ACC Preview: Men

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next Post: Big 12 Preview (Men)

ACC Preview: Women

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The expected team champion: CLEMSON

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

NEXT POST: ACC Preview: Men

How will US Sprints do in 2012?

U.S.A

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

100 METER DASH (MEN and WOMEN)

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

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

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

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

200 Meter Dash

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

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

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

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

400 Meter Dash

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

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

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

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

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

Bolt versus Blake

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

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

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

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


Argument for Usain Bolt

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


Argument for Yohan Blake

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

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



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

Fall Update

*It has been a while*

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

1.) Yohan Blake can truly challenge Usain Bolt.

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

3.) How good can Kirani James be?

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

5.) Is the US returning to jumping dominance.

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

IAAF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP REVIEW

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

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


SPRINTS

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

Women

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

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

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

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

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

Men

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

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

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

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

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


JUMPS

Men

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

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

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

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

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

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


DISTANCE

MEN & WOMEN HIGHLIGHTS

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

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

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

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

IAAF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW PART 2

MEN'S SPRINTS & HURLDES PREVIEW


1. 100 METER DASH

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

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

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

ASAFA POWELL (JAMAICA)

2. 200 Meter Dash

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

USAIN BOLT (JAMAICA)

WALTER DIX (USA)

3. 110 Meter Hurdles

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

DAVID OLIVER (USA)


DAYRON ROBLES (CUBA)

4. 400 Meter Dash

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

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

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

KIRANI JAMES (GRENADA)

5. 400 Meter Hurdles

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

KERRON CLEMENT (USA)

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IAAF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW

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

MONDAY- WOMEN'S SPRINTS & HURDLES

TUESDAY- MEN'S SPRINTS & HURDLES

WEDNESDAY- MEN'S & WOMEN'S DISTANCE EVENTS

THURSDAY- MEN'S AND WOMEN'S FIELD

FRIDAY- MULTI EVENT PREVIEW & RELAYS

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

Women's Preview

1. 100 Meter Dash

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

VERONICA CAMPBELL-BROWN (Jamaica)

2. 200 METER DASH

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

ALLYSON FELIX (USA)

3. 400 METER DASH

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

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

SANYA RICHARDS ROSS (USA)

4. 100 Meter Hurdles

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

SALLY PEARSON (Australia)

5. 400 METER HURDLES

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


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Summer Track Volume 1

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


1. Lashawn Merritt returns

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



2. Allyson Felix will double

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




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

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

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

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

5. Jamaican Sprint Dominance

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

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




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

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


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

Update

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

Summer Track and More

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


FLORIDA GATORS FALLS SHORT FOR A 3RD STRAIGHT TIME.

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


USAIN BOLT COMEBACK IN FULL EFFECT

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


SANYA RICHARDS-ROSS RETURN NOT AS SMOOTH AS EXPECTED

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

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BLANKA VLASIC

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


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

Next Post: Review of the Diamond League Meet in Paris

Update

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

Collegiate Update #3

Men's Sprints and Jumps Preview

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Collegiate Update# 2

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

Monday- Women's Sprints and Jumps

Tuesday- Men's Sprints and Jumps

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



WOMEN'S SPRINT PREVIEW

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Collegiate Update

THE FINALS ARE HERE!!

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

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


EASTERN CONFERENCE REVIEW

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NEXT POST: WOMEN'S EASTERN CONFERENCE REVIEW

Update

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

Weekend Review

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

PENN RELAYS (MEN)

LSU DOMINATES SPRINT EVENTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIELD EVENT WINNERS


LONG JUMP: MARQUISE GOODWIN (TEXAS) 26-3.5

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

SHOT PUT: HAYDEN BAILLIO (TEXAS) 64-0.25

DISCUS THROW: JAMES PLUMMER (RUTGERS) 191-1

HAMMER THROW: WALTER HENNING (LSU) 208-3

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

HIGH JUMP: MAALIK REYNOLDS (PENN) 7-3.25

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

ACC Outdoor Championship Review

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

Women

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NEXT POST: MEN'S Review and Penn Relays Preview

OUT SICK!

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

Season Update

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


MEN

SPRINTER OF THE SEASON (so far)

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

Honorable Mention: Jeff Demps


FIELD ATHLETE OF THE SEASON (so far)

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


DISTANCE RUNNER OF THE SEASON (so far)

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


FRESHMAN OF THE SEASON (so far)

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


NEXT POST: WOMEN

Weekend Review Part 2 Florida Relays

Women's Review


Florida Relays

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Next Post: A quick weekend recap of other meets.

Weekend Review

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


MEN'S REVIEW

FLORIDA RELAYS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

**Something I Noticed**

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


Next Post: Women's Review

THE OUTDOOR SEASON IS HERE !!!!!

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

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

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

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


This weekend's big track meet

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

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

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

NCAA Championship Men's Review

Part 2 of Championship Review (NCAA)


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

NCAA Indoor Championship Review

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


WOMEN'S REVIEW


Sprints

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

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

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

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


DISTANCE

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

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

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

JUMPS

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

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

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


THROWS

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

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


PENTATHLON

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


Next Post: Men's Review (I promise)

NCAA Championship Meet Preview

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



Women's preview

SPRINTS

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

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

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

JUMPS

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

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

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


DISTANCE

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

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

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


THROWS

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

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


PENTATHLON

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

Championship Weekend Recap

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


TOP SPRINTER

Women

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

Men

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


TOP THROWER

Women

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

Men

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


Top Jumper

Women

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

Men

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


Top Distance Runner

Women

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

Men

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


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

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