2010 Indoor Track & Field Conference Weekend Wrap Up

Saturday, February 28, 2010 — New conference champs in the collegiate track and field. The champions were crowned in the ACC, Big 10, Big 12, Conference USA, MPSF, SEC, WAC, conference championship meets held over the weekend.

The NCAA meet is set up

With so many noteworthy performances it is difficult to know where start. Up until this point in the season not a lot matters, however the conference weekend is where it all begins.

Is this a dynasty in the making? The Lady Aggies of Texas A&M made some serious noise that will echo at the 2010 NCAA Track & Field Championships in two weeks. For the second year in a row, Gabby Mayo went about her business carving up the track, winning the 60m (7.30) and 60m hurdles (8.05) earning high point honors while helping her team to its fourth consecutive team title.

Jessica Beard wrapped up the 400m, while Porscha Lucas continued her dominance in the 200m and both claim titles in their respective events for the third straight year.  It has to be noted that Lucas lead Texas A&M’s 1-2-3 sweep of the top three spots in the women’s 200m.

Then the women’s 4 x 400 relay finished off the meet by winning for a fourth consecutive year.

“Across the board if you look at everything the team did, they really got after it today,” Aggie head coach Pat Henry said. “It’s a tough meet for us to win.  “You can have a really good team and come in here and be third or fourth, but still have a good track team at the next meet. I’m extremely pleased with the overall effort of our team.”

Already the 2009 NCAA champion in the 60-meter hurdles, Ronnie Ash added another title with his win in the 60-meter hurdles, recording a personal best 7.59. The time is the best among collegians this year and ranks fifth this year by an American on any level.  Ash helped the University of Oklahoma men’s track and field team nab the program’s 18th conference title Saturday when it won the 2010 Big 12 Indoor Track and Field Championship

His silence is broken. Charles Clark burst onto the scene, opening up his indoor season with 20.67 winning the ACC 200 meters and registering the top NCAA time as Florida State recorded its’ eighth consecutive, ninth overall, ACC Indoor Championships title. Teammate Kimberly Williams is still on fire, leaping 46-8 1/4 inch winning the triple jump.

On his home court, Lee Emanuel was victorious in the 800, miles and DMR leading New Mexico to a fourth place finish.

Is she college track’s best all-around athlete? Queen Harrison’s record setting day gives her a strong look in the conversation. The Virginia Tech senior ran 7.94, setting a conference meet record and lowering her own school record. But the day was not over as she lowered her own school record in the 400 meters, placing second in 53.06.

The next great Oregon distance runner set the tone in Seattle.  Freshmen Jordan Hasay continues to make her mark, running 4:35.01 a three second personal record to win the women’s mile. That is a new conference meet record and of course an automatic qualifier.

The Oregon women won the MPSF title for the first time in school history with 133 points. Stanford was second with 113 points, followed by Arizona (109) and Arizona State (75).

How the west was won. Lacy Cramer lead BYU’s 1-2-3 sweep in the 800 meter running 2:05.55, ahead of teammates Nachelle Stewart 2:07.06 and Angela Wagner 2:08.90. The BYU men and women emerged victorious at the Mountain West Conference meet in Albuque, N.M.

Not to be overlooked senior Jason Colwick of Rice vaulted a crazy 5.18 meters or 17 feet, setting a Conference USA meet record in Houston and establishing himself as an NCAA title contender.

Day 5 evening quotes, 2009 IAAF World Championships

Bernard Lagat (Tuscon, Ariz.), Men’s 1,500 meters bronze medalist

That was the hardest box ever. This is a box that was happening a little too close to the finish. Normally, when it happens, with 300 meters to go, you can make your way out of it. This one happened at the wrong place, with 150 meters to go. I couldn’t do anything.

Lopez Lomong (Colorado Springs, Colo.), 8th in Men’s 1,500 meters

It’s good, it’s hard and it’s nice. This was a good experience for me. It was fun here, running with the best of the best in the world. It was fantastic. I was right up there. I was caught up in a little situation. I got boxed in a little bit. I’m not going to beat myself up just because I lost today. I’m going to use this for my confidence and get ready to go. I hope for next time it will be a little bit different. I had a great time here in Berlin. I talked to Bernard. I congratulated him. He ran a fantastic race. He was able to bring home a bronze medal.

