|
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas track and field finished seventh with 22 points and five All-America honors at the NCAA Indoor Championships, held in Fayetteville, Ark. this weekend.
Despite the lowest indoor team finish since 1981 (tied for 11th), head coach John McDonnell was pleased with the efforts his six athletes put forth.
“I am pleased; we just didn’t have the numbers,” head coach John McDonnell said. “If the disqualification didn’t happen in the mile, I don’t know what would have happened. But I am very happy. I think we got what we could.”
Wisconsin won the team title with 40 points anchored by Chris Solinsky’s efforts in the 3,000 meters and 5,000 meters. Florida State finished second with 35 points and the Texas Longhorns rounded out the top three with 34 points.
Wisconsin’s 40 points is the lowest winning point total since the 2001 NCAA Championships when the LSU Tigers won with 34 points. The 2007 season marks the first time a SEC or Big 12 school has not won either a men’s or women’s team title in the same indoor season with the current conference alignment.
Despite Arkansas’ five All-America honors and three top five individual finishes, the event marks the first time since the 2001 indoor championships that a Razorback has not won an individual title.
Nkosinza Balumbu improved his fifth-place finish from a year ago with a jump of 53-1.5, good for a third-place finish and the second All-America honor of his career.
“I’m not disappointed in (Nkosinza Balumbu),” McDonnell said. “That was a good performance. He could have won it but he took third and that’s good. His first jump is always the best. He’s not coming through in the later jumps like he needs to do to be a great jumper. But he’s young. He will.”
His mark, coming on his third attempt, is a season best but wasn’t enough for the title win he was hoping for.
“Of course I am disappointed,” Balumbu said. “The only positive is that I got through the season and I overcame my (hamstring) injury (from the end of the 2006 outdoor season). I feel like I am at 100 percent and that’s a positive heading into outdoor season.”
Event winner Andre Black of Louisville marked a leap of 53-5.5 on his fifth attempt. After Black passed him in the standings, Balumbu’s last chance at the title fell short with a jump of 52-0.
“I was never happy with my leading mark,” Balumbu said. “I knew I had to go further. It was too close. I left too many people close to me. I should have put a big one out there when I had the chance.”
After a stunning 5,000-meter race on Friday night, Peter Kosgei finished eighth in the 3,000 meters with a time of 8:03.02.
“I haven’t talked to (Peter Kosgei) yet but I think he was tired,” McDonnell said. “He ran a tough race last night.”
Now a 10-time All-American, Kosgei was happy with his performance considering the race he ran against Solinsky Friday night in the 5K.
“Last night took a lot out of me,” Kosgei said. “(The 5,000 meters) was a tough race so I am happy with my 3,000 meters tonight. I feel good heading into the outdoor season.”
Lopez Lomong of Northern Arizona was the 3,000-meter winner with a time of 7:49.74.
The Razorbacks will open the 2007 outdoor season at the Stanford Invitational, March 30-31. For complete details of the 2007 NCAA Indoor Championships, visit www.ladybacks.com.
2007 NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships – National Champion QUOTES
Egor Agafonov, Kansas, Men’s Weight Throw
“I am really glad I won. It is a very big win and I am so excited to be here. Before yesterday, I was always No. 2 and now I am No. 1 and it feels good.”
“I try as much as I can to be good and I work on my stuff. I work on my goals.”
Sarah Stevens, Arizona State, Women’s Shot Put
“(About being the leader coming in) I was leading coming in but by only about six centimeters. There was not so much pressure but excitement. Even though, I was the leader I was still the underdog coming in because Michelle Carter (Texas, defending national champion) had been here before. I threw a PR today and am really excited for me and my teammate (Jessica Pressley finishing second) because we have a chance to bring home a national championship.”
Patty Sylvester, Georgia, Women’s High Jump
“(On competing with her teammate) I didn’t change my approach any. I try not to consider the competition and I am competitive, but I just think about having fun. In between we push each other though. (On placing 18th last year to 1st this year) I had more confidence and I trained harder this past year.”
Rhonda Watkins, UCLA, Women’s Long Jump
“This was only my second indoor meet ever. I did one meet and qualified but didn’t know if my mark was good enough to get in. I wanted to win coming in and went for it. I gave it my all on my third jump because I had to get into the finals, but I didn’t know it would win.”
Brad Gebauer, McNeese State, Men’s Pole Vault
“This was a tough meet and a lot of guys stepped up and jumped 18 feet. I knew I was second or third through the meet and going to the 18-foot attempt knew I needed to step up and clear it on my first try. All the numbers were in place, I had done it before and I gave a good effort.”
Sally Kipyego, Texas Tech, Women’s 5,000 Meter Run
“It was definitely great. I’m very excited about winning. (On running the fastest collegiate time this year) That was a surprise to me. I didn’t expect to run that fast. The competition was so good that it pushed me to run faster.”
Tone Belt, Louisville, Long Jump
“It felt so good out there today. I am so glad I won because I was a little worried coming into it as No. 1. A lot of times the No. 1 gets upset so I was happy when I busted out that early mark. It made me feel really good and relaxed.”
