for the college athletes. Tennessee won the distance triple and Team USA women's track and field won both sprint relays.

In the sprint relays Pat Henry's A&M crew continued their early season success with three championship wins and two collegiate records. . In the 4x100 relay there was not a sub 43 performance, however the Aggies were able to swiftly move the baton around in a time 43.09 (Jeneba Tarmoh, Porscha Lucas, Dominique Duncan and Gabby Mayo). The Aggies were able to please the crowd with the second sub 1:30 performance ever in college history clocking in at 1:29.42 a new national record. The team consisted of Jeneba Tarmoh, Gabby Mayo, Jessica Beard and Porscha Lucas. The second national record for the Aggies came in the women's shuttle hurdle relay which finished in a time of 52.50. The relay consisted of Vashti Thomas, Dominque Flemings, Gabby Mayo and Natasha Ruddock. In the 4x400 relay UTech of Jamaica excited the crowd with their winning time of 3:31.54 for the second year in a row. LSU dominated in the women's sprint medley relay winning by four seconds. The Tigers time of 3:48.36 was enough to win. LaTavia Thomas was even able to relax a little with a 2:08 anchor split, joining Thomas was Samantha Henry, Kimberly Duncan and Cassandra Tate.

The Tennessee Volunteers pulled off the distance triple again for the second year in a row. The women's 4x800 relay had a strong challenge coming from the LSU Tigers anchored by LaTavia Thomas. However it was Volunteers anchor senior Phoebe Wright who split 2:00.8 to lead the Vols to victory. Brittany Sheffey, Chanelle Price and Kimarra McDonald joined Wright to clock a solid time of 8:18.22 just .32 from the national record. In the 4x1,500 Tennessee's time of 17:14.91 is the 4th best all time at the Penn Relays. In this event the Vols faced strong competition as well, this time coming from the Villanova Wildcats. Wright was able to hold off the Cats with a 4:17.3 anchor, Sheffey, Price and Jackie Arneson assisted in the win. The Distance Medley relay was rematch between the Vols and the Ducks of Oregon, the only problem no one told the Ducks. The Lady Vols dominated the event winning by 8 seconds with a winning time of 10:54.65. Sheffey, Wright, Arneson and Wortham put on quite a show as the only time under 11 minutes.

Individual Champions

100 Meter Dash - LaKya Brookins 11.37 South Carolina

100 Meter Hurdles- Queen Harrison 12.61 Virginia Tech

400 Meter Hurdles- Tameka Jameson 57.57 Miami

3,000 Meter Steeplechase- Sarah Pease 10:16.51 Indiana

3,000 Meter Run- Lucy Van Dale 9:17.23 Stony Brook

5,000 Meter Run- Holly Van Dalen 16:06.99 Stony Brook

10,000 Meter Run- Joana Rivero 34:13.37 Turabo (Puerto Rico)

Triple Jump- Neidra Covington 43-4.5 TCU

Long Jump- Shara Proctor 21-2.5 Florida

High Jump- Brittani Carter 6-0 LSU

Pole Vault- Tina Sutej 13-7.25 Arkansas

Javelin- Karlee McQuillen 162-7 Penn State

Shot Put- Mariam Kevkhishvilli 59-7.50 Florida

Hammer- Brittany Horne 186-8 University of Detroit Mercy

Discus- Brittni Borrero 171-8 Kent State

Mariam Kevkhishvilli continued her dominance in the women's shot put for the University of Florida, while Brittani Carter became the lone high jumper over 6 feet. A solid weekend for the female collegians, our next post will either be a weekend recap or preview.

PENN RELAYS MEN REVIEW

2010-04-26T20:18:00.001-07:00

What a meet. The Penn Relays again had another fantastic crowd, mainly Jamaican and there were plenty of solid performances. Unfortunately for a second year in a row the University of Florida was unable to live up to the hype at the meet. A dropped baton between Jeremy Hall and Terrell Wilks did not allow the Gators to finish. The men's 4x400 relay dropped the baton on the anchor leg in qualifying. The Gators dominated the college section clocking at 3:05.40 but missed their chance against Mississippi State and Texas A&M.

