Big Ten Men's Preview 1- Sprints/Jumps

Happy New Year to everyone everywhere. As we draw closer and closer to the big upcoming weekend let's take a look at the Men's sprints and Jumps in the Big Ten Conference.

In the short sprints (60 meter dash and 200 meter dash), the conference lost Michigan all-American and Olympian Adam Harris to graduation last spring. Harris is arguably the greatest sprinter in Michigan history and one of the best all time in Big Ten History. Along with Harris the Big Ten also lost Minnesota sprinter Ibrahim Kabia.

Paul Chaney of Iowa and Shane Crawford of Purude look to step into the spotlight to replace those two sprinters. Crawford has yet to live up to phenomenal senior year in high school in which he ran for junior Team USA. Chaney is a football player which can make it difficult to focus on track. Incoming freshman Matt Terrell from Ohio State and Denard Robinson, one of two quarterbacks for the Michigan Wolverines, makes the race in these two events all the more special.

In the long sprint sophomore Thomas Murdaugh of Ohio State returns after a excellent freshman campaign in which he finished second in the conference. Lesiba Masheto of Illinois graduation leaves the door open for Murdaugh to dominate the conference for the next three years. Mike Cadau of Penn State will provide a formidable opponent.

Gary Miller of Illinois and Lionel Walker of Penn State should entertain us in another 600 meter race. Last indoor season Miller and Walker came to the line with only a hundredth of second separate the two in a great race. Miller returns as the defending champion.

In the hurdles Andrew Wiley returns after a sensational freshman campaign that resulted in him being crowned the big ten champion in the 60 meter hurdle race. Wiley clocked a 7.72 to defeat Shane Wells of Michigan State in the finals. Wells looks to improve off his sophomore campaign to give Wiley a run at the crown. Carl Buchanon of Michigan who finished third won the 400 meter hurdle crown last outdoor season. Look for Buchanon to challenge Wells and Wiley in a great race.

**JuMpS**

Wisconsin returns their double threat of Rayme Mackinson and Victor Dupuy after their 1-2 finish in the long jump last indoor season. Robert Peddlar of Michigan should get the competition even more interesting along with incoming freshman Matt Kline also of Michigan.

Peddlar also looks to be a competitor to keep an eye on in the triple jump as well. Kyron Foster of Michigan State looks to improve off his runner up status now that senior Clarence Smith formerly of Penn State has graduated and claim the crown for himself.

In the High Jump defending champion Matt Fisher of Minnesota not only should be on our list for Big Ten champion but he is also a threat for the NCAA title. Sophomore Derek Drouin of Indiana is also a threat to claim the title. Last season a freshman Drouin was able to finish second to Fisher with a jump of 7-1.75 at the championship meet. Drouin could make that sophomore leap and surpass Fisher.

The Pole Vault returns another champion as well. Jeff Coover of Indiana who not only won the big ten title but also finished fourth at the Indoor Championships last season. As far as Coover's national prospects it should be a slightly more difficult year with all All-Americans from last season returning. Coover however is the easy favorite for the Big Ten crown.