“I feel really proud to be the first track and field athlete from Louisville to be a National Champion. I am happy to bring this home and hopefully it will help our university to bring better athletes to our school.”
Shantia Moss, Georgia Tech, Women’s 60-Meter Hurdles
“I was focusing. I ran really well in the preliminaries and my PR before today was 8.03. My coach and everybody told me I could run 7.98, and I thought since everybody believed in me I was about to do this thing. The race just came together and after clearing the final hurdle, I knew I had to get to the line. I wanted this so bad, and I am very happy and excited.”
Jeff Porter, Michigan, Men’s 60-Meter Hurdles
“I was so excited! After everything I have been through this year, wow, what a way to go out! It was such a great way to top it off. My senior year, well, there is no better way to finish it all.”
“This is for the University of Michigan, my family in New Jersey, my past, my teammates, and everyone else. This is really for them because they have really helped me to get here.”
Chris Solinsky, Wisconsin, Men’s 5,000 Meter Run
“(On waiting until the last mile to take the lead) It was my strategy to wait. I didn’t want to be quite as aggressive in the beginning. The pace was quick and I wanted to run the kick of other guys’ legs. My legs aren’t as strong as I would have liked, but I got the kinks out on the first day and I will be ready tomorrow.”
Kerron Stewart, Auburn, Women’s 200 Meters
“Overall, it was a great race, a great win, and I got a victory. (On Tennessee Courtney Champion’s time in the first heat of 22.92) I wasn’t focusing on that. I just wanted to go out and do my best. I wanted to run faster, but I got a victory and my first individual championship.”
Walter Dix, Florida State, Men’s 200-Meter
“(On the 200-Meter Dash) It’s a great race, but I’m upset that I didn’t go faster. I did well for the margin though. Maybe I can come back next year for another record. (On the 60-Meter Dash tomorrow) I hope to come out straight with the pack and get a clean start. I just want to use my vision and win.”
Brie Felnagle, North Carolina, Anchor Women’s Distance Medley
“(On Tennessee girl with lead) I was a little nervous but I’m more nervous when in the lead. I like to chase someone. I figured I could catch her, but it kept taking a long time. With about 200 meters to go, it came to me and I went with it.”
Russell Brown, Stanford, Anchor Men’s Distance Medley
“It was like a dream for us. It just doesn’t seem real. This is my third time to this meet and in our minds we have come so close so many times. I honestly can’t quite believe it. A DMR victory was all I wanted in college and to have this right now is unbelievable.”
2007 NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships – Day Two, March 10, 2007
National Champion QUOTES
Men’s Team Champion: University of Wisconsin
Women’s Team Champion: Arizona State University
Donovan Kilmartin, Texas, Men’s Heptathlon
“To win this event in three out of the last four years, well I am pretty proud of that. I guess that I didn’t do too bad (smile.) It feels really good and I was happy to do my part for our team.”
Brittany Riley, University of Southern Illinois, Women’s Weight Throw
“Well today was good. I pretty much peaked at the right time. I am pretty happy with it. I always feel the competition around me because anyone can be good on any given day.”
“(on last year compared to this year) Well, last year it was my first NCAA meet, and I kind of choked. This year I knew what I had to do. I will be great to bring this back to school.”
Jacquelyn Johnson, Arizona State, Women’s Pentathlon
“Going into the last event, I knew I had to win by 3.5 seconds and I PRed by four seconds. (On winning last year) The pressure and expectations you’re under are so hard, I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I’m so excited and relieved. The Pickler girls (Julie and Diana, Washington St.) are such great competitors, and they made it fun.”
Noah Bryant, Southern California, Men’s Shot Put
“It was really so exciting. You can’t not be excited to be at the NCAA Championship. In the past I have done well in close places and I always look forward to getting the crowd going. I like to feed off the energy.”
“(on being a surprise champ) I didn’t feel like an underdog coming into it. I know it looked like I came out of no where, but 67 feet is what I expected to throw.”
Leonel Manzano, Texas, Men’s 1 Mile Run
“I felt pressure coming into the event today since I did not perform up to my ability in the events yesterday. I knew I had to get out to the front because the middle of the pack was not a good place to be if you wanted to win. On the last lap I decided to make my push and I felt (Russell Brown) from Stanford make a run on me but I decided that I had worked too hard to lose it at the end.”
Shannon Rowbury, Duke, Women’s Mile Run
“I sort of wanted to be happy with whatever my finish was after the first 800. I tried to stay with the pack, and before the final 400 I knew it was time to go. With 300 left, I made my move, and I tried to keep my pace and not look back. It turned out well.”
Alysia Johnson, California, Women’s 800 Meter Run
“I wanted to go out faster and stay out of the traffic. I figured I would go out fast and whoever wanted to come with me would. I didn’t think I would keep the lead the whole time, but I wanted to make sure I had a strong 200. I decided to run my race and take advantage of my intuition, and it was the right choice.”
