NCAA Indoor Men's Preview

 (Edward Cheserek of Oregon)

(King of Distance Running)

The season began with a buzz before it even started. Two start athletes have given up there remaining eligibility and have turned pro, Trayvon Bromell and Andre DeGrasse. Both athletes in my opinion are a part of the future of international sprinting. Their presence however will be felt on the collegiate level leaving the short sprints wide open to a new champion. As usual the distance events are packed with plenty of talent and with it being an Olympic year will bring added excitement to what should be a fantastic season.

SPRINTS

Although both DeGrasse and Bromell have turned pro neither competed in the finals of the men’s 60 meter dash last indoor season. Both false started in their preliminary races. The top two finishers in the event from last season both return. Defending champion Ronnie Baker of TCU ran a season’s best time of 6.52, won on the fastest times in NCAA history. Runner-up John Teeters of Oklahoma State also ran that same time earlier in the indoor season. With both returning after disappointing outdoor seasons we may see one of the two stars run under 6.5.

The 200 is perhaps the most open sprint event. The top returnee based on time is Brendon Rodney of LIU Brooklyn with a personal best time of 20.69 last indoor season. Tremayne Acy of LSU is the top returnee from last outdoor season. Acy’s performance at the Outdoor Championships was quite impressive and makes him an early favorite to win it all.

The 400 meter dash has two impressive Florida seniors as front runners to win the event. Najee Glass who won the SEC Indoor title and finished third at the meet last indoor season and the injury plagued Arman Hall. Both had amazing prep careers and solid collegiate careers. Neither individually have been able to take the reigns as the top 400 runner. Glass had injuries earlier and in his career and Hall has dealt with injuries since an amazing freshman season that led him to qualifying for TEAM USA at the 2013 World Championships. This is their last chance to claim the crown.

HURDLES

Omar McLeod was another fantastic talent that turned pro early leaving the 60 meter hurdles open for a new champion. Devon Allen of Oregon is ready to be that guy. Allen missed all of last season due to an injury while playing in the College Football Playoff. Allen previously won the 2014 NCAA Outdoor title as a freshman. This is a great time for us to see Allen rebound and return to championship form.

DISTANCE

The 800 is still Bandon McBride’s event to lose. McBride now a senior at Mississippi State claimed the indoor and outdoor title in the event during the 2014 season. His junior season saw him fall short of defending either title. As a senior expect for McBride to attempt to reclaim his crown and return to the top.

Edward Cheserk from Oregon is the only name you need to worry about when discussing the remaining distance events. It is quite possible for Cheserek to complete a triple crown by winning the mile, 3,000 and 5,000 meter races. Cheserek who won the mile last indoor season and finished 2^nd in the 3,000 returns at the top performer in all three distances. After a sensational cross country campaign look for Cheserek to continue the golden success that is Oregon.

Each event will present Cheserek with a respectable challenger. In the mile, Brannon Kidder of Penn State, IN the 3,000 teammate Jeramy Elkaim and in the 5,000 Thomas Curtin of Virginia Tech. Teammate Elkaim may be the best of the three to challenge Cheserek for an individual title.

FIELD EVENTS

In both the long jump and triple jump KeAndre Bates of Florida is the lone gator available to carry what has been recently an outstanding tradition of horizontal jumpers. Christian Taylor, William Claye, Omar Craddock and Marquis Dendy have all claimed NCAA titles in either the Long Jump or Triple Jump. Bates had a great freshman indoor season which saw him claim All-American honors in both events. Each event will present its own set of challenges.

In the long jump sprint and jump star senior Jarrion Lawson of Arkansas is the top returnee based on performance and is the early favorite to win the event. In the triple jump Latario Collie of Texas A&M is the top returning athlete and will perhaps be the most challenging for Bates to overcome. Both athletes come from rival conference schools that will also be in the hunt for the team title. Bates has a tough challenge to keep the championship legacy going at the University of Florida.

Jacorian Duffield left his mark while at Texas Tech claiming the high jump NCAA title. While Duffield moves on Bradley Akins also of Texas Tech is more than capable of stepping into the fold. Adkins finished 2^nd last indoor season to Duffield losing on more jumps taken to clear a height of 2.29 meters. Adkins a senior will look to go out on top and continue a winning legacy at Texas Tech.

The Pole Vault is another event that saw its superstar in Shawn Barber leave for the professional ranks early. Jake Blakenship of Tennessee has been a solid mainstay in the event since his freshman season. Blankenship is the early favorite to win event as the top returnee from last indoor season.

The shot put Ryan Crouser of Texas like Brandon McBride returns as a NCAA Champion from a previous season. Crouser won the NCAA title outdoors both his freshman and sophomore seasons. He also won the indoor title his sophomore season (2014.). Crouser now a senior will look to return to the champions circle and continue the great tradition of Champion throwers at Texas.

Chukwuebuka Enekwechi of Purdue is the top returnee in the men’s weight throw. He is the only athlete in the remaining field with a personal best beyond 80 feet.

The men’s heptathlon will literally be a gathering of old friends. The entire All-American field will return this season to compete for the crown including defending champion Luca Weiland of Minnesota. Weiland out gained Garret Scatling of Georgia by 2 points. This should be an equally quality competition again this year with the inclusion of outdoor decathlon champion also from Georgia Maicel Uibo.

