April 29, 2010
ATLANTA – The Georgia Tech men’s and women’s track and field teams are back in action on Saturday, when they host ACC-rival Clemson and Kennesaw State in a tri-dual meet at Griffin Track. Things get underway with the hammer throw at 11:45 a.m.
“After two large multi-day meets in the past two weekends, we’re excited about returning home and competing in a double-dual with Clemson and Kennesaw State,” women’s head coach Alan Drosky said. “Almost all of the action will take place in a 2 1/2 hour schedule. While all three teams will be competing in each race together, the meet is scored as three dual meets: GT v. CL, GT v. KSU, and CL v. KSU.”
Last weekend, several members of the Yellow Jacket men’s and women’s squads participated in the 116th Penn Relays held at Franklin Field in Philadelphia, Pa.
Top finishers on the weekend for the men’s team included the ACC Outdoor Championships field MVP Alphonso Jordan, who finished fourth in the championships division of the triple jump with a mark of 52 feet, 2.5 inches. Meanwhile, fellow senior Omar Morrison also placed fourth in the college division of the triple jump, with a final mark of 48 feet, 10.25 inches.
The men’s team will be dueling on Saturday against two programs that are having successful seasons. Clemson finished fifth at the ACC Outdoor’s two weeks ago, while Kennesaw State won the Atlantic Sun indoor conference championship in February.
“We are looking forward to this Saturday’s competition,” men’s head coach Grover Hinsdale said. “Clemson and Kennesaw State have some outstanding individuals in their programs that will present a great challenge to our team.”
Several athletes also registered some impressive finishes at the Penn Relays on the women’s side, as well.
Sophomore Bianca Stewart had the best performance of the weekend, finishing second in the high jump with a mark of five feet, 7.75 inches. Meanwhile, Jhanelle McLeod placed fourth in the triple jump (40 feet, 0.75 inches) and Mary Kate DuBard finished sixth in the 10,000m championship after crossing the finish line in 35:15.67.
The Tech women also face a stern test in their duals with Clemson and Kennesaw. Two weeks ago, Clemson completed a clean sweep of the ACC Track & Field Championships by wining the outdoor title (the Tigers won the indoor title in February), while Kennesaw finished second at the Atlantic Sun Indoor Championships in February.
“Clemson brings one of the nation’s best women’s teams, dominating the ACC meet just two weeks ago and Kennesaw State brings a very solid team across the board and will challenge us in every event,” said Drosky. “Our women are very excited about lining up in this format against Clemson, and in no way are we taking Kennesaw State lightly. This will be KSU’s last meet before their conference meet and they have already put up a good collection of marks this season,”
“Our goal is to win the meet and either solidify or improve our NCAA East Regional standings in the individual events.”
Fans are reminded that live results will be available on Saturday at www.deltatiming.com. A recap and final results will also be available at RamblinWreck.com once action wraps up on Saturday.
Also, fans looking to looking to attend Saturday’s meet are reminded that Spring St. will be closed from 10th Street to Ponce de Leon Ave. from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday.
