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.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
PENN RELAYS MEN REVIEW
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
WOMEN'S PENN RELAY PREVIEW
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.
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.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
PENN RELAYS MEN'S PREVIEW
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.
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.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Men's ACC CHAMPIONSHIP RECAP
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.
-----
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.
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.
-----
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.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
ACC CHAMPIONSHIP AND OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
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.
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.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
ALL ABOUT THE GATORS AT THE FLORIDA RELAYS
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.
----
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.
--
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.
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.
----
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.
--
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.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
RELAYS WEEKEND REVIEW!!
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.
*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.
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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... -
( Micah Williams-Oregon ) The indoor season has officially arrived. This past weekend we were tribute to some special performances in non-...