Leonel Manzano (Austin, Texas), 12th in Men’s 1,500 meters

These guys are the best in the world. I was glad to be in the mix. It was a great race for everybody. You work very hard. You can’t make any mistakes when you are competing at this level. The big goal was to make the world championship team. The next goal was to advance to the finals. Once in the finals, I was going to give it a good go. I tried to give a good go. I gave it my best. The first couple of laps, I tried to get in there. I gave it a good shot. It didn’t happen. I don’t think I’m disappointed. Finishing 12th in the world isn’t that bad. It was a great season and the season is still going on.

Ginnie Powell (Los Angeles, California), 6th in Women’s 100 meter hurdles

The race was very messy. I felt good, especially over the first four hurdles, and then I was trying to press so hard that I was clipping hurdles. I clipped one real bad and that threw me off.

It’s sad that two of America’s top hurdlers couldn’t medal, and especially under Bob Kersee. It’s the first time in a long time that he didn’t get a medal in a major meet.

Anyone on that starting line could have won that race. (One of the girls) was saying that if you make one little mechanical mistake, no matter how fit or strong you are, it’s over.

Dawn Harper (Los Angeles, California), 7th in Women’s 100 meter hurdles

I had a real good start. I hit hurdle 2, and there’s not really much you can do when you hit it. I hit it real hard and I almost fell. It’s hard to regroup when you’re chasing 12.51.

I feel like I let my coach down (Bob Kersee). Ginnie and I were both ready to go. We just didn’t execute our race.

You cannot count out anyone in that race. Everyone there was ready to go.

Casey Malone (Ft. Collins, Colorado), 5th in Men’s discus

This German crowd was really incredible. They were cheering for everybody, and especially for Robert (Harting) the loudest. These folks really know their discus out here.

I felt like my throws got better and better as the competition went on. It’s funny that I kept throwing better and better but I could never throw out of that fifth spot. Technically speaking, my throws got more relaxed towards the end. I wished I had more throws. Maybe I could have gotten fourth, but I wished I could’ve gotten that one big throw.

Ashton Eaton (Eugene, Oregon), Men’s decathlon

Coming into this meet, I knew that Trey (Hardee) and I were the fastest, so I wanted to set the tone early.

I felt good going into the long jump, and was excited about that PR. The shot was tough to manage. It’s going to be a while before I am competitive in that, so I have to manage it. The high jump is something I’m a bit inconsistent with.

The key to the decathlon is consistency. I just have to do my normal stuff.

Trey Hardee (Austin, Texas), Men’s decathlon

I came out like a cannon in the first three events, Point wise, I have to be happy with where I’m at, and I’m looking forward to getting some rest.

I’m looking forward to an exciting second day. These guys are excellent competitors.

Shawn Crawford (Los Angeles), Men s 200 meters, semifinals

I was hoping that would be a sub-20 race. I have to change my race strategy. That strategy right there is for the birds. Trying to run hard from the blocks to the turn is not for me. I think the final is going to be fast. My goal is to run 19.51. I would be very happy with that.

Wallace Spearmon (College Station, Texas), Men s 200 meters, semifinals

It was pretty good. I’ve been trying to go out there and run a little bit harder in each round. But at the same time, I know Usain Bolt is an animal, and I am going to have the best race of my life to beat in the finals. I look forward to my chances and I look forward to tomorrow. I’m going to look for a PR tomorrow and try to get on that medal stand.

Charles Clark (Virginia Beach, Va.), Men s 200 meters, semifinals

My goal was to go out there, run hard and make it to the finals. It’s an honor to be here to represent the USA. I take pride in that.

Allyson, Felix (Santa Clarita, Calif.), Women’s 200 meter, first round

I felt good. I wanted to come out and focus on the start and control the race from there. I want a personal best. I’d love to defend my title here in this stadium. That would definitely be special.

Muna Lee (College Station, Texas), Women’s 200 meter, first round

I ran more in control. I got some sleep. I’m just taking a day at a time. I want to be in control of my race. I don’t want to mess up.

Marshevet Hooker (Pflugerville, Texas), Women’s 200 meter, first round

I felt really good. I worked really hard. I didn’t know if I was going to see anybody. (Running in Lane It was the first time I have ever run in Lane 8. My main goal was not to see anybody. Now I know I can do it. It’s one more thing to add to the resume.