RELAY PREDICTIONS:

4X400: FLORIDA

DMR: OREGON

NCAA Women's Preview

NCAA Women’s Indoor Preview

(Kyra Jefferson-Florida)

(Defending Indoor Champion 200 Meters)

This coming season is during an Olympic year. An Olympic year seems to usually bring out the best performances in every level of track and field, youth, high school, collegiate, professional and even master. This year I expect it to be no different. Although there are a few who have already left for the professional ranks early there is still plenty of returning talent as well as new talent at the collegiate level.

                                     

SPRINTS

With Jenna Prandini turning professional early to sign with Puma and with the graduation of Remona Burchell that leaves the sprints open to a new star.

 In the 60 meter dash Prandini’s teammate from Oregon Jasmine Todd will take center stage. Todd nearly set the NCAA on fire last outdoor season in the 100 meter dash before missing the finals shocking everyone. This indoor season she’ll be the headlining star in an event with a lot of returning talent and looking to avenge herself.

In the 200 returning champion Kyra Jefferson of Florida will look to defend her title from last season and make up for the loss at the Outdoor Championship. Jefferson is one of the few remaining athletes with the ability to run under 23 seconds.

The 400 also features two familiar faces both NCAA Champions. Courtney Okolo of Texas is looking to rebound from a disappointing outdoor season last year which saw her lose her crown. She is the defending champion and will look to set the tone for a special season. Shamier Little is a 400 hurdling superstar. Little earned a silver medal in the event at the 2015 World Championships. She also won the indoor 400 at the SEC Indoor Championship and is a top returnee this season.

HURDLES

In the 60 meter hurdles there will be crowned a new champion. There are a few contenders for the crown, perhaps the strongest would be Cindy Ofili of Michigan. Although she did not garner All-American honors during the indoor season due to hitting a hurdle. She made up for it during the outdoor season with a time of 12.60 in the 100 meter hurdles and is the top returnee in the outdoor event. Dior Hall of USC is another possible champion after setting an American junior record last season. 

DISTANCE

Raevyn Rogers of Oregon has positioned herself to be the next middle distance star. After running a sensational time of 1:59.71 to win the 800 meter run at the Outdoor Championships, Rogers has stepped into super stardom as the next great runner from Oregon. Entering her sophomore campaign the sky is the limit for Rogers.

Rhianwedd Price of Mississippi State snatched the reigns from Shelby Houlihan as the top miler in the country last outdoor season. Price returns alone at the top in the event and she is a easy favorite pick to win it all.

Both 3,000 and 5,000 meter races will look to add new champions. In the 3,000 top returnee from last season based on performance is Elise Cranny of Stanford. In the 5,000 Erin Finn of Michigan looks to return to the top of long distance running after dealing with severe injuries this past season.

FIELD EVENTS

The High Jump could potentially be a Georgia sweep led by defending Indoor Champion Leontia Kallenou. Kallenou leaped to a mark of 6 feet 4 inches last indoor season and will look to defend her title and improve upon her mark.

In the Long Jump and Triple Jump Georgia will look to strut their field event prowess with the help of rising star Keturah Orji. Orji claimed the NCAA title in the women’s triple jump last outdoor season and finished 2^nd during the indoor season. In the long jump Orji was up and down throughout the season but still earned All-America honors as a freshman. In the long jump she will have to fend off outdoor defending champion Quaneesha Burks of Alabama.

The Pole Vault was one of the best events of the year last season on both men’s and women’s side. The national record was in threat every weekend with a multitude of quality performances showing the growth of the event. Top returnee in the event is star Demi Payne who claimed the outdoor title and also set the NCAA record. The Bowerman Award Finalist will look to continue her sensational collegiate career as a senior with another NCAA title.

Raven Saunders now of Ole Miss did everything right last season in the shot put. Saunders won multiple junior awards as a freshman at Southern Illinois including a gold medal at the Pan American Junior Championships. Along with her junior titles she can add to that a NCAA Indoor and Outdoor crown. Saunders can be expected to add to her already large championship trophy case.

In the weight throw the top returnee is Nicole Chavis of NC State. The weight throw saw the top 5 performers all expire the eligibility at the conclusion of the indoor season. Chavis will look to headline a new group.

The Pentathlon is another opportunity for Georgia to show off their dynamic field event program. Kendell Williams will look to defend her title and remain the headlining diva in the event that she has dominated since her freshman season. Last season she set an NCAA record and is expected to improve upon that record.

RELAY PREDICTIONS

Women’s 4x400- Florida

Women’s DMR- Michigan

Best Programs in the NCAA (Hurdles)

Hello collegiate track and field fans its time that I resume our best of series since there have been a lot of coaching changes and hires. This series focuses on what programs are the best in each event. Today's post will focus solely on high hurdles. How each program is ranked is based on a set of factors. How the program performs during the post season, their depth and athletic improvement.


TOP 100 HURDLES PROGRAMS

1, KENTUCKY- Since Eldrick Floreal arrived at Kentucky he has made it an appoint to develop his hurdles. The past two seasons he has had a solid group of hurdlers and last season was no exception. Kendra Harrison would become national champion running the fastest SEC time ever in 12.50. The Wildcats return an outstanding freshman in Jacklyn Howell who looks to carry the torch for the Wildcats whose hurdles consistently improve year after year. With Olympic Gold Medalist Allen Johnson as the hurdles coach expect for the Wildcats to continue to turn out champions.