In the sprint relays as I stated earlier Florida was unable to get the baton around the track and missed out on a big opportunity. Texas A&M went on to win the race in 39.08 almost a full second ahead of 2nd place UTech of Jamaica. The Aggies consisted of Tran Howell, Gerald Phiri, Demetrius Pinder and Curtis Mitchell. The 4x200 relay saw Mississippi State hold on to win clocking in at 1:21.49 (Dwight Mullings, Kendall May, O'Neal Wilder and Tavarris Tate). The Gators clocked a full second slower than their NCAA leading time with a 1:21.53 performance and Texas A&M Demetrius Pinder had a hamstring issue as the third leg Demetrius Pinder. Mississippi State was again the victor in the men's 4x4 holding Tabarie Henry of Texas A&M who dropped the baton in the final exchange. Mississippi State benefited from a strong second leg by Tavaris Tate who had a split of 45.2. Joining Tate was Wilder, Mullings and Emmanuel Mayers. LSU joined the sprint party winning the sprint medley in a time of 3:17.65, Richard Jones brought it home for the Tigers with a 1:48.4 split, joining him was Gabriel Mvumvure, Armanti Hayes and Ade Alleyne Forte.

Oregon tried to pull of the distance sweep, but unfortunately thanks to a solid Virginia anchor in the 4x800 they were unsuccessful. NCAA Indoor Champion freshman Robby Andrews again took it to Andrew Wheating with a split of 1:47.7. The Virginia Cavaliers clocked in at 7:15.38. Alex Bowman, Lance Roeller and Stephen Finley joined Andrews in winning in amazing fashion.
Oregon however was able to take the title in both the 4x mile and Distance Medley Relay. The Ducks clocked in 16:15.14 in the 4xmile winning the race in dominating fashion with second place finishing 5 seconds behind. A team of Mac Fleet, Matt Centrowitz, Michael Magg and A.J. Acosta put on a great show. Centrowitz and Fleet joined, Wheating and Chad Barlow in winning the men's distance medley in 9:30.69.

Clemson took home the title in the men's shuttle hurdle relay clocking in at 56.45 to beat Nebraska. A team of Charlton Rolle, Marcus Maxey, Claudio Caprini and Miller Moss. South Carolina was third but was without Booker Nunley.

In the individual events a surprise in the men's 100, Kimmari Roach of UTech from Jamaica took the title with a time of 10.34 over Auburn's Marcus Rowland. Barrett Nugent of LSU won the 110 meter hurdle title in 13.58 over Nebraska's Lehann Fourie. Johnny Dutch of South Carolina continued his winning ways with 50.09 performance in the men's 400 hurdles.

In the jumping events Omar Craddock was one of few bright spots for the Gators winning the men's triple jump with a leap 53-3.50. Derek Drouin of Indiana did as expected in winning the men's high jump with a leap 7-3.25. In the Pole Vault LSU athlete Josh Dominguez was able to leap to 17-8.50 with fewer jumps.

In the throwing events Kemal Mesic was another win for the Gators, Mesic won the shot put for the first time in school history with a throw of 62-1, Mesic was the only athlete of 60 feet. Walter Henning continued his dominance in the men's hammer throw with a mark of 237-9. John Austin of Duke claimed the title in the javelin with a performance mark of 220-7. Rounding out the throwing events is the men's discus throw won by James Plummer of Rutgers with a throw of 184-8.

What a great meet for the collegiate athletes, our next post is the women's penn relay review.

WOMEN'S PENN RELAY PREVIEW

2010-04-21T20:01:00.000-07:00

There is a lot of excitement for the women's races as well as the men. The reason why because of all the intriguing dual matches in each relay. The College women's races will be especially interesting to see. Can LSU and there history stand up to the new sprint school in Texas A&M. Although LSU is young they are loaded with sprint talent, Texas A&M definitely has a veteran group and the talent giving them an edge going in to the competition. Adding fuel to the fire, Oregon is traveling out east to compete against the two powers. All three schools are currently the top three ranked in the nation.

The sprint relay races will be the highlight of the meet as usual. In the women's 4x100 relay Texas A&M is the clear favorite to win the title. The Lady Aggies have ran a blistering 42.56 at the Texas Relays one of the 5 fastest races ever ran for a college women's team. Pat Henry is bringing the same success to Texas A&M that he had at LSU. However LSU is definitely a team to keep an eye on after running a 43.37 at the Miami Invitational, the key for LSU is solid baton passing which ironically has become average since Pat Henry left expect for Dennis Shaver to have his girls ready.

