Weekend Recap 5

(Tamara Clark- Alabama)

We have just finished the second weekend in February. No major splashes this weekend, there were still a few new number one rankings, however. Perhaps it was noticeable that quite a few big-name athletes took the weekend off in preparation for the bevy of major meets happening this coming weekend. In this recap we will review the new number one rankings as well as preview a few of the big meets coming this weekend.

200 METER SPEED

Tamara Clark of Alabama became the latest sprint queen to claim the number one ranking in the 200. Clark blazed the track in New Mexico with a time of 22.81 that was converted to 22.88 because of the altitude. She surpassed Anavia Battle of Ohio State with her first attempt of the season. This event has a lot of contenders since the defending champion is gone and she has added herself to the list.

Not a number one performance but it is worth noting the impressive performance by true freshman Langston Jackson of Kentucky. He ran an impressive time of 20.58 that was converted to 20.65 due to altitude. Keep an eye on him for the future.

BIG TIME JUMP

Chris Nilsen of South Dakota is having a great season so far. He solidified his number one ranking in the Pole Vault again with his mark of 19 feet 1 inch. Nilsen is weekly creating more distance between himself and KC Lightfoot of Baylor in the rankings. Nilsen is a big meet performer so with championship season coming soon expect even bigger marks.

MILLROSE GIRLS

Two number ones came from distance runners competing at the Millrose Games. Dani Jones of Colorado claimed the top ranking in the mile with a time of 4:27.88. Alicia Monson of Wisconsin claimed the top ranking in the 3,000 with a time of 8:53.69. Jones was seventh in her race overall against a strong group of professionals including new American record holder Elle Purrier. Monson was sixth overall and right behind her in seventh is the number two ranked Weini Kelati of New Mexico.

QUIET TAKEOVER

It was a big weekend on the professional circuit, there was the Millrose Games and the European Circuit. A new world record in the Pole Vault by Mondo Duplantis and a few other American records at the Millrose Games. Yared Nuguse of Notre Dame quietly took over the number one ranking in the 3,000 with his time of 7:46.71 to win on his home track at the Meyo Invitational. Nuguse has a national title in his trophy case already having won the 1,500 outdoors last season. Will he step down to the mile this indoor season or remain competing in the 3,000? It remains to be seen.

BIG WEEKEND

There are several big meets this weekend, the Tyson Invitational at the University of Arkansas, Tiger Paw Invitational at Clemson, Grand Valley State Big Meet, Iowa State Classic, Don Kirby Collegiate Elite at New Mexico and the Texas Tech Shootout. The rankings should change next week individually as well as a clearer picture for the Team Battle will appear as well. Also keep in mind that it will be a big weekend on the high school circuit as well. This should be an exciting week.

Expect for the biggest performances to come out the Tyson Invitational. This meet has been scaled back from it hey day when it was the biggest regular season meet on the indoor track and field calendar along with a dedicated professional circuit as well. The meet still draws in major competition such as LSU. With the bevy of access we have through streaming I encourage you to watch at least one great meet this weekend.