2. LSU- Head Coach Dennis Shaver has been at LSU forever, since 1995.  He has been a head coach since 2004 and has developed some of the best hurdlers LSU has ever seen. That is saying a lot for a program that arguably has the greatest sprints/hurdle history ever for women's collegiate track and field. LSU returns two heavy hitters in Chanice Chase and Daeshon Gordon. Both have personal bests under 13 seconds. Gordon returns as last season's fastest freshman in the SEC and will be a contender for the conference and NCAA title.


3. USC- Caryl Smith-Gilbert hired Loreal Smith to be the women's hurdle coach when she arrived 2 seasons ago. Smith has proven to be a excellent hurdles coach developing All-American talent in back to back season. Last season true freshman Dior Hall set the NCAA freshman and World Junior record running a time of 12.74. Smith has another star freshman in California High School Champion and All-American Jasmyne Graham. Graham has the speed and technique to compete at a high level and should continue the recent success of freshman hurdlers at USC.


4. MICHIGAN- The Wolverines have continued the Big Ten's tradition of strong hurdle programs. They have to give a lot of thanks to the Ofili sisters. Both Tiffany and Cindi have carried the program with the ability to compete high at the Championship level. Tiffany Ofili now Tiffany Porter was the top of Michigan talent that normally left the state and headed south to compete instead she decided to stay home and took the hurdle program to new heights. Her sister Cindy is the same way. Cindy Ofili broke her sister's school record in both the 100 and 100 hurdles and returns at the top the hurdler in the country with a personal best of 12.60.


5. FLORIDA- The Gators had been waiting for their hurdlers to take the step to competing on a high level like the men. The past two seasons Bridgette Owens carried the torch earning back to back All-American honors. Owens set a school record indoors running a 7.87 only to lose to champion Kendra Harrison. This season they return Skylar Ross-Ransom who had a good season a few years ago as a freshman along with Ryan McEnany. Ross-Ransom will have to carry the torch since there will be a noticeable drop-off without Bridgette Owens.


TOP 110 HURDLES PROGRAMS

1. SOUTH CAROLINA- Head Coach Curtis Frye has been widely regarded as one of the best hurdle coaches in the world.  He coaches Olympic Gold Medalist Allen Johnson and Olympic Medalist Terrance Trammell. Year in and year out South Carolina always has multiple top tier high hurdlers. They return three guys who run under 14 seconds in Dondre Echols, Isaiah Moore and Jermaine Collier. Echols will return as the top high hurdler in the SEC and the number 2 hurdler in the nation. South Carolina has the potential to have 3 all-American high hurdlers.


2. LSU- Under head coach Dennis Shaver LSU has become one of the better high hurdle programs in the country and had a stellar season last season. Jordan Moore returns as the top hurdler on the team and will look continue LSU's success by earning All-American honors. Moore can also be considered a dark horse to win the NCAA title.

3. TEXAS TECH- Other than South Carolina, Texas Tech has been a program that yearly produces  multiple top ranked high hurdlers and have had NCAA Champions. Tech returns two hurdlers in Chris Caldwell and Tremaine Maloney who have run under 14 seconds. Caldwell is the defending Big 12 champion in the 110 hurdles and will look to be more competitive at the NCAA Championship meet.

4. SYRACUSE- Syracuse has quietly been one of the best high hurdle programs in the country. A few years Jared Eaton was the All-American leader for the team and one of the best hurdlers in history. Returning for the program is Freddie Crittenden who is ready to take the next step and be the next All-American hurdler for Syracuse.

5. NEBRASKA- Nebraska has been producing All-American hurdlers for a long time. Both hurdle coaches at Nebraska have been apart of the program for at least 20 years. Last season their latest talent true freshman Antoine Lloyd clocked in 13.69. Two sophomores last season also dipped under 14 seconds and that allows Nebraska to return 3 sub 14 second hurdlers. Llyod has the speed and the technique to go to the next level and become an All-American along with his teammates.


Judging hurdling programs is difficult because the coaches shift around so much and often times the coaches who actually coach the hurdlers are volunteer coaches who get no credit. However each of the five programs listed for both men and women have consistently produced and recruited quality talent.


Next Post: 400 Hurdles

NCAA Championship Review (Women)

The Women put on quite a show at the NCAA Championships this past Saturday. We witnessed some amazing performances from every level, sprints, jumps, throws and distance. What made the meet better was the awesome team race. As each event went by the story continued to change.


SPRINTS

The day begin very positively for the Florida Gators and rough for the Oregon Ducks. The Lady Gators displayed excellence in moving the baton around with great precision in the 4x100 relay. They were the only team to run sub 43 at meet with a winning time of 42.95 on a great anchor by Kyra Jefferson.

In that very race Jenna Prandini's Oregon squad was disqualified. Not a good start for a team trying to win the team title. Prandini stepped up for her team in the women's 100 meter dash. Prandini overcame the fast starting Morolae Akinosun in the last few meters to win with a wind-aided 10.96. Akinosun of Texas finished 2nd with a time 10.97.