Charonda Williams (Richmond, Calif.), Women’s 200 meter, first round

I have been waiting for this. Now it’s finally here. I just have to run the rounds. My race went pretty well. I was racing just to make it to the next round, which I have accomplished. I ran relaxed and good. I like my start. I was very aggressive there.

Jarred Rome (Chula Vista, Calif.), Men’s Discus

I felt great yesterday. My legs felt great. My technique felt good. Everything felt good. Then today, nothing felt good. I couldn’t even hit one throw. I had high expectations and I don’t even know what happened.

Damu Cherry (Winter Garden, Fla.), Women’s 100 hurdles, semifinals

If I’m supposed to be in the final, I will be there. If not, I gave it my best effort.

Lionel Larry (Compton, California), Men’s 400 meters

It was a lot better than the last time I came to the world championships, when I didn’t finish. I can walk away with some dignity in my head so I can’t be too mad.

LaShawn Merritt (Suffolk, Virginia), Men’s 400 meters

I set it up real good. I had a great race. I wanted to come out today and set the bar. I wanted to set the tone today.

I moved a little bit harder than I did yesterday, and that’s what makes my times drop. I’m the type of person that thrives off adrenaline, considering the crowd is great and the track is great.

I didn’t run as hard as I could have, as I wanted to save a little bit for the final on Friday. People are ready to come and run hard–this is the biggest competition of this year.

I’m expecting a win–it’s not really a time. What it takes to win is what I’m gonna run.

Jeremy Wariner (Waco, Texas), Men’s 400 meters

It was real good.

**Beginning tomorrow, quotes will be posted LIVE to www.usatf.org in the evening sessions, updating periodically throughout the competition.

Day 4 evening quotes, 2009 IAAF World Athletics Championships

Sanya Richards (Austin, Texas), Women’s 400 meters gold medalist

First, it feels so great to finally hear that I am a world champion. It’s an overwhelming experience. I really enjoy to competing here in Berlin. I have only good memories. And now I can say my first title was on the blue track in a world leading time. So, I’m really, really happy.

(Expectations or extra pressure?) I did in the past, that’s what I wanted to shed this year. This year, I was having a really good time. The rounds went exactly as I hoped. Today, I came out and had fun. I was really confident in my race and my race strategy. I enjoyed every step around the track today. I’m just really thrilled to be a world champion. I can’t say I’m glad to have waited this long. I would have loved to win in the Olympics and prior World Championships. I definitely think you to learn things to grow. I’ve been through a lot and I learned a lot. I feel like I’m a much better athlete because of it.

I’m happy it came in 2009 and hopefully this will be the start of a lot more titles to come. I did go out well in the Olympics. I don’t think the first 200 was the reason I lost the Olympic final. Today, my today split was 23.0, almost the same pace as the Olympics. It’s just control.

I’m in much better shape this season. Shericka (Williams) and Antonina (Krivoshapka) went out really fast. I think all of us went 23.0 flat. It was a really fast race. That’s what you expect at a major championship. Everyone is running their best race. I was really comfortable with my strategy. I felt really strong. I worked the curve as best as I could. Once I pulled up on Shericka and made my move, I just hoped I could hold her off.

Debbie Dunn (Norfolk, Va.), 6th in Women’s 400 meters

(On starting in Lane 1): It’s not fun for the 400. But a lot of people would kill to have Lane 1 today. I did and I was very happy to have the chance to run the final. I thought it was a good race. I feel like I should have made a lot more impact. Unfortunately, I didn’t. I wish I had a better lane. I think I would have made an impact. I have to settle for what I did today. I’m very honored and proud to represent the U.S. Next year is going to get even better. I’m looking forward to the years to come. I’m happy for Sanya. We are going to go for the gold in the 4 x 400.

Bershawn Jackson (Champaign, Illinois), Men’s 400 hurdles bronze medalist

I executed a real good race. Those guys went out so hard. I give them the praises–they were the better men.

I wasn’t surprised that it went out as fast as it did.

I’m a warrior and I’m a fighter, and I’ll be back.

