Nine Ohio track and field athletes head to Columbus this weekend to compete in the first annual running of the 2003 NCAA Regional Track and Field Championships at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium.
The meet will feature 76 men's teams and 77 women's teams ranging from Michigan to Louisiana and will have champions from the Big East, Big 10, Southeastern and Mid-American conferences.
"The Regional concept is the greatest thing to happen to track and field since track and field was invented," Ohio coach Elmore Banton said. "It really gives the Midwest schools a chance, a shot, at getting more kids to Nationals. We had a lot less chance of getting kids to Nationals the old way. We had to run all over the country to try to get good competition to get good. This way you have to go head to head to prove yourself."
The top five placers in each event will automatically qualify for the NCAA National meet.
Among Ohio's top seeds are sprinter/jumper Scott Mayle and hurdler/jumper Foli James. They are seeded ninth and tenth, respectively, in the men's and women's long jump.
Mayle, who has jumped in only two meets this outdoor season, said he has already exceeded his own expectations by earning such a high seed in the Regional meet. Regardless, his goal is to qualify for Nationals.
"I've improved in both of my outdoor meets and I kept improving in my indoor meets," he said. "Hopefully I haven't peaked yet."
James, like Mayle, also said she wants to place in the top five in the long jump, but unlike Mayle, she must divide her attention between two other events — the 100-meter hurdles and the high jump. These events, however, will not overlap like the typical meets she has been running in all season.
"I'm not used to being able to sit down and focus on one event," she said. "Usually I do a lot of events, and I do well, but hopefully, if everything goes well, I'll be able to perform well in each event."
Other Ohio performers include Justin Kempe and Tracy Weitthoff in the 3000 steeplechase, Boone Troyer and Jill Meranda in the pole vault, Jericka Duncan and Melody Royster in the hurdles and Randi Carter in the long jump.
"I'm just hoping they do a good job, go up there, and be representative," Banton said. "They'll be running against some great athletes. I mean, let's not kid ourselves. And if we can just hold on and have a good performance, that's all I want. I know this is impossible, but I hope we go there and everyone has a (personal record)."
Regionals begin at noon today and events resume at noon Saturday and are scheduled to conclude at 11 p.m.
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Kyle Jepson