Prandini attempted to complete a double by winning the 200 meter dash. This was an equally close race. The pre-race favorite was the 200 meter indoor champion Kyra Jefferson of  Florida. Jefferson had been number 1 all year and left no doubt in the minds of many after running a 22.26 prelim. However to the surprise of everyone but herself Dezerea Bryant of Kentucky scorched the track with one of the fastest wind-legal times in history and amongst the top 5 in the world this year. Her winning time of 22.18 proved that her 2014 indoor title in the event was no fluke. Prandini finished in a close 2nd with a time of 22.21. Another impressive stat about this race all women ran under 23 seconds.

The 400 was absent its big time star in Courtney Okolo from Texas. That left the event wide open. Texas did have two studs in the race in 2013 NCAA Champion Ashley Spencer and 2014 World Junior Champion Kendall Baisden. Spencer coming off an injury from last season was slowly getting into form this season.

Like the men's race the women seemed to be slightly affected by the wind. Baisden seemed to be in prime position to win the title and continue the Texas legacy. However it was Kala Funderburk of Florida State who fought her way to victory with a time of 51.67.


HURDLES

The 100 hurdles has been a battle between two former Clemson teammates. Kendra Harrison of Kentucky and Bridgette Owens of Florida. Harrison has gotten the better of her teammate and has been a phenomenal dual threat running both high and low hurdles at a world class level.

Early in the race Owens hits a hurdle which seemed to knock her off her rhythm. Harrison remained strong clearly each hurdle with precision. Harrison was strongly challenged by Michigan Wolverine Cindy Ofili who finished 2nd with a time of 12.60. However Harrison was just too good clocking in at 12.55 for the win.

Harrison attempted to complete the rare double of winning the 100 and 400 hurdles. The only person standing in her way, Shamier Little of Texas A&M. Little quite possibly was the best 400 meter runner remaining with Okolo out. Both Little and Harrison ran fantastic races. Little the less technical of the two looked her best in this race. Little executed with good technique an great speed and endurance. Little out gained Harrison to win the event with a time of 53.74. Her time places amongst the 10 greatest female 400 hurdlers in NCAA history. The time also vaulted her to number 1 in the world this year. Harrison's runner up time of 54.09 was equally impressive.


DISTANCE

In the 800 we were introduced to a new star in Raevyn Rogers of Oregon. All year we have witnessed the greatness that is Natoya Goule of Clemson. The indoor champion and 2013 Outdoor Champion has been solid. She has great speed and tenacity for an 800 runner. She may have gone out a little too hard runner 26 seconds in the 200 meters which I believe was too fast. In the end it cost her as she fell further back into 6th place and the young freshman vaulted to the front and dipped under 2 minutes with a time of 1:59.71.

In the 5,000 long distance star Emily Sisson of Providence continued to have a great year. Sisson set an NCAA record this past indoor season in the event and looked to add another title to her trophy case. She did just that in domineering fashion winning her event by more than 5 seconds with a time of 15:34.10. Sisson did not try the 10,000 and event she was highly ranked in. Molly Seidel of Notre Dame surprised the field by claiming the event in a time of 33:18.37 surpassing Dominique Scott of Arkansas who finished runners-up in both long distance events.

In the 1,500 it seemed to be the year of the seniors. This event had a total of 12 participants with 7 seniors. All 7 seniors earned first team All-America in the event finishing 2nd through 8th. It was a underclassmen sophomore Rhianwedd Price of Mississippi State who take the title with a time of 4:09.56.

The steeplechase was the event indoor mile champion Leah O'Connor of Michigan State choose to compete in. O'Connor entered the meet as the obvious favorite and during the race it seemed as if that would be the case. However Collen Quigley of Florida State would surpass the senior on her way to victory clocking in at 9:29.32.


FIELD EVENT CHAMPIONS

Long Jump- Quanesha Burks Alabama 22-8
Triple Jump- Keturah Orji Georgia 46-5.25. Orji is the first freshman to ever win this event. Defending champion Ciarra Brewer of Florida fouled out.
High Jump-Jeannelle Scheper South Carolina 6-2.75
Pole Vault-Demi Payne Stephen F. Austin 15-5. Payne out dueled Morris of Arkansas to claim the title. All three Arkansas athletes scored in the event.
Shot Put- Raven Saunders Southern Illinois 60-2.50. Saunders is another talented freshman to win an NCAA title. Saunders was also the only athlete to throw 60 feet.
Discus Throw-Shelbi Vaughan Texas A&M 201-5. Vaughan defends her title and was the only athlete to surpass 200 feet.
Hammer Throw-DeAnna Price Southern Illinois 234-6.
Javelin Throw- Irena Sediva Virginia Tech 192-9.
Heptathlon- Akela Jones Kansas State 6,371


Team Result- Oregon 59 points. The Gators had a few things go wrong, LSU, Texas and Texas A&M just simply did not have enough. Oregon returns quite a few great athletes and will likely return next season as early favorites.

NCAA Outdoor Championship Review- Men

(Andre DeGrasse-USC)



So the men have officially completed the 2015 NCAA Outdoor season. This season has been full of amazing performances and the championship meet lived up to the hype. This is also the first time that the meet was split, a finals day for the men and a finals day for the women. Let's recap a great men's meet.


SPRINTS

Andre DeGrasse of USC is a junior from the country of Canada. Heading into this meet not much was known about the talented sprinter other than that he would potentially challenge Travyon Bromell of Baylor. Bromell has been the talk of the American sprinting world since he was a high school senior. He won the 100 meter dash as a freshman last season running a 9.97. He earned high praise from just about everyone after running a 9.90 in the preliminary race.  He is the fastest 19 year old in world history. However no one saw him getting handily beat, but that's what happened.. Bromell got off to his usual solid start and was technically superb, however at the 40 meter mark it was clear who the better sprinter was and it was DeGrasse who ran a wind-aided 9.75.