Kerron Clement (Gainesville, Florida), Men’s 400 hurdles gold medalist

My plan all along was to defend my title, and there was no way anyone was going to take that away from me. My race plan was to go out fast. I knew that once I went out hard, that no one was going to keep up with me for the last 150, and once I got over the last hurdle, it was mine.

Rachel Yurkovich (Eugene, Oregon), Women’s javelin

I felt pretty good in warmups. I just wasn’t throwing well

It’s kind of hard to get into a groove when the competition’s stopped for a ceremony or races, but that’s no excuse. I tried to go into it with a positive attitude, and on my last throw I had nothing to lose. I tried to be happy and go out there and (do it).

I was just thrilled to have made it this far. I’m happy to be here.

Dawn Harper (Los Angeles), Women’s 100-meter hurdles

It was a good race. It went nice and smooth, exactly how my coach wanted me to do it. It was nice and smooth over the top of the hurdles. I’m exacted about that. It gives me confidence going into tomorrow. (On being assigned lane 1) I appreciated that because Lane 1, Heat 1, No. 1. Can anybody see that?

Damu Cherry (Winter Garden, Fla.), Women’s 100-meter hurdles

It was a good opener. I wanted to work on a little part of my race. I did. It wasn’t great, but it can get better for tomorrow. The false starts were a bit nerve-wracking. But I told myself to stay focused and concentrate on my lane.

Ginnie Powell (Los Angeles), Women’s 100-meter hurdles

It was clean. I hit one hurdle. But it was a good race. I was looking to actually work on my trail leg. I hit a hurdle with it, probably because I slowed up a bit. You can’t do that in the hurdles. But it’s the first round and that’s why I slowed up.

Michelle Perry (Santa Clarita, Calif.), Women’s 100-meter hurdles

I’m injured. I have a torn LCL. I have to have surgery on it. It happened in Monaco.

Charles Clark (Virginia Beach, Virginia), Men’s 200 meters

I thought I was pushing for a third place finish, so I’ll have to wait and see if I make the semi-finals. It’s been a great season so far, so I can’t complain.

Wallace Spearmon, Jr. (College Station, Texas), Men’s 200 meters

The race seemed pretty easy tonight. I didn’t want to expend any more energy than I had to, because I know that in the finals, I’m going to need all of it.

As long as I was in the top two, that’s all that matters, so that I can get one of the preferred lanes.

I did take a peek at the big screen to see where I was at and to make sure no one would sneak up on me. I didn’t want to see anyone come up and pass me.

(on what it’s going to take to beat Usain Bolt)–Run faster! He’s running like he’s from Mars or wherever Flash is from.

Sheena Tosta (San Diego, California), Women’s 400 hurdles

I don’t know what happened. I did what I wanted to do over the first 8 hurdles I tried to go, but I couldn’t go.

Tiffany Williams (Orlando, Florida), Women’s 400 hurdles

Technically, it was a great race. It was much better than my first round. I was thinking about staying relaxed, but I probably got a little too relaxed. But, I did make the final, and that’s all that counts. I’m excited, and very grateful to be in this final. I have a day to rest, and I just have to get that second half of the race down.

I have to attack the critical zone a lot harder. It’s going to take 53-low or 52-high to get a medal.

Lashinda Demus (Palmdale, California), Women’s 400 hurdles

I wanted to run good through the 300m mark, and I did that tonight. I just practiced on my race for the finals. I’m gonna put it together and have a good race.

I’m the underdog–I’m not the Olympic champion

For complete results, quotes and Team USA reports, visit www.usatf.org.

Fans can watch Team USA on national television broadcasts on NBC and Versus, or online via live, daily Webcast at www.universalsports.com. For complete TV listings, visit http://www.usatf.org/events/2009/IAAFWorldOutdoorChampionships/mediaCoverage.asp.

For more information on Team USA at the World Outdoor Championships, visit http://www.usatf.org/events/2009/IAAFWorldOutdoorChampionships/.

About USA Track & Field

USA Track & Field (USATF) is the National Governing Body for track and field, long-distance running and race walking in the United States. USATF encompasses the world’s oldest organized sports, some of the most-watched events of Olympic broadcasts, the #1 high school and junior high school participatory sport and more than 30 million adult runners in the United States.

