CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND

Preview of Championship Weekend


This is one of the best weekends all year for track and field fans, college championship weekend. There is a multitude of conference championships, BCS and non-BCS alike. This weekend there will be many more automatic qualifiers to the NCAA Championship meet. There will also be great team performances, Florida men and Oregon women will have to earn their number 1 rankings this weekend.


SEC Preview (Men)

This conference is so dominant on the national level with national champions both individual and team. This season it is the usual suspects Florida, LSU and Arkansas. Florida is nationally ranked number 1 and LSU is nationally ranked number 2. Both have two great sprint and jump programs. Expect for Florida's quality distance core to be the deciding factor. Do not count out host Arkansas and the superior depth at distance and strong group of jumpers and sprinters.

Athlete of the Meet: Will Claye (Florida)

Conference Champion: Florida (Mike Holloway)


BIG 12 Preview (Men)

Texas A&M came up short last season finishing 2nd to a well rounded Oklahoma team. Oklahoma may not be able to match A&M's sprint depth but is solid in all phases of track and field. Gerald Phiri vs Mookie Salaam in the sprints will be huge in the team battle. For Oklahoma State look for German Fernandez to reach his 2009 form in which he was NCAA Champion in the mile. Texas A&M has added the 800 to their arsenal and should be enough to overcome Oklahoma.

Athlete of Meet: Gerald Phiri ( Texas A&M)

Conference Champion: Texas A&M (Pat Henry)


BIG 10 Preview (Men)

The team race in the Big 10 is very interesting. There are four solid teams with the capability to win the championship, Wisconsin, Indiana, Minnesota and Iowa. All four programs have top performers in all phases of track and field. This meet may not be decided until the 4x400 relay and if it takes that Iowa is currently ranked number 1 in the relay. However Indiana may possess the most firepower.

Athlete of the meet: Andrew Bayer (Indiana)

Conference Champion: Indiana


ACC Preview (Men)

This conference has been dominated by Florida State, the Seminoles are seeking their 8th in a row. This season should not be any different. With a plethora of sprinters and jumpers, a solid group of distance runners and throwers; Florida State is the clear favorite to win again. Maurice Mitchell is currently number 1 in both 60 and 200 meter dashes. Mitchell's 20.70 in the 200 ranks number 2 in the country. Mitchell is a big part of Florida State's title hopes and will be added to the 4x400 relay. Robby Andrews of Virgina hopes to lead his team to ending the Seminoles reign. Andrews the favorite of the 800 may not provide enough for his team to win.



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