DeGrasse lined up in the 200 to face another defending champion in Dedric Dukes who had the only sub 20 second time of the year in the NCAA. DeGrasse led from start to finish. His time also wind-aided was 19.58, the wind just slightly over the allowable limit.

DeGrasse is still a raw talent. He did not start sprinting until his the final two months of his senior year in high school. That was just a few years ago. He is now one of the fastest sprinters in NCAA history. Although his times were wind-aided it still a special performance since he is the first athlete to complete a sprint double since Walter Dix of Florida State in 2007.

In the 400 Deon Lendore of Texas A&M was expected to defend his national title. However after running the first turn Lendore pulled up limping clearly in pain in his legs. This left the door open for Najee Glass of Florida and Vernon Norwood of LSU. Coming off the turn with 100 meters to go it looked as if Glass as going to win it. However he appeared to have gone out to hard against was a tough headwind on the backstretch. The senior Norwood reeled him in and passed him up for the win clocking in at 45.10.

HURDLES

Omar McLeod of Arkansas had been the story all season. After breaking the NCAA 60 hurdle record it remained to be seen of McLeod could translate that race to the 110 hurdles. McLeod has blazing speed and could be a top tier 100 sprinter had he not been a hurdler. Without defending champion Devon Allen in the race McLeod was thought to not have a real challenge. However senior Johnathan Cabral of Oregon gave the fans and his teammates something to smile about. At the gun McLeod got out of the blocks quickly hitting the first hurdle hard. Cabral was able to keep up with McLeod until late in the race around the 7th hurdle were McLeod asserted himself and took the lead win with a wind-aided time of 13.01.

For senior Kyle Stigler of Kansas this was his last opportunity to win the NCAA title. Stigler been the runner-up at this meet twice. This year he has been the odds on favorite from the start. At the beginning of the race Stigler seemed to be not bothered by the wind and went out early attacking the hurdles. He was able to hold off fellow senior Jordan Andrade of Boise State with a winning time of 48.84 and the only hurdler under 49 seconds.


DISTANCE

The distance events were as expected heavy crowd pleasers. Host Oregon was loaded in the distance events with plenty of points available. But, in the shortest distance event the 800 the Ducks didn't have anyone available to pick up points. This was a prime opportunity for Florida to pick up valuable points.

Similar to that of the 400 the headwind was a factor on the times ran. Defending champion Brandon McBride of Mississippi State who normally leads from the gun changed his tactic and sat back. The result was disastrous, McBride finished 6th. Andres Arroyo of Florida never seemed to establish himself in the race and fell to the back of the pack were he remained finishing 8th earning 1 point for the Gators who were hoping for more. Edward Kemboi of Iowa State proved to be the top tactician in the race winning in a slow 1:49.26.

The 1,500 featured NCAA leader Chad  Noelle of Oklahoma State. Noelle a senior is the next in line to represent distance power Oklahoma State. Noelle ran a great race against crowd favorite, freshman Blake Haney of Oregon and Zach Perkins. Noelle claimed the title running a smart race winning in a time of 3:54.96, also a slower time than expected.

The story in the 3,000 meter steeplechase was could Arkansas senior Stanley Kebenei avenge himself after last season. Kebenei fell over the last hurdle at the last year's meet resulting in a 2nd place finish when he is great position to seize the lead and win. The two time defending champion in this event Anthony Rotich of UTEP also wanted to prove that he was capable of beating Kebenei at his best. After a race were several athletes stumbled over the water jump Rotich and Kebenei put on a show on the last lap. Coming off that faithful final jump Rotich had a slight lead with Kebeni charging. Rotich however asserted himself and validated his dominance in the event by out sprinting Kebenei to the finish to win a time of 8:33.90.

The 5,000 and 10,000 meter races were events were Edward Cheserek of Oregon could extend his dominance over the NCAA even further. Cheserek and his teammate Eric Jenkins were rumored to be at odds after Cheserek stated he let his teammate win during the indoor championships. They however finished 1st and 2nd in both races and embraced each other at the completion of the 5,000. In each race Cheserek was able to showcase his devastating kick out sprinting Jenkins to the finish in times of 13:48.67 and 28:58.92.


FIELD EVENTS

Marquis Dendy of Florida maybe perhaps the greatest collegiate jumper ever. Dendy entered the meet as the favorite to win the men's long jump and triple jump. Dendy is the defending champion in both events and trying to complete a feat only matched by Mike Conley by winning both long jump and triple jump back to back. He made early noise in the men's long jump by leaping 27'8 early on. Although his mark was wind-aided it remained the leader throughout the rounds and Jarrion Lawson of Arkansas drew close but was unable to surpass the mark. In the triple jump Dendy led from his first mark on with outstanding leap of 57-5. He performed so well throughout the competition that four of his jumps were better than the best jump of the runner up. On his final attempt he leaped to 58-1.75, although slightly wind-aided it still is a school record and one of the best jumps ever.