For more information on USATF, visit www.usatf.org

Day 3 Wrap - U.S. Ready For the World

The Nick Symmonds vs. Khadevis Robinson show unfolded beautifully in the 800m final. Tevon Everett led the pack through the first 400m in 51 seconds. As usual, Symmonds began his signature kick from fourth to first at 600m. Symmonds and Robinson were neck and neck over the last 100m, but Symmonds had the home turf advantage and the roar of the crowd to pull him past the line first in 1:45.86.

Two young stars, Geena Gall and Phoebe Wright, trailed three-time Olympian Hazel Clark in the women’s 800m. Clark led from the gun through a 59.43 first lap. She struggled some on lap 2, but pulled ahead to win it in 2:00.79.

Jenny Barringer and Anna Willard expectantly went 1-2 in the 3000m steeplechase. Willard has raced a lot over the past few days as she also competed in the 1500m, so she did not quite have enough left to challenge Barringer. She did, however, have a good race with Bridget Franek and Lindsey Anderson.

Barringer went to the lead and stayed there. She cruised along with Anderson and Willard close behind.

“It was really windy out there so I wanted to take command of the race from the beginning,” Barringer said.

The breeze was no problem for Willard because she had Franek and Anderson with her. With about 1200m left in the race, Barringer surged ahead to open a 30-meter gap. Franek made her move to second on the next lap and dropped Anderson. Then it was a battle for 2nd place as Willard went with Franek. Willard beat her to the line about 6 seconds behind Barringer.

Shawn Crawford ran a fast 19.73 in the 200m. He had a good start among the talented field. He dominated the race with Charles Clark behind him in 20.00 and Wallace Spearmon in 20.03.

“It was pretty controlled,” Crawford said. “I’ve been practicing driving through the first 120 and letting my body carry me the rest of the way.”

After winning the semifinals, Allyson Felix also started well in the women’s race to win her fifth national title in 22.02, followed by Muna Lee and Marshavet Hooker.

“What I wanted to do was just really focus on the start, and just work on driving out,” Felix said.

The 1500m was an exciting race. Leonel Manzano, Lopez Lomong and Will Leer led the first 800m, but then Stephen Pifer sprinted to the front. He could not hold the pace as he was passed by Lomong, Manzano and Leer. Lomong moved in front of Manzano with 200m to go, and Dorian Ulrey kicked for a surprising 3rd place. Ulrey came into the race as one of the underdogs and was elated with his race. Cloud nine is not the limit for Ulrey. He said he was on cloud 10.5 after this accomplishment.

In the 100m hurdles, Dawn Harper won her first national title and ran 12.36. Virginia Powell and Damu Cherry were close behind.

Bershawn Jackson ran the fastest time in the world this year in the men’s 400m hurdles, 48.03 seconds. Johnny Dutch was surprised by his 2nd place finish, ahead of Olympic gold medalist Angelo Taylor.

“I looked over to my left and noticed I was 2nd or 3rd and thought ‘oh I made the team!’” Dutch said.

Taylor seemed disappointed not to win, but said he was glad to be on the team. Jackson agrees that the main goal is Berlin.

“Once you make the team, everything will take care of itself,” Jackson said. “We have the greatest hurdlers in the world.”

Day 4 NCAA Quotes

Provid2009 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships
John McDonnell Field - June 10-13, 2009
Fayetteville, Ark.

Day 2 – Thursday, June 11, 2009

Ngonidzashe Makusha, Florida State, Men’s Long Jump
“It’s a blessing just to be here after tearing my quad earlier in the season. I can’t thank my coaches enough for getting me here. It’s been a crazy ride, but we won it. Just to be sitting in the position again. It’s a blessing”

Kimberly Williams, Florida State, Women’s Long Jump
“It was nerve-racking after fouling on my first two attempts I went into that last jump with a clear mind. The thought of fouling again never really entered my head. I just knew I had to go out there and do what I’m capable of.”

Mariam Kevkhishvili, Florida, Women’s Shot Put
“Last year was great, but to come back to the NCAAs and repeat as national champion is greater than anything I could’ve imagined. It was great.”

Ryan Whiting, Arizona State, Men’s Shot Put
“It feels good to win my first outdoor crown. I had two indoor titles coming into this meet and really wanted that first outdoor. From here I’m just going to keep at it and hopefully end up in Berlin vying for a world championship.”

