Pat Springs and the 49ers will look to defend their 2007 indoor title this weekend |
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Defending Champion 49ers Head to Rhode Island to Compete for 2008 Atlantic 10 Indoor Title
Feb. 14, 2008
Charlotte, N.C. -
The Rhode Island men and Charlotte women's indoor track & field teams will look to defend their respective titles on Saturday, Feb. 16, at the 2008 Atlantic 10 Men's and Women's Indoor Track & Field Championships, to be held at the University of Rhode Island's Mackal Field House. Charlotte fans will have the opportunity to watch the championship on a free live video stream.
On the women's side, Charlotte has claimed A 10 championship crowns in its first two Championships as a member of the Conference. With their most recent title, the team tallied 167 points, clinching the championship by 67 points over second-place. Richmond (110). Rounding out the top five was third-place Rhode Island (86), followed by La Salle (71) and Duquesne (70).
Charlotte looks to continue its regular season success by bringing three A 10 Performers of the Week winners to the 2008 Championship. The 49ers are led by two time POW winner in junior Aja Jackson, who currently possesses the Conference's top times in one mile run (4:56.61) and the 800 meter run (2:10.50). The pre season favorite 49ers will have to hold off five time Conference champion Rhode Island if they are to become the second A 10 team to win three consecutive championships. The only other, Rhode Island (2000 02), is anchored by two of the Conference's top throwers in seniors Sarah Thornton and Jasmine Jennings. Thornton's NCAA Indoor Championships provisional mark of 62 10 ¾ leads the A 10 this season.
On the men's side, Rhode Island looks to defend its title after edging out La Salle at the 2007 Championship, 190 162. Finishing third was defending champion Charlotte (143), followed by Massachusetts (60) and Fordham (51).
Charlotte will rely on top performances from Rookie of the Week selection Korel Mack, distance runners Chase Eckard and Adu Dentamo and sprinter Jason Moore to move into contention for the 2008 title.
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The Rams are led by senior Yudehwheh Gbaa, who was crowned 2007 champion in the triple jump with a leap of 50 ¾ en route to winning Most Outstanding Field Performer. Rhody is seeking its sixth title in the last eight years, but will likely have to again contend with La Salle's standout runners, led by Korey Edwards. Edwards ranks in the top three in the Conference in three different events this season, including the fastest time in the 1,000 meter run (2:27.56).
The high jump kicks off the women's Championship at 9:00am with Charlotte, Dayton, Duquesne, Fordham, La Salle, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Richmond, Saint Joseph's, Saint Louis, Temple and Xavier contending for the title.
The high jump also begins the men's portion of the Championship at 3:15pm with Charlotte, Fordham, La Salle, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Richmond, Saint Joseph's, Saint Louis, Temple and Xavier vying for the Championship.
Complete results will be posted at the end of competition on Saturday.