Shawn Barber of Akron has dominated the pole vault all year long. However early in the competition Barber had some trouble surpassing 17-8.50. This is shocking since he has jumped over 19 feet and been solid all year long. On his third and final attempt he made it over. He kept going until he surpassed 18-4.50 were he make his final clearance and win the event. Barber missed all three attempts to clear 18-10.25.

*WINNERS

High Jump- Jacorrian Duffield Texas Tech 7-5.75
Decathlon- Maicel Uibo Georgia 8,356
Shot Put- Johnathan Jones Buffalo 68-2.25
Hammer Throw- Connor McCullough USC 252-4
Discus Throw- Sam Mattis Penn 205-0

Team Battle Oregon 85 Points claims the event title over Florida. Oregon has now dominated back to back outdoor titles. There are quite a few heavy hitters graduating but a lot of talent returning. Early season favorite looks like Florida but if this meet tells us anything Oregon always finds away and steps up at the Championship meets. This was a great season. Next year is an Olympic year and that generally means record breaking performances at every level. I expect 2016 to be a great year.

NCAA Men's Preview



Picking up were we left off yesterday in previewing this week's NCAA Championship this post will focus on the men in this weeks competition. This has been an outstanding year for the men in every aspect of track and field. There is a great chance that a few NCAA records might fall. The men's team battle is also expected to come down to the wire in the men's 4x400 relay.



SPRINTS

The 100 meter dash has never had this many entries with personal bests of sub 10 second performances. It is practically a requirement in order for you to win this race you will have to run a sub 10 second race barring weather.

Trayvon Bromell of Baylor has been at the top of this event since leaving high school in 2013. Bromell won this event in 2014 as a freshman running a 9.97. This year he has gone under 10 seconds more than once but has been aided by the wind. With sunny conditions expected it is possible that he may challenge the NCAA record of 9.89.

The list of challengers is very long. None more challenging than Andre De Grasse of USC and Tevin Hester of Clemson. Both sprints have ran a wind-aided 9.87. Hester's 9.87 was barely wind-aided and has the best chance to challenge Bromell. Also Clayton Vaughan of UT-Arlington has a legal best of 9.93 set earlier this season and could be a spoiler.

Dedric Dukes of Florida has been the dominant name outdoors in the 200 meter dash. He is the only athlete in the field with a personal best under 20 seconds and already has a sub 20 second performance this season running a 19.99 at the SEC Outdoor Championships. Trayvon Bromell has given more focus to the 200 meters this season, even winning the NCAA Indoor title with a time of 20.19 one of the fastest indoor times in history. De Grasse also is a threat after running 20.03 at the Pac 12 Championship.

The 400 has been dominated by Deon Leondore of Texas  A&M. Lendore has had his share of injuries over the years and this year included. Like his female teammates  Lendore is rounding into shape at the right time. He shares the nation's best time with his LSU rival senior Vernon Norwood with seasonal bests of 44.4. Lendore has gotten the best of Norwood this outdoor season and will look to defend his national title his and go out with a bang his senior year. Najee Glass is the lone Florida Gator in the race after Arman Hall failed to qualify has a season's best 44.79 and will need to lower it in order to claim the title for himself. All three a huge in term's of points for their teams title hopes.


HURDLES

In the 110 high hurdles it is Arkansas's Omar McLeod and everybody else. McLeod is the most talented sophomore hurdler in NCAA history. He broke a long standing indoor 60 meter hurdle record earlier this season. It remains to be seen if he can break the great Renaldo Nehemiah's record of 13.00 in the 110 high hurdles. He has run a personal best 13.21 this season and has not been challenged by anyone. Without defending champion Devon Allen of Oregon in the race due to injury during football season, McLeod will have to run the race of the century without any competition. He has already proven that he can.

For senior Michael Stigler winning the 400 meter hurdles is long overdue. Stigler has been a big name in the event since his freshman year. He has been runner's up in the event twice already. His seasons best of 48.44 is one of the fastest times in the event in a while, he has nearly a second on his closes competitor. Everything has aligned perfectly for Stigler to go out on top.


DISTANCE

In the 800 it has not been clear sailing for defending champion Brandon  McBride of Mississippi State. There has been plenty of challenge along the way and unfortunate taste of losing early this season, most recent at the SEC Outdoor Championships were he we lost to LSU junior Julian Parker. It will likely require a personal best to defend his title and fend off top ranked Brandon Kidder of Penn State and Shaquille Walker of BYU.

The 1,500 has been led by Chad Noelle of Oklahoma State all season. Oklahoma State has produced many great distance runners over the years and NCAA Champions in this event. Noelle seems poised to be the next in line in this event. Noelle was a favorite to win this event last season but was unable to meet expectations due to injury. Robby Crease of Penn State and true freshman of host Oregon Blake Haney should provide strong competition.

The 3,000 meter steeplechase is an event were Arkansas is looking to add another champion to it's distance trophy case. Arkansas long known for having one of the best distance programs in NCAA history that led to over 30 NCAA titles under John McDonnell's watch. Stanley Kebenei has the season's best time with a mark of 8:23.93. His best time is 10 seconds greater than his closes competitor. Kebenei has been so close to winning the event in 2013 and 2014 finishing 3rd and 2nd respectively. The senior will look to close out his career on a championship note and add 10 team points to the Razorbacks title hopes.

The 5,000 and 10,000 are two huge events for the host Oregon. Oregon long distance star Edward Cheserek came close to winning both events last outdoor season. Winning the 10,000 and finishing 2nd in the 5,000. Both events are grueling and will require a lot of effort on Cheserek's part to win. His performance last season as a freshman proved that he is capable of completing the long distance double.