NOTE: Whiting is the 12th male student-athlete in NCAA history to win both the indoor and outdoor shot put titles in the same year.

Ashton Eaton, Oregon, Men’s Decathlon
“Coming into the day I felt pretty good. I was upset with the way I performed in the pole vault, I know I’m better than that. I tried to channel some of that frustration into the 1500. [Mateo] Sossah is a great runner, and he was close in the standings going into that final event so I knew I had to dig deep.”

Danette Doetzel, Providence, Women’s 10,000 meters
“I’ve been training really hard, and I knew I was in shape coming in. I was looking forward to this race, but really tried to take it easy early on. The pace came back to me in the last two kilometers or so, and I just took over and was able to hang on.”

Galen Rupp, Oregon, Men’s 10,000 meters
“We all tried to stay upbeat with the weather situations and all, and I knew this was going to be a tough race. It was obvious that [Chelanga and Forrest] wanted to set an honest pace, but I held on and knew just what I had to do and the right time to do it.”

Day 3 – Friday, June 12, 2009

Brianne Theisen, Oregon, Women’s Heptathlon
“I had two bad throws in the javelin, and knew if I was going to pull this thing off I needed to improve. As soon as it came out of my hand on that third throw I knew it was a good one, and it was like a weight was off my shoulders. I knew that if I was leading going into the 800 I would be in great shape.”

Stevi Large, Akron, Women’s Hammer
“I had a big throw on my first throw, and I didn’t really know whether or not it would hold up. It was a downer to wait out the rain delay, and I wasn’t feeling as great when we came back out. Watching those last few throws was scary, and I’m just glad my mark held up.”

Marcel Lomnicky, Virginia Tech, Men’s Hammer
“I’m happy with the win, but I think I could have thrown a little better. Coming in, I knew what I wanted to throw and I didn’t meet that expectation. I’ll continue to work and get back at it again next season.”

Jason Colwick, Rice, Men’s Pole Vault
“Today was amazing. The weather was perfect, and I wanted to try to come out and defend my indoor title. I didn’t do very well at conference, but regionals went well and today went really well. It feels great.”

Destinee Hooker, Texas, Women’s High Jump
“I can sum it up by just saying ‘it’s a blessing.’ It’s a blessing to come out here and compete, but to win my fourth title it truly is a great feeling to have. I think I got a good rest after redshirting last year, and was ready to come off that strong.”

Rachel Yurkovich, Oregon, Women’s Javelin
“I wanted it really bad, and I wasn’t going to be satisfied with that first throw. I don’t really know where those distances came from, they were huge PRs. Right time to peak, I guess.”

Kylie Hutson, Indiana State, Women’s Pole Vault
“The rain delay kind of scared us all, no one knew what to expect. When I finally got on the runway I had to keep telling myself to be big and keep my shoulders back. I couldn’t let any nerves or frustrations keep me from being my best so I had to talk my way through it.”

Scott Sellers, Kansas State, Men’s High Jump
“It’s been an up and down year for me performance-wise, but to sweep both the indoor and outdoor is awesome. I would’ve liked to have jumped a little higher, but I can’t complain with a national championship.”

Chris Hill, Georgia, Men’s Javelin
“I’ve been hurt, and wasn’t really the favorite I don’t think coming into the competition. It’s nice to just be able to go out and compete without having that bulls eye on your back. The whole family showed up to watch me, so it was really special to be able to win this in front of all of them..”

Texas A&M, Women’s 4×100-meter relay
(Gabby Mayo, anchor) “I had no idea how fast it was. We knew we wanted to break a record, and we did it. We’re so happy with that—so happy. Two more races to go, but this one feels really good.”

Florida, Men’s 4×100-meter Relay
(Jeremy Hall, anchor) “I saw Texas A&M out of the corner of my eye when I got the baton, so my immediate goal was to hold them off. Once it was in my hands, I had my eyes set on the finish line and that national championship. We knew we were capable of this when the season started, and it great to see all that hard work pay off.”

Jennifer Barringer, Colorado, Women’s Steeplechase
“This was an exciting win. I’m happy to have it behind me. It’s tough to come in and be a heavy favorite. I just had to keep my mind right and go out there and take care of business. It felt great.”

