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