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.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
NCAA Women's Championship Preview
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Conference Championship Weekend Part 3
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Conference Championship Weekend Part 2
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.
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.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Conference Championship Weekend!!
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.
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.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
THE SEASON FAR PART 2
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
THE SEASON SO FAR
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.
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.
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Hello collegiate track and field fans its time that I resume our best of series since there have been a lot of coaching changes and hir... -
MEN'S LONG SPRINTS PROGRAMS As stated in my last post the United States is perhaps the best country at producing long sprinters pre-Usai...