Kyle Perry, BYU, Men’s Steeplechase
“I knew if everything went right I could win it. I didn’t think I would go sub-8:30 after finishing fourth at the regional. I fought through some injuries earlier in the outdoor season, and faced some days where this didn’t seem possible. But I’m here.”

Alexandria Anderson, Texas, Women’s 100 meters
“I didn’t start as well as I wanted to. After the first 10 meters I was where I wanted to be and was able to move up. It feels great to finally get an individual national championship. All the seniors come out here knowing they have one last shot, so it’s now or never.”

Trindon Holliday, LSU, Men’s 100 meters
“I didn’t get the start I wanted, but I pulled even at about 50 meters and was able to keep accelerating. I’ve been second and third in this event in the past, so I really wanted to come out and have a good showing in my final outdoor meet. Let’s try to do it again indoors.”

Nicole Leach, UCLA, Women’s 400-meter hurdles
“The time wasn’t exactly where I wanted it to be, but a win is a win. It felt like any other race. It never really occurred to me that it was for a national title. I just went out and ran my race.”

Jeshua Anderson, Men’s 400-meter hurdles
“It’s been rough since that injury at Mt. Sac (Relays). The hamstring has just started feeling better. I felt like I was pretty much in control the whole way, but it was a tough race. Tougher than last year, but not surprising.”

Angela Bizzarri, Illinois, Women’s 5,000 meters
“The pace was slow at the beginning and I think that really worked in my favor. My original plan was to, no matter where I was, run that last mile under 4:50. I don’t know how well that would have worked out with a quicker pace, but it favored me the way it turned out. National champion—wow.”

Galen Rupp, Oregon, Men’s 5,000 meters
“It was tactical to say the least. I was pretty tired but I knew if I slipped, even one position, that’s two points that could cost us the team title. I wanted to make sure I held up my end for the team.”

NOTE: Galen Rupp is the first NCAA distance runner to ever capture five national titles in a single season (Indoor, Outdoor, Cross Country)

Day 4 – Saturday, June 13, 2009

Martin Maric, California, Men’s Discus
“I wasn’t really happy with any of my throws in the final until that last one, but my preliminary stuff was awesome. I’m glad to have the national championship, but I really need to find some consistency with my throws. But if that’s all I have to be concerned with I think I’m in good shape.”

D’Andra Carter, Texas Tech, Women’s Discus
“I tried not to get too bogged down with the fact that this was a national championship event. When everything was culminating at the end and I knew I had a shot to win, it all came to me at once. I had to stay composed and let it fly. It feels so great to finally be a national champion.”

Will Claye, Oklahoma, Men’s Triple Jump
“It’s a blessing to even be here. I can’t explain the feeling. To go out and get that 56 (feet) felt great. At that point I knew I had a great shot to win it, it was just a matter of hoping, praying and waiting.”

Kimberly Williams, Florida State, Women’s Triple Jump
“It was a pretty tough weekend. This was the first time I’ve jumped all four days (with the long jump) and I took all of my jumps in each round, so today I just had to refocus and concentrate. I had to adjust for the wind so that my steps were right, but I’m very happy with this win.”

Joanna Atkins, Auburn, Women’s 400 meters
“I was nervous about having to do it from lane eight. I had to stay calm and relaxed and just run the way I know I’m capable of. That was a tough lane draw, and you hear people say that’s it’s hard to win it from out there. It’s possible.”

Jonathan Borlee, Florida State, Men’s 400 meters
“That was a great race for me to run a PR and win the race, so I’m happy with that. Running with (brother) Kevin is great for us because we can push each other in practice and keep getting better.”

Geena Gall, Michigan, Women’s 800 meters
“I wanted to wait and see what was going to happen with the pack. The leaders went out fast like I thought they would, and I think it was favorable for me. I have a national championship and a PR so I’m happy with it.”

Andrew Wheating, Oregon, Men’s 800 meters
“I had to work for that one. The last 300 meters were tough, and I had to kind of grit it out. We got the 10 points, that’s all that really matters.”

Porscha Lucas, Texas A&M, Women’s 200 meters
“Coach has just been telling us to do what we do. After we picked up eight points in the 400, I knew I needed to hold up my end and come out and win this to keep us in the hunt.” I did what I could—I gave it everything I had.”

