7.88!
The 2023 season is now in full swing. Although the indoor
season technically starts at the beginning of December the second weekend in
January is the first full weekend with nationwide competition. In the post I
will share with you my thoughts and opinions on the best performances of the
weekend. I will not lean on or harp on anyone’s individual ranking since it is
still fresh in the season.
Sprints/Hurdles
Women
Rosemary Chukwuma of Texas Tech introduced herself to division
1 with eye opening time of 7.11 in the 60-meter dash. Chukwuma had a solid 2022
season and had a personal best of 10.99. A mark of 7.11 so early in the season
should indicate her impressive level of fitness and readiness for the season.
Talitha Diggs of Florida already has an NCAA title in her
trophy case having won both the indoor and outdoor 400-meter title. She began
the indoor season with a bang and a time of 7.14. She followed that up with a 300-meter
race time of 36.12 to win. Diggs looks to be in impressive form and ready to
properly defend her title.
Masai Russell of Kentucky is dropping her name in the bucket
to be considered a threat for the NCAA title in the 60-meter hurdles. Russell clocked
a winning time of 7.88 on her home track at the Rod McCravy Memorial. That is a
personal record for Russell and just 0.01 off the school record set by legend
Kendra Harrison.
Men
Ismael Kone was a noteworthy transfer this past off season,
leaving New Orleans University to transfer to Florida State who specializes in
short sprinting. Kone proved that the transfer is a perfect fit after running a
time of 6.51 and setting his country’s national record along with a new school
record.
Evan Miller of South Carolina has the pleasure of being the
first sub-46 400 runner of the season. His impressive early season of 45.91 is indicative
of a strong off season. After spending majority of last season as a 200-meter
runner primarily it should not come as a shock that he stepped up to the 400,
it is the time however that stands out. A great time this early is a great
sign.
Omotade Ojora of USC was not selected to represent his
country Great Britain at the world championships last year even after winning
the national title in the 110-meter hurdles. He has continued his focus on being
the best hurdler and began his 60-meter hurdle indoor season with a time of
7.68, a solid time to start the season. The 60-meter hurdles will crown a new
champion, Ojora certainly can add his name to the mix.
Distance
Women
Talented true freshman Juliette Whittaker of Stanford proved
she is certainly worthy of the hype. At the UW Preview she circled the track in
a time of 2:02.48 to claim the event 800-meter title. Her time is quite
impressive this early in the season for any class especially a freshman. As an
800 runner under the tutelage of legendary coach JJ Clark, Whittaker is a name
we should get used to hearing.
Men
Ky Robinson also of Stanford ran an impressive mile time at
the UW preview this past weekend highlighting the incredible weekend the
Cardinals had. Robinson claimed the race with a time of 3:55.87. His time was
one of many sub 4 minute miles this weekend but a sub 3:56 in January will make
anyone turn their heads especially since Stanford has four. Robinson is returning
after having a strong 2022 outdoor season that ended with All-American honors, although
he has primarily been a 5,000-meter runner a time this impressive in the mile
should make him consider competing in the mile this indoor season.
JUMPS
Women
There were two great jumps marks on the women’s side this
past weekend. The first came from Rylee Anderson of Kansas. Yes, Kansas and not
Kansas State which has had quite an impressive run of jumpers. Anderson leaped
to a mark of 6 feet 2 inches (1.88m). Anderson missed the podium last outdoor
season and will look to finish her senior season on it.
Jasmine Moore is just simply sensational. I enjoy watching
her jump as she continues to consistently improve. The talented senior from the
University of Florida began her indoor campaign with a mark of 47 feet 4 ½ inches
(14.44m). That mark is capable of winning NCAA titles, and she has done it so
early. Could we see her produce another NCAA record, if this past weekend is
any indication the answer is yes.
Men
Jeremiah Davis of Florida State was another highlight from
the Seminoles strong weekend. The talented junior leaped to a mark of 26 feet 9
¾ inches (8.17m). Davis finished last outdoor season finishing 2nd
at the NCAA championships and decides to begin this season with a personal
best. Davis nearly hit 27 feet in his first meet of the season, keep an eye out
for him.
Throws
Women
Jorinde Van Klinken is now at Oregon. Van Klinken is now at a
new school but will likely continue her winning ways. Her early season shot put
mark is 59 feet 5 inches (18.11) set at the UW Preview. Van Klinken is almost
over 60 feet at the start of the season. The defending national champion certainly
seems ready to defend her crown.
Jalani Davis of Ole Miss is their next throwing star. She defeated
her teammate and 2022 NCAA runner up Jasmine Mitchell in the weight throw at
the Commodore Challenge with a mark of 79 feet 2 inches (24.13m) nearly
breaking 80 feet. Like the shot put this is an impressive mark to hit so early
in the season and a positive sign of things to come.
Men
Isaiah Rogers of Kennesaw State formerly of Virginia Tech is
finally back competing again and began the season with a solid mark. He
launched the weight throw a total of 79 feet 11 ½ inches (24.37m). His mark
will certainly gather some attention and is a welcome sight to see a talented
thrower return to the top of the field.
Recap & Preview
The NCAA rankings will be released on January 23 next Monday.
After this coming weekend I will talk more about the performances and their rankings
together. The team title picture will likely not be clear until early to mid-February,
but individual marks will certainly be considered. A major meet this coming
weekend is the Red Raider Open at Texas Tech. I expect for some eye-popping
marks at that meet.
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