The 4x200 relay does not carry the fan fare on the women's side that it used to. In 2003 Pat Henry was in second to last year at LSU and his girls broke the 1:30 clocking a 1:29.78 at the Penn Relays, the first collegiate team to do so. Hopefully we will see another sub 1:30 performance to bring more interest back to this great race.

The 4x400 relay will be the most contested event at the Penn Relays in the college division. There a six possible winners, the national leader Arkanas, LSU, Texas A&M, nine time winner Texas, UTech and indoor champion Oregon. The Arkansas Razorbacks led wire to wire against LSU at the Texas Relays winning it in 3:31.20 currently the number one time. Expect for this be one of the best races the Penn has seen it along time.

The Sprint Medley is all about LSU. The Tigers are trying to win there fourth title in a row with the same 800 runner on the end, LaTavia Thomas. Thomas has been one of most consistent at LSU. There are few teams that can keep up with LSU's speed and to add to that the Tigers have Thomas on the end. I see no reason why the Tigers will not win their fourth in a row.

The Shuttle Hurdle Relay used to be an event dominated by LSU, unfortunately LSU does not have the stable of hurdlers they used to however Pat Henry will be bringing a solid team from Texas A&M, competition should come from Miami and Virginia Tech. Virginia Tech can be labeled the favorites with their dynamic hurdlers in Queen Harrison and Kristi Catlin.

In the distance relay events Tennessee brings a group that packs a poweful punch with each runner. The Volunteers include has indoor 800 champion Phoebe Wright, Chanelle Price, Kimmara McDonald, Brittany Sheffey and Jackie Areson. The improvements of all the girls will aided them against a solid Oregon Ducks crew. The Volunteers may break another NCAA record in the 4x800 relay. Breaking the 4xmile will be even more difficult to break without Sarah Bowman who has graduated. Still expect for the Vols to run a sub 17:20 performance. The Ducks who consist of freshman Jordan Hasay, Nicole Blood, Anne Kesselring, Zoe Buckman and Alex Kosinski. The Ducks could clock a sub 17:20 themselves. The Distance Medley relay was won the by the Volunteers indoors over the Ducks expect the same this outdoor season.

INDIVIDUAL RACES

The hurdles will be another change for Virginia Tech senior Queen Harrision to shine. Harrison has already ran a wind-aided 12.44 and 54.66. Hurdlers Ti'erra Brown of Miami, Natasha Ruddock of Texas A&M and teammate Kristi Catlin should help Harrison to break Donica Merriman (Ohio State) meet record of 12.70.

Samantha Henry is the clear favorite to win the women's 100 meter title, with the absence of Gabby Mayo, Henry is poised to defend her title and go out a winner in her senior year at LSU. Henry has ran a 11.18 to currently rank 4th in the NCAA. Shaniqua Ferguson of Auburn and LaKya Brookins of South Carolina will serve as strong competitors. Brookins has a phenomenal start, winning here would not surprise anyone.

In the distance races Jackie Areson of Tennessee will go head to head with Florida's Rebecca Lowe in the 5,000 and 10,000. Both want the title of Penn's long distance queen, Areson the defending champion in the 5,000 is an early favorite.

The Jumps have Shara Proctor of Florida against Florida State's Kim Williams challenging each other again in the women's triple jump. Unfortunately this season no one has been able to beat Williams the event, she is a three time high school winner and has already won twice for Florida State. Proctor will have her hands full, however Proctor is the favorite in the women's long jump.

The High jump will have the battle of the 6 foot jumpers. Brittani Carter of LSU who has a season's best of 6'0.50 will be challenging Nebraska's Epley Bullock who is ranked number three in the nation at 6'2.25 is defending champion and is strong favorite to defend her title.

LSU has a nother solid individual performance in Rachel Laurent in the Pole Vault who is defending champion. Laurent who has a personal record of 14-3.50 will be challenge by two other 14 footers, Katie Stripling and Tina Sutej of Arkansas.

