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).