Each event will provide a stiff challenge. In the 5,000 there is Kemoy Campbell of Arkansas along with his Oregon teammates, Will Geoghegan and Eric Jenkins. In the 10,000 Jason Witt of BYU has been the top guy all season he currently is the only athlete with a sub 28 minute performance in the entire field. Witt maybe Cheserek's toughest competition.


RELAYS

The 4x100 relay got a new leader in Arkansas who ran a time of 38.66 to earn the top time in the Western region and records the year's fastest mark. Texas A&M, LSU, Alabama and USC have also ran under 39 seconds and until the regional meet A&M led the nation with a season best of 38.74. Florida has one this events in back to back years but without Hugh Graham due to injury and a slowed Arman Hall due to injury it is not likely they will repeat.

The 4x400 relay is a hard one to predict. This past indoor season Texas A&M set the NCAA record. However this outdoor season they have yet to run their best athletes against top competition. Florida and LSU have battled it out routinely this season. Florida holds the nation's top time with a mark of 3:01.60 they set defeating LSU at the SEC Outdoor Championships. This mark is impressive since this is not their best group. With everything potentially on the line the big 3 (Florida, A&M and LSU) will likely put on a show.


FIELD EVENTS

Marquis Dendy has continued Florida's great jumping tradition. Dendy put everything together at the NCAA Outdoor championships last season to complete the rare double of winning the long jump and triple jump. His confidence is notably at an all time high. When competition steps up, he goes higher. Dendy is currently ranked number 1 in both events and is a big factor into Florida's team title hopes. Dendy is also capable of setting a NCAA record in either event.

The same can be said about junior Shawn Barber of Akron. It seemed during the indoor season Barber was threatening his own NCAA record every week. He leads the NCAA with a record mark of 19'4.75. Can Barber set another record, it remains to be seen.


HIGH JUMP: Jacorian  Duffield Texas Tech 7-7. Duffield leads a crowded talented group of high jumpers. He has already beaten them all once at the Indoor Championships and should be able to handle them again.

SHOT PUT: Ryan Crouser Texas  69'3.25. Crouser returns as defending champion in this event and leads a solid senior heavy group. Crouser has shown to step up at the major meets and this one should be no different.

DISCUS: Rodney Brown LSU 213'5. Brown has led the way in this event for much of the outdoor season. Brown underachieved at this meet last season and could be looking for redemption and adding key piece to his trophy case.

HAMMER THROW: Conor McCullough USC 248'11. McCullough has been the man to beat all season and will look to add to a great throwing tradition at USC.

JAVELIN THROW: John Ampomah Middle Tennessee State 267'7. Ampomah is the event leader and the only thrower to surpass 80 meters.

DECATHLON: Maicel Uibo Georgia 8,326. Georgia is perhaps the best program at developing multi-event athletes. The Bulldogs currently are ranked number 1 and 2 in the event. Uibo is the defending champion and it will take his best to fend of his teammate Garrett Scantling.


TEAM BATTLE: Florida, Texas A&M and Oregon are in great shape to win the national title. Florida has lost two key athletes who were expected to qualify in Keandre Bates in the long jump and triple jump and Arman Hall in the 400. Add to that they had already lost Hugh Graham due to injury. I think that is too much to overcome for the Gators but their is still great potential for the to win. Oregon brings a very large group to the championship meet and have home field advantage. My pick to win is Oregon but my rooting interest are for the Gators.

NCAA Women's Preview

 



(Oregon)

The big dance is finally here. We have reached NCAA Championship week. This is my favorite time of the year. The meet again is being held at the University of Oregon and should be an exciting meet. This has been one of the best years for women's track and field at every level. With the home team currently ranked number 1 and in great position to win the title expect plenty of fireworks, let's preview.

SPRINTS

In the 100 defending NCAA Champion  Ramona Burchell of Alabama is out. That leaves the battle for 100 meter supremacy between two Oregon Ducks, Jenna  Prandini and Jasmine Todd. Prandini is currently the favorite thanks to her blistering performance at the  Mt Sac Relays clocking in a 10.92. However her teammate Todd has looked every bit as strong. Todd clocking 10.88 at the NCAA West Regional qualifying meet. Although her time was wind-aided it is one of fastest times ran in collegiate history. Todd is more than capable of claiming the 100 meter title.

In the 200 Prandini will have to face off against the only woman who beat her indoors at this distance. Florida's Kyra Jefferson, Jefferson claimed the indoor title with a blazing 22.63. She also lit the track up at the NCAA East Regional with a legal time of 22.26. One of the fastest times in NCAA history. This is Jefferson's only individual event while Prandini will be busy running the 100 and the long jump making the chance a double a difficult one.

The long sprint looked to potentially be a Texas sweep. However fans of track and field now there always injury and error the could always derail any plans. Favorite Courtney Okolo is out. That leaves Texas with Kendall Baisden and Ashley Spencer. Spencer has not yet lived up to the expectations she set while an NCAA Champion at this distance in 2013 for Illinois. Plagued by injury this is still her last opportunity to win another title. Kala Funderbunk of Florida State currently leads all qualifiers with a time of 51.09. With Okolo out this is anyone's race.