Mariam Kevkhishvili is the queen of the shot put and hopes to be one of the many bright spots for Florida University. Kevkhishvili leads the country with a mark of 60-6.75 and should not be challenged for the title. Meghan Briggs of Virginia just won the ACC title and is expected to defend her title at the Penn Relays in the women's javelin.

This should be a weekend of number 1's on the women's side. This will be the first chance everyone will have to see the three top ranked teams after a full month of the outdoor season has passed. At this end of the weekend there may be a new number one.

The next post might possibly be a Drake Relays preview.

PENN RELAYS MEN'S PREVIEW

2010-04-20T20:08:00.000-07:00

The 116th running of the Penn Relays is finally this weekend. Arguably the greatest meet ran on American soil is finally here. For track fans the carnival is a three day celebration of the sport. This year there are plenty of big story lines including Usain Bolt anchoring the men's 4x100 relay for Jamaica. Here at tracknerd our focus is on the great collegiate races that will take place this weekend.

RELAYS

The beauty of the Penn Relays is that this meets main focus in the overall team aspect. Its rare that track and field gets to show the team aspect when the world strongly eyes indivuduals. In America at times it has seem to hurt the sport since our country is crazed about team sports. In the collegiate ranks that team feeling is intensified. There are plenty of great well rounded teams with the goal of winning the NCAA title, this meet allows those teams a great chance to measure up in key events.

The 4x100 relay Championship of America should be a very interesting race, defending champion Texas A&M will look to continue their success here. The Florida Gators looks to carry over their success from a solid home showing to the Penn Relays were they are ranked number 1 in all the sprint relay events. LSU whose historic program is known for solid relays hopes to continue their historic success. The Florida Gators are favored to win it because of their depth in the event. The Gators are currently the only team under 39 seconds.

The 4x200 and 4x400 Championship of America races will be a battle of heavy weights. The Florida Gators and Texas A&M will battle for bragging rights and two big victories in these races. Although the Gators did not perform well in the 4x400 relay at the NCAA Indoor Championship meet, this outdoor season they have already ran one of the fastest times in NCAA History and the fastest time since 2005. The Gators clocked in 3:00.31 while the Aggies of A&M won the Texas Relays in 3:01.55. The 4x200 relay will be equally as interesting, could we possibly see a sub 1:20 performance from one of these great programs, it's possible. The Gators set a school record clockin in at 1:20.38 to win the Florida Relays while Aggies won the Texas Relays in 1:20.61 over Mississippi State (1:21:09). Stars to keep an eye on, for Floida Jeffrey Demps and senior Calvin Smith. The Aggie stars include Curtis Mitchell and Gerald Phiri.

The 4X800 and 4x1,600 has some added excitement this season. The Oregon Ducks travel from out west to challenge consistent champions Arkansas, Michigan, Virginia and Texas. The Ducks are loaded with talent and should be favored to win both events. Andrew Wheating should lead the way for the Ducks in both. Penn State will challenge the Ducks for 4x800 crown with their solid crew of 800 meter runners who all run under 1:50. The Michigan Wolverines want their national record back in the 4x1,600 relay. The Oregon Ducks broke the National record last season on their home turf with Andrew Wheating leading the way. Expect for the Wolverines to challenge the Ducks for the crown.

The Medley Relay events will also be interesting. The Oregon Ducks will be candidates for the win in both. LSU and Florida will certainly provide a challenge in the sprint medley, while Michigan and Texas look to challenge the Ducks in the distance medley relay. Unfortunately for the Ducks Ashton Eaton is not competing. LSU's three sub 1:50 800 runners should also be considered a challenger to the Ducks.

INDIVIDUAL RACES

The 100 meter dash is one of the key individual races at the Penn Relays. Florida's Jeffrey Demps, Auburn's Harry Adams and Marcus Rowland and Florida State's Maurice Mitchell look to challenge Demps for the crown. Demps clocked in 10.11 the fast wind legal time in the country and is favorite to win it.

The 110 hurdles and 400 hurdles should be dominated by South Carolina. Booker Nunley in the 110 hurdles and Johnny Dutch in the 400 hurdles are the key individuals in both those races. Joining Nunley in the 110 hurdles is LSU's Barret Nugent and Texas Tech's Omo Osaghae. In the 400 hurdles Dutch is alone at the top in the race their is the possiblity that injured hurdle star William Wynne of Florida could shock the worl but its unlikely that it will happen or Wynne may not even compete.

