2007 WVIAC Track Championships Preview

2007 WVIAC TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS PREVIEW
UC's Peterson, Douglas among favorites

Tradition-rich powers West Virginia Wesleyan and Wheeling Jesuit look to be atop the standings when the WVIAC Track & Field Championships open Thursday at Wheeling Jesuit University.  The Wesleyan men have won the past three seasons, while the Bobcat women's team is shooting for their 15th crown in the past 17 seasons.  However, host Wheeling Jesuit could be in position to claim both titles by the end of competition on Friday.

The Wesleyan men are led by sprinter Rico Greenhowe and throwing specialist Tyler Blatchley.  Greenhowe has already qualified for the NCAA's in the 400 meter sprints, while Blatchley ranks among the favorites in three throwing events.  Distance runner Eric Cooper and sprinter Ricky Kump are other keys for WVWC.

2006 meet MVP Aaron Rosier paces the Wheeling Jesuit effort.  The Cards also expect plenty of points to come from sprinter Daniel Greaves and thrower/jumper Mike Estes.  Sprinters Jason Forrester and Andre Wolcott also should aid the WJU cause. 

Wesleyan needs big efforts from distance runners Amanda Griffith and Brenna Hagerty to retain their women's title.  Other key Bobcats include middle distance runner Allison Teter and multi-event athlete Katie Schubert.

Kayla Johnson of Wheeling Jesuit is a heavy favorite to repeat as the women's meet MVP.  Johnson enters the event as the WVIAC's top ranked runner in the 100, 200, and 400 meter events.  Thrower Erin Lines was the regional field athlete of the year during the indoor season.  Sprinter Brianna Clark and middle distance runner Erika Rucker will also be counted in the scoring column for WJU.

Concord could be in the thick of the men's battle and will be solid on the women's side.  WVIAC heptathlon champion Karachi Mbagwu is crucial to the Lady Lions' chances.  Mountain Lion distance runner Scott Grose should rank among contenders for Rookie of the Year.

Glenville State has emerged as a contender in the women's race.  Two-sport standout Camai Roberson, an All-WVIAC volleyball selection, will tally points for GSC in the sprints and jumps.  Erica Williams also should be a factor for the Pioneers.

Other top male athletes in the event include: West Liberty's Jermaine Nevels (jumper), Charleston's Kevoy Douglas (sprints), Glenville State's Troy Cloud (sprints), and West Virginia State's Brandon Truesdale (jumper/sprinter).

Charleston sprinter Joy Peterson should also rank among the meet's top scorers. 

Seton Hill athletes will compete as individuals and be eligible for all awards, but the Griffins will not be eligible for the team championship. 

Updated results can be found on the WVIAC Online and on the WVIAC blog.  A complete schedule of events follows:

WVIAC Men's Track & Field Honor Roll

WVIAC Women's Track & Field Honor Roll

WVIAC Track & Field Championship
Wheeling Jesuit University
April 26-27, 2007

Thursday, April 26
12:30 Scratches Due
Implement Weigh-ins
1:00 Coaches Meeting
Field Events
1:30 (M/W) Javelin
2:30 (W) Hammer (W) High Jump (M) Pole Vault
3:00 (W) Long Jump
3:30 (M) Discus
3:45 (W) Pole Vault
4:00 (W) Shot Put (M) Long Jump
Track Events
4:00 (W) 400m - Finals
4:15 (M) 400m - Finals
4:30 (W) 100m - Trials
4:30 (M) 100m - Trials
4:50 (W) Steeplechase
5:05 (M) Steeplechase
5:20 (W) 100HH - Trials
5:30 (M) 110HH - Trials
5:40 (W) 10000m
6:25 (W) 200m - Trials
6:40 (M) 200m - Trials
6:55 (M) 10000m

Friday, April 27
Field Events
9:00 (W) Triple Jump (M) High Jump (W) Discus
10:15 (M) Shot Put (M) Triple Jump
11:30 (M) Hammer
Track Events
10:00 (W) 5000m
10:30 (W) 4x100
10:35 (M) 4x100
10:40 (W) 1500
10:55 (M) 1500
11:05 BREAK
11:25 (W) 100HH - Finals
11:30 (M) 110HH - Finals
11:40 (W) 100m - Finals
11:45 (M) 100m - Finals
11:55 (W) 800m
12:05 (M) 800m
12:15 (W) 400H
12:25 (M) 400H
12:35 BREAK
12:50 (W) 200m - Finals
12:55 (M) 200m - Finals
1:00 (W) 3000m
1:15 (M) 5000m
1:30 (W) 4x400
1:40 (M) 4x400
2:15 AWARDS