HURDLES

The 100 hurdles is headlined by two former Clemson teammates now competing for top tier SEC programs. Kendra Harrison for Kentucky and Bridgette Owens for Florida. Harrison has frequently gotten the better of Owens and currently leads the NCAA with a time of 12.50. Her personal best this season easily places her in amongst the top 5 100 hurdlers in NCAA history. Owens has a season best of 12.73 and has only lost to Harrison this season. Michigan's Cindy Ofili has championship pedigree and a sister who once dominated this event for three seasons 2007-2009. This will be a great race.

In the 400 hurdles Harrison is one of two athletes to have gone under 55 seconds. The other is the NCAA leading defending champion Shamier Little. Little was fast enough to claim the SEC indoor title at the open 400 meters and posses that rare speed that makes elite level hurdlers. Little's NCAA leading time of 54.68 was performed at a rainy SEC Championship meet. With her speed there is the potential that she may run sub 54 and she's only a sophomore.


DISTANCE

The 800 brings the perfect blend of old and new. 2013 NCAA Champion Natoya Goule returns this time at Clemson. After sitting out last season due to transfer rules Goule is ready to reclaim her crown as a senior. Talented freshman Raevyn Rogers of Oregon will have the home crowd behind her pushing her to the line.

The 1,500 will be a battle between Rhianwedd Price of Mississippi State and Shelby Houlihan of Arizona State. Price just ran the top time in the country at the NCAA West Regional meet with a time of 4:10.95. Houlihan's season best of 4:11.06 is not to far off. With Michigan State's  Leach O'Connor focusing on the steeplechase the 1,500 is a two woman race.

O'Connor who is the leader of a solid distance crew at Michigan State that won the 2014 NCAA Cross Country title. O'Connor is the headlining favorite to win the 3,000 meter steeplechase. O'Connor already has individual NCAA Championship pedigree after winning the mile indoors. O'Connor will face off against Colleen Quigley of Florida State who is equally talented. Senior O'Connor is having a dream season and should continue her success to another NCAA title.

The 5,000 and 10,000 are events that Emily Sisson of Providence is capable of winning. The talented senior is currently ranked number 1 in the 10,000 and has the top qualifying mark in the 5,000. Sisson has selected to do the lesser of two evils the 5,000. Sisson will have to out pace NCAA leading Jessica Tonn of Stanford. That leaves the 10,000 to potentially be claimed by Dominique Scott of Arkansas who will look to add 10 team points to the Arkansas Razorbacks chances for a team title.

RELAYS

In the 4x100 relay the top four teams all come from the same conference, the SEC. Texas A&M, Florida, LSU and Kentucky in that order are the best four teams in the NCAA. They are also the only four teams to run sub 43. Texas A&M's leading time of 42.61 shows that the Lady Aggies are rounding into championship form at the right time since they have had a year of consistent injuries. Let's also not count out the deep core of sprinters at USC and the 1-2 punch at Oregon.

The 4x400 relay was expected to be dominated by Texas. With Okolo out that leaves Florida who has been ranked number 1 in the event for two months the opportunity to win the event. USC put up a solid performance at the NCAA West Regional but still sits in the number two position this season. Both may put up sub 3:26 performances in what should be a fantastic event.


FIELD EVENTS

Here are the current leaders in the field events.

LONG JUMP: Quanesha Burks Alabama 22-5.25. Burks is currently the only athlete to have jumped 22 feet this season and is the clear favorite to win the event.

TRIPLE JUMP: Keturah Orji Georgia 46-4.25. Orji a true freshman who has truly lived up to the hype has not been challenged at all this season. Orji currently has a two feet lead over defending champion Ciarra Brewer of Florida. Orji is also ranked high in the long jump as well.

HIGH JUMP: Jeannelle Scheper South Carolina 6-5. Scheper leads a crowded high jump field with a lot of potential for an upset.

POLE VAULT: Sandi Morris Arkansas 15-5.75. Morris leads a three headed monster for Arkansas against Demi Payne of Stephen F. Austin.

SHOT PUT: Tori Bliss LSU 60'8. Senior Tori Bliss is currently the only thrower to surpass 60 feet this season. Her challenger the next big time thrower in the event true freshman Raven Saunders of Southern Illinois.

DISCUS: Shelbi Vaughan Texas A&M 211'8. Vaughan leads the event by 15 feet. She is currently the only thrower over 200 feet and will be huge in terms of team points for the Aggies.

HAMMER THROW: Brooke Pleger Bowling Green 228'9. Pleger a senior is looking to go out on top.

JAVELIN THROW: Irena Sediva Virginia Tech 192'5. Sediva a talented sophomore leads a strong field of great throwers. Included in that field is defending champion Fawn Miller of Florida who is a senior. Miller has not had the outdoor season she had last season but with this being her final meet a Florida uniform look for her to perform her best.

Heptathlon: Erica Bougard  Mississippi State 6,250. Bougard is top ranked athlete in several events from the long jump, high jump and 100 hurdles. With Kendall Williams of Georgia missing a portion of the outdoor season Bougard is primed to win it all.

Team Battle: Oregon, Texas A&M, Florida, Arkansas and USC are all teams with the right pedigree to win the team battle. Oregon has an enormous home field advantage along with a ton of entries. However never count out Pat Henry. I believe the Aggies are rounding into shape at the right time and are ready to avenge what has been an injury plagued season.