The most intersting distance race is the men's 5,000 which will feature Andrew Bumbalough of Georgetown who has ran 13:30 earlier this season. Bumbalough should see a challenge from Jean-Pierre Weerts of Auburn and Craig Forys of Michigan. Harry Miller of William & Mary college looks to be the winner in the men's 3,000 steeplechase having already ran 8:53.

The jumping events feature three NCAA indoor champions. Christian Taylor of Florida in the men's triple jump and Arkansas senior Alain Bailey in the long jump. Taylor should challenge Bailey for the long jump title, Taylor is a 26 foot jumper but has not had the same success that he has had in the triple jump so far in college. Zedric Thomas of LSU is also a challenger in both jumps. NCAA Indoor Champion in the high jump Derek Drouin of Indiana is a easy favorite to claim the crown.

Joe Berry of Tennessee is the defeding champion in the men's pole vaut, he will be challeged by Drouin's teammate Jeff Coover.

In the throws Walter Henning of LSU is the lone returning champion. Henning the winner in the men's hammer throw currently leads the NCAA with a mark of 239-5. Freshman star and former rival Conor McCullough of Princeton will strongly challenge Henning for the title.

The Shot Put has Kemal Mesic's name written all over it and is a huge peice in the Gator's NCAA title hopes.

Other favorites include John Austin of Duke for the Javelin and James Plummer of Rutgers in the Discus.

It has finally arrived and I cannot wait until it gets started. This weekends races will be held live on Flotrack.com. This should be an exciting weekend in every level of track and field. Our next post will have a women's Penn Relay Preview.

Men's ACC CHAMPIONSHIP RECAP

2010-04-19T20:19:00.000-07:00

Florida State Wins Again!!!

The Florida State Seminoles continued their dominance over the ACC. The Seminoles were able to score all over the track from the sprints to distance from jumps to throws. A well balanced attacked by the Florida State men. The meet came down to the last event the men's 4x400 relay in which the Semionles were able to come away winners. The Seminoles were able to claim the title without defending outdoor NCAA Champion Charles Clark and long jump star Ngonidzashe Makusha.

*SPRINTS*

Without Charles Clark to lead the men's sprints core for Florida State, sophomore Maurice Mitchell had to step up and fill the void. Mitchell did that in a big way, doubling in the sprints claiming the 100 and 200 meter title. Mitchell's wind aided times were of 10.11 and 20.25 respectively. Teammate and fellow sophomore Kevin Borlee was able to continue the sprint championship tradition winning with a season's best 45.93.

Football Star Cory Nelms from the University of Miami was able to claim the men's 110 meter hurdles clocking in at 13.82. Senior Brent LaRue of Wake Forest was able claim the men's 400 hurdles title with a 50.85 performance.

The Relays were both won by Florida State, the 4x100 relay had a winning time of 39.77. The team consited of Maurice Mitchell, Brandon Byram, David Ambler and Madanha Chibudu. The Seminoles 4x400 relay consisted of Kevin Borlee, Pablo Navarette, Darrin Gibson and Maurice Mitchell.

*Distance

Indoor NCAA Champion freshman Robby Andrews was unable to carry that success at the conference meet, his teammate sophomnore Lance Roller was able to claim the title in 1:50.79 while Andrews clocked a 1:50.92 effort. Another teammate senior Sintayehu Taye was able to win the men's mile in 3:59.96, the only sub 4 minute performer of the meet. In the 3,000 meter steeplechase Virginia ran out of mid-distance luck Ryan McDermott a junior from Duke claimed the title in 8:56.01 while Virgina junior finished second with a time of 8:56.11.

In the long distance races true freshman Ryan Hill of NC State was able to claim the first distance title of the meet winning the men's 10,000 in 29:32.28. In the 5,000 meter race sophomore William Mulherin of Virginia Tech clocked in at 14:26.55 to claim the crown.

*Field

Missing from the field events was notable star long jumper Makusha from Florida State. However it did not stop the Seminoles as they were still able to go 1-2 in the long jump. Madanha Chibudu claimed the men's long jump title with a mark of 24-11.75, while teammate Marlon Woods was second with 24-7.75. Senior Alphonso Jordan of Georgia Tech was able to go out a champion with a leap of 54-6.50.

