Watson qualifies for NCAA Championships
By ANDY TROEGER
Sports Writer
The Irish track and field teams had another impressive weekend as senior Luke Watson qualified for the NCAA Championships in the 3,000 meters at the adidas Indoor Games in Boston and the Irish men's and women's teams defeated Michigan State at the Loftus Sports Complex.
Watson automatically qualified for the NCAAs by finishing 10th with a time of 7:55.78. His qualification becomes more impressive because the strong field included the Olympic champion and professional athletes. Watson finished third among Americans in the meet and third among collegians as well. He will be looking to improve on his third-place finish at the 2002 NCAA Championship.
In addition to Watson's performance in Boston, the men and women combined to win 22 events against Michigan State as the men knocked the Spartans 93-54, while the women won 94-67.
In one of the most impressive performances of the evening, Jaime Volkmer broke her own school record in the pole vault by clearing 3.9 meters. Her time puts her in consideration for the NCAA Championship as well as she made the provisional mark.
"Jaime did a great job," said coach Joe Piane. "Not only did she qualify in the pole vault, but she did very well in the triple jump."
In addition to Volkmer, Tameisha King posted three victories against the Spartans, winning the long jump, 60 meters, and 60-meter hurdles.
Other winners for the women were Emily Loomis in the high jump, Meghan Horn in the shot put, Tiffany Gunn in the 500 meters, Jennifer Handley in the 3,000 meters, Rose Brakel-Pierce in the 400 meters and Kristen Dodd in the 200 meters.
"The women are looking really tough," said Piane.
Led again by Selim Nurudeen, the men claimed a number of victories as well against Michigan State. Nurudeen swept the 60-meter hurdles and 60 meters, while Trevor McClain-Duer took the 500 meters and Godwin Mbagwu won the triple jump.
The men dominated the distance events as well, with Kevin Somok taking the 800 meters, Eric Morrison winning the mile and John Keane taking the 3,000 meters. Ryan Postel won the 400 meters and Jules Vandersarl won the 200 meters.
All Sports Stories for Tuesday, February 4, 2003
