NCAA Championsip Meet Review

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


Men's Review

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

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

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

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

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

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


Women

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

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

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

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

*****

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

NCAA Championship Men's Preview

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Distance

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

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

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

FIELD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NCAA Women's Championship Preview

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.