Donte Nall was able to leap beyond 6-11.75 to win the men's title for North Carolina, while Yavgeniy Olhovsky claimed the Pole Vault title for Virginia in 18-0.50.

Another senior from Georgia Tech was able to leave a winner, a throw of 62-5.25 was enough for Steve Marcelle to win it. Marcelle was not able to complete a double, finishing second in the men's discus while fellow senior Igor Misljenovic of Virginia Tech claimed the title in 182-02, Marcelle reach 180-08. The winning mark 225-0 for the Javelin Throw was made by junior John Austin of Duke. The highlight of the throwing events was the meet record set in the hammer throw by Marcel Lomnicky of Virginia Tech with a mark of 235-07.

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All around great peformances by the men in every event. Florida State should be an interesting team to watch come this post season and freshman Robby Andrews could rebound in the next major meet or has he met the freshman wall. Our next post will be a Penn Relays preview.

ACC CHAMPIONSHIP AND OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

2010-04-18T19:08:00.000-07:00

The ACC is the very first of the BCS Conferences every year to have a conference championship meet. Clemson played host to some of the nation's premier programs such as Florida State, North Carolina, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest. The meet was full of star performances.

Women

Sprints*

Queen Harrison may just go down as the best female hurdler in the history of collegiate track and field. Although wind-aided the senior from Virginia Tech ran a blistering 12.44 in the women's 100 meter hurdles to take the title. Senior teammate Kristi Catlin was a close second in 12.59. Harrison would complete a double winning the women's 400 hurdles in a NCAA leading time of 54.66. Miami junior Ti'erra Brown was second with a time of 55.55. Harrison was a solid performer in what may be the best women's hurdling conference.

The fastest woman in the ACC went to a true freshman Marecia Pemberton of Florida State who clocked in a wind-aided 11.12 over fellow freshman from Clemson Stormy Kendrick who clocked n 11.25. Kendrick was the brides-maid again in the women's 200 behind another Florida State sprint star, junior Teona Rodgers winning with a wind-aided 22.81 while Kendrick clocked in 22.83. The 400 saw junior Tameka Jameson of Miami win with a time of 53.34 over freshman Brittany Pringley of Clemson with a time of 53.72.

In the relay races, Clemson claimed the 4x100 relay title clocking in at 44.36, 0.19 shy of a meet record. The women of Miami claimed the 4x400 title with a 3:36.03 performance. The Clemson team consisted of Michalyn Golliday, Stormy Kendrick, Kristine Scott and Jasmine Edgerson. The Miami winners include, Tameka Jameson, Ti'erra Brown, Charlene Fuller and Takecia Jameson.

*Distance

The ACC has been regarded as one the best distance conferences in the country with a multitude of great distance programs and individual performances. Junior Anna Nosenko of Wake Forest took the title as top distance performancer winning the 5,000 (16:14.09) and 10,000 (34:03.27). Here are some other highlights.

800- Dominique Jackson North Carolina 2:06.16

1,500- Pilar McShine Florida State 4:31.38

Steeple- Jennifer Dunn Florida State 10:26.03

FIELD*

In the women's triple jump defending NCAA Champion Kim Williams of Florida State won the title in her first jump, a leap of 44-2.50. Senior Patricia Mamona of Clemson made the event interesting on her final jump a leap of 43-7.75. Williams was not able to have similar success in the women's long jump. Mamona's teammate April Sinkler jumped a winning 21-0.75 performance, Sinkler also won the women's high jump reaching a height 5-11.25 on fewer jumps.

Other highlights include:

Shot Put: Lawanda Henry N.C. State 51-5.75

Discus: Bailey Wagner Georgia Tech 169-11

Javelin: Meghan Briggs Virginia 171-10

Hammer Throw: Alana Clooten Georgia Tech 188-06

Heptathlon: Liane Weber Clemson 5,928

Pole Vault: Amy Fryt Duke 13-1.50

Plenty of top performances at the ACC Championship meet. On the next post we will recap the men's side and a preview to this weekend's Penn Relays and Drake Relays.