Ryan Brown, Washington, Men’s 800 Meter Run
“Obviously it felt good to get to the line first, but I was confident going into the last lap because I felt like I had a good kick for the last 200 meters. When we got to the last 100 meters, there were still a couple of people to pass so I was still a little nervous but fortunately I was able to have just enough to win.”
Donald Thomas, Auburn, Men’s High Jump
“It was really competitive, and I really wanted to get 2.37 but I started cramping in my calf. About three weeks ago, I found a different approach since this I haven’t been having any misses.”
Natasha Richards, South Carolina, Women’s 400 Meter Run
“Oh my gosh! I have been praying all day to do this and I did. I knew God was preparing me for something big and this was definitely it.”
“(on setting the NCAA record) I really tried to focus on my race and yes I knew all season long what the record was. I had a race plan for the win, and I also came out with the record! What a great feeling.”
Ricardo Chambers, Florida State, Men’s 400 Meter Dash
“I really wanted to win because in this event my freshman year, I got bumped and last year I was injured and wasn’t able to compete. I was able to get the break on the others and hang on to win. I know my strength and felt like if I ran like I was supposed to, then I would win. Fortunately, I did.”
Kerron Stewart, Auburn, Women’s 60 Meters
“A win is a win, and I’m really happy but I didn’t start as well as I wanted. I knew the other girls were really good so I just stayed focused and believed in myself.”
Travis Padgett, Clemson, Men’s 60 Meter Dash
“I really felt like I had a good start. I knew I won, well I knew it was close. And then we looked up and saw it on the screen. It was definitely a close race. Sometimes it’s hard to really have a sense of where you are out there, but I know I leaned forward.”
“I came in as the underdog and I feel good about what I did. This year I came to win and I did!”
Elouise Rudy, Montana St., Women’s Pole Vault
“It is all kind of surreal. I knew it was possible and that was totally going to be a mental game. I did what I had to do and what I do everyday. I was certainly blessed today.”
“I can’t wait to tell my teammates. They are not going to believe it. I am excited to bring this title back to Montana.”
Erica McLain, Stanford, Women’s Triple Jump
“Overall, it is a bittersweet victory for me. Obviously I got the finish that I wanted, but I was hoping for a little better mark. My coach and I thought that I could have gotten a little better even though it was an indoor personal record for me by a centimeter. But, I won so you can never be disappointed with a first place finish.”
Sally Kipyego, Texas Tech, Women’s 3,000 Meters
“I didn’t expect to win, but I came in thinking since I won one (5,000 meters) last night if I get a chance I would go for it. I wanted to see how my body was feeling so I stayed back. I saw that I had some so I decided to go for it. (On Shannon Rowbury, Duke, 2nd place) I knew she was really good from the mile, and I saw her on the screen coming behind me and knew I had to pick it up.”
Lopez Lomong, Northern Arizona, Men’s 3,000 Meters
“Coming into race, my coach and I developed a plan that we thought would give me a chance to win the race. Chris (Solinsky) was the two-time defending champion so I knew it would be difficult, but not impossible to beat him. My plan was to stay patient and not to lose the leader. I was watching (Solinsky’s) kick and decided the last 300 meters were mine. I took the lead and was able to hang on.”
Andre Black, Louisville, Men’s Triple Jump
“I really wanted a big jump on my first or second attempt. Instead, I was fourth going into the finals. But, Coach Jacobs calmed me down, and I kept progressing each jump.
This is Louisville first triple jump championship, and it put Louisville on the map in track and field.”
Natasha Hasting, South Carolina, final leg Women’s 4x400 Meter Relay
“(On being behind when taking baton) The main thing was to step up the game. I wouldn’t have been in reach if it wasn’t for my teammates. They did a good job and wherever you give me the stick, I’m going to run.”
Quentin Summers, Baylor, final leg Men’s 4x400 Meter Relay
“I can’t be mad at a first place finish but as a team we were aiming for a world record. But to do that, we were all going to have to run personal bests which we were unable to do. My goal was just to maintain our lead and not die. We wanted to get out to the lead with no traffic so we put J.T. (Scheuerman) out first to get us that lead, and the rest of us were able to maintain it for the victory.”
Greg Kraft, Arizona State Women’s Head Coach – Team Championship Coach
“This championship has been so competitive and so tough. We really have had such a great team effort and a balanced program. We take a lot of pride in ourselves and that helped us get here today.”
“This team just has a core belief in themselves and each other. Jackie Johnson with a lifetime best, and when we sealed the deal in the 3000 meter, it was tremendous. Just really a phenomenal two days.”
Ed Nuttycombe, Wisconsin Men’s Head Coach – Team Championship Coach
“It proves if you coach long enough anyone can win one. We’ve finished in the top 10 and four a few times, and we finally got over the hump. We tried to optimize as many opportunities as we could, and we did that. There was not anybody that didn’t get the job done.”
| 
Know someone else who's interested in running and triathlon?