Charles Clark, Florida State, Men’s 200 meters
“I knew I had to get out quick, because my last 100 or so hasn’t been great. I got out of the blocks well and knew as soon as we turned the corner that I had the best shot to bring it home. I guess it was with about 20 meter to go that I knew I had it.”

Tiffany Ofili, Michigan, Women’s 100-meter hurdles
“Yesterday didn’t go the way I wanted to at all, but I did what I had to do to get into the final. Today was a new day and I knew if I kept my composure and ran the way I knew I could I would be fine.”

Ronnie Ashe, Bethune Cookman, Men’s 110-meter hurdles
“I knew Jason [Richardson] was going to come out hard. I think he may have slipped out of the blocks a little bit, and that was the only window I needed. It feels good to defend my indoor title against a field like this. I knew I had to bring my A-game, and I did.”

Susan Kuijken, Florida State, Women’s 1,500 meters
“That last 300 was crazy. I started to open it up and looked back and realized everyone else was coming. It seemed a little early, but I felt good and turned it on. This is awesome.”

German Fernandez, Oklahoma State, Men’s 1,500 meters
“The conditions weren’t great, I thought it was little humid when the race started. I wanted to be sure and set and set and honest pace, though. It turned out to be a great race and a great finish. I was just thinking ‘you’re almost there, don’t quit now’ down the front stretch, and I was able to hold off the field. Wow, great race.”

Texas, Women’s 4×400-meter relay
(Chantel Malone, anchor) “Coach told me this morning that I was going to anchor. We are a young team, but being a sophomore I felt like I had the experience to get it done. I got the baton with about a seven-meter lead, and knew that if I could hang on, we’d be national champions. Age doesn’t really matter as much as experience in this race. We are young, but experienced, and I think we showed that.”

Charles Clark, Florida State, Men’s 4×400-meter relay
(Charles Clark) “We knew we had to win it to have a shot at the team title. Everything else was going to take care of itself, but we absolutely had to win it. We won it, but credit (Texas) A&M for coming up big as well. I think we’re all happy with this title, though.”

2009 D-1 Outdoor Track & Field Championships Coverage

About the meet

PreRaceJitters will provide coverage from the 2009 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships hosted by the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. The final two days will be aired on television. Check out the meet’s official website.

2009 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships: Live Results

Performance Lists: Men’s | Women’s

Live television coverage:
• Friday, June 12, 7:00PM ET, CBS College Sports
• Saturday, June 13, 1:00PM ET, CBS Sports

Meet Review and Results:

Instant AnalysisGet the round up of all of the Day 1 action. The daily wrap up upon conclusion of meet.

Results Check out the complete results from the 2009 Track & Field Championships.

Videos:

NCAA Videos The PRJ videos from the 2009 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships.

Check out video interviews from Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Photos:

2009 NCAA Track Championships

Photos

Live Updates:

Twitter Follow our live updates from the Adidas Track Classic on Twitter.

PreRaceJitters’ Fan Page on Facebook Get exclusive information on PreRaceJitters’ Fan Page on Facebook.

Track Meet Podcasts:

Charles Clark The PRJ Podcast catches up with one of colleges most entertaining figures on and off the track.

Jenny Barringer The PRJ Podcast sits down with one of college track and field’s most indeliable figures.

Elizabeth Patterson The PRJ Podcast sits down with the Arizona high jumper.

Calvin Smith Press Conference with Jennifer Stuczynski, Maurice Greene and Allyson Felix.

Porscha Lucas The PRJ Podcast sits down with the Arizona high jumper.

Geena Gall The 2008 NCAA Outdoor 800m champions talks with the PRJ Podcast.

Post-Race Podcasts:

Coming Soon! Coming soon!

Coming Soon! Coming soon!

PRJ’s Podcast #32 with Charles Clark of Florida State

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

He is one of the sport’s most entertaining figures both on and off of the track. Charles Clark is a man who doesn’t know any names, the Florida State junior does not pay attention to the competition as he is focused on his own performances.

Clark boasts a a personal record of 20.02 seconds in the 200 meters and in this exclusive one-on-one interview, he discusses how the 2008 season has affected this season, his race preparation, and his love for the sport.