ALL ABOUT THE GATORS AT THE FLORIDA RELAYS

2010-04-06T18:25:00.000-07:00

FLORIDA RELAYS***

The University of Florida men's track and field team put on quite a show at the 66th Pepsi Florida Relays. The Gators set two school records and three world leading marks. The Florida women performed well also, especially in the field events. Overall the Florida Relays was not widely overshadowed by the Texas Relays like in years past.

Sophomore star Christian Taylor got things started for the Gators, Taylor winning the men's 400 over teammate Calvin Smith. Taylor clocking in at 45.55 and Calvin Smith in 45.62. Freshman Tony McQuay seemed to have went out to hard and was able only to hold on for 4th with a time of 46.43. Mc Quay however was able to rebound, placing 4th in the men's 200 but setting a personal best with a 20.64 performance. The winner in the men's 200 went to senior Evander Wells of Tennessee.

In the men's hurdle events, David Oliker competiting for Nike took the top time 13.32 while sophomore Booker Nunley claimed the title for the collegiate athletes in a seperate clocking in at 13.72. Teammate Johnny Dutch finished second to Nunley with 13.80, however Dutch was able to claim the crown overall in the men's 400 hurdles with a time of 49.52.

The Distance carnival had some nice performances, Julian Bor of Alabama took home the men's mile in 3:41.11. Matrin Kirui of Mississippi took the title for the men's 3,000 meter steeplechase in 8:51.29.

The Gators were the story in the Relay events on Saturday. The Florida men took the title in the 4x100 (38.93) 4x200 (1:20.38) and 4x400 (3:00.31) . All three of those times are world leading marks. The 4x200 and 4x400 relay are both school records. The 4x100 relays consists of Jeremy Rankin, Jeremy Hall, Terrell Wilks and Jeff Demps. The 4x200 consists of Tony McQuay, Hall, Wilks and Calvin Smith. Smith and McQuay join Christian Taylor and R.J. Anderson to make up the winning 4x400 relay.

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Senior Queen Harrison continued her domination over women's hurdles. Harrison stopped the clock at 12.65 in the women's 100 meter hurdles. Her time ranks top 5 all time for collegiate women. Harrison continued that success to the 400 hurdles winning in 56.06 over Tierra Brown of Miami who finished second in 56.39. Harrison's performance in the 400 hurdles is the nation's top time, but her performance in the 100 hurdles definitely shows where she is strongest.

Francena McCrory proved why she will blow away the women's 400 meter collegiate record. McCrory ran a NCAA leading time of 22.92 in the women's 200 to beat junio Shavon Greaves of Penn State. Greaves was 2nd in the 100 meters as well behind Marecia Pemberton of Florida State a freshman who clocked in at 11.20.

Senior Charlotte Browning of Florida gave a winning performance in the women's 800 clocking in at 2:06.42. The Indoor champion however left her best event, the mile, to the indoor 800 champion Senior Phoebe Wright of Tennesse. Wright went toe to toe with Kristie Krueger of Georgia, Wright eventually winning in 4:18.29 and teammate Brittany Sheffey finished in a close 3rd. Florida junior Julie Northrup set a meet record in the women's 3,000 steeplechase with a record time of 10:29.22.

The Women's relay events were dominated by professional all star teams. However there were plenty of solid performances, South Carolina definitely had the best overall relay performances. The Gamecocks were second in the 4x100 (44.23), third in the 4x200 ( 1:33.55) and fifth in the 4x400 relay (3:35.62). The Tennessee Volunteers were able to hold off host Florida in the women's Distance Medley. The indoor champion had a winning time of 11:07. 48.

Senior Mariam Kevkhishvili led a throwing assault by the Lady Gators. Kevkhishvili shined in her main event the women's shot put with a mark of 58-10.25, teammate Kelly Medeiros was second with 54-7.25. Evelien Dekkers won in the javelin reaching a distance of 163-11. Shara Proctor got in the action by the Lady Gators in the field events leaping to 21-9 in the women's long jump to win the event.

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Plenty of action this weekend, meets at Arizona State, UCLA, the Dual at Ohio State and the Sea Ray Relays. This should be a exciting week for college track and field.

RELAYS WEEKEND REVIEW!!

2010-04-04T19:53:00.001-07:00

As expected both the Texas Relays and Florida Relays had major performances. The Texas Relays was a meet all about Texas A&M and the Florida Relays were all about host the University of Florida. The A&M women certainly proved why they deserve the top spot in the women's team race as well as the Florida men. The distance and field cores performed well but speed was at a premium.

*TEXAS RELAYS*

-Top Highlights-

-Women-

The women's competition was all about Texas A&M. In the short sprints, Gabby Mayo claimed the women's 100 meter title with a time of 11.13 and teammate Jeneba Tarmoh was third in 11.21. Senior Samantha Henry posted one of the best times of her career finishing second in 11.18 in the University women's competition. Blessing Okagbure the indoor 60 meter champion won a wind-aided invitational race clocking in 11.10. Okagbure would claim a second victory with a leap of 22-7 in the women's long jump to set a new meet record.

The hurdles was another highlight for the A&M women, junior Natasha Ruddock won the university race clocking in at 12.97, sophomore teammate Vashti Thomas returned to high school form clocking in at 13.08 to finish second.

As predicted hear the ladies of Texas A&M were going to challenge the meet record of LSU in the women's 4x100 relay ran back in 2003 a time of 42.63. That LSU team consisted of Stephanie Durst, Monique Hall, Lolo Jones and Muna Lee. The four women representing A&M were aiming for that record and it showed. Jenebar Tarmoh, Porscha Lucas, Dominique Duncan and Gabby Mayo blazed around the track with a time of 42.56. to win the race by more than a second and takeover the overall record.

Texas A&M also dominated the women's 4x200 relay clocking in 1:31.41 to dominate the race by more than two seconds. The team of Chandrell Stephens, Dominique Duncan, Jessica Beard and Porscha Lucas was too much for the field.
The 4x400 relay however was unable to complete the sprint domination, Arkansas took the crown clocking in at 3:31.20, the team consists of Shelise Williams, Regina George, Edina Brooks and Whitney Jones.

Angele Cooper won the only sprint event for the Lady Longhord clockin in at 56.52 to win the women's 400 meter hurdles. Betty Jimenez was the other highlight for the Longhorns winning the women's 1,500 in a time of 4:23.50.

-Men-

What a great meet on the men's side. All levels of competition from high school to professional was full of great performances.

The Texas A&M Aggies began the finals with a bang setting a meet record with a time of 1:20.61 in the men's 4x200 relay. Tran Howell, Geral Phiri, Demetrius Pinder and Curtis Mitchell set themselves up for a great 4x100 relay final. Unfortunately with a mishap in the final exchange Baylor was able to capitalize with a time of 39.18; Marcus Boyd, Whitney Provost, Courtney Thomas and Trey Harts took the crown. The Aggies were able to bounce back in the men's 4x400 relay with a winning time of 3:01.55 with Tabarie Henry running a 44.5 anchor leg. Henry was joined by Curtis Mitchell, Bryan Miller and Tran Howell.

In the open events, Geral Phiri led the Aggies with the a win in the men's 100 clocking in at 10.17. Ronnie Ash of Oklahoma clocked a NCAA leading 13.50 in the men's 110 meter hurdles. A&M had another solid effort come from the triple jump core, Zuheir Sharif leaped to 54-3.25 to win and Tyrone Edgard leaped to 53-6.50 to finish second. Jeshua Anderson continued his winning ways holding on to win the 400 hurdles with a time of 49.77.

In the medley relays The host University of Texas watched as their men would win the distance medley relay in 9:40.62. Logan Gonzales, Danzell Fortson, Tevas Everett and Patrick Todd. LSU took the men's sprint medley relay, a team of Caleb Williams, Armanti Hayes, Robert Simmons and Richard Jones held on to win in 3:16.01. Distance power Arkansas took home the 4x1500 title Scott Gillepsie, Omar Abdi, Patric Russell and Michael Chinchar led the way with a time of 15:26.43.

A great weekend for the Texas Relays. The next post will be a review of the Florida Relays. Congrats to Killen Ellison high school for clocking in an amazing 1:24.47 to take down a meet record set by Long Beach Poly in 1999. Killen Ellison was led by the nation's top sprinter, Prezel Hardy who will be attending Texas A&M this fall.