2001 Track and Field Media Guide Table of Contents Quick Facts and Media Information ...... 1 MiddleMiddle TennesseeTennessee Dean Hayes ...... 2 MiddleMiddle TennesseeTennessee Roger Kerr and Thomas Keith ...... 3 Media information Rosters and Schedule ...... 4 Women's Preview ...... 5 BLUE RAIDERS ON THE WEB: The official web site of the Middle Tennessee Athletic Women's Profiles ...... 6-7 Women's Event Records ...... 8 Department and the Blue Raider Athletic Association can be reached at Women's Honor Roll ...... 9 www.GoBlueRaiders.com. All the latest news, rosters, results, schedules, etc. are Men's Preview ...... 10 available at the click of a mouse. Men's Profiles ...... 11-12 Men's Event Records ...... 13 primary Media Men's Honor Roll ...... 14 Women's and Men's All-Americans ...... 15 Print Facilities ...... 16 Associated Press WMOT Radio (89.5 FM) Campus Tour ...... 18 215 Centerview Drive, Suite 110 MTSU Box 3 Academic Enhancement ...... 19 Brentwood, TN 37027 Murfreesboro, TN 37132 Around the "Boro" ...... 20 (615)373-9988 FAX (615)376-0947 (615) 898-2800 Teresa Walker (Staff Writer) WWTN Radio Quick Facts Chattanooga Times-Free Press 107 Music City Circle, Suite 203 University Information 400 E. 11th Street Nashville, TN 37214 Location ...... Murfreesboro, TN Chattanooga, TN 37403 George Plaster (Sports Director) Enrollment ...... 19,121 (423)756-6900 FAX (615) 757-6490 Additional Staff: Willie Daunic, Blake Fulton, Colors ...... Royal Blue and White Sam Woolwine (Sports Editor) Joe Biddle, Nick Hunter, Al Dorsey Kevin Spain (Staff Writer) Nickname ...... Blue Raiders Television Conference ...... Sun Belt Daily News Journal WKRN-TV (Ch. 2) President ...... Dr. Eugene Smith (Interim) P.O. Box 68 441 Murfreesboro Road Athletic Director ...... Boots Donnelly (Interim) Murfreesboro, TN 37130 Nashville, TN 37210 Faculty Representative ...... Race Bergman (615)893-5860,FAX (615)893-4186 (615) 248-7240 FAX (615) 248-7329 Greg Pogue (Sports Editor) John Dwyer (Sports Director) Tony Stinnent (Beat Writer) Additional Staff: John Boruck Team Information Head Coach ...... Dean Hayes Jackson Sun WSMV-TV (Ch. 4) Office Phone ...... 615-898-2450 245 West Lafayette P.O. Box 4 OVC Titles ...... 28 (20 men, 8 women) Jackson, TN 38301 Nashville, TN 37202 Sun Belt Conference Titles ...... 1(women) (901) 427-3333; FAX (901) 423-0345 (615) 353-2231 FAX (615) 353-2343 NCAA All-Americans ...... 28 athletes/58 certificates Dan Morris (Sports Editor) Rudy Kalis (Sports Director) Additional Staff: Craig Williams, The Tennessean Aaron Solomon Media Relations Office 1100 Broadway Media Relations Director ...... Mark Owens Nashville, TN 37202 WTVF-TV (Ch. 5) Assistant Media Relations Director ...... Ryan Simmons (615)259-8000, FAX (615)259-8826 474 J. Robertson Parkway Assistant Media Relations Director ...... Chad R. Wood Bill Bradley (Sports Editor) Nashville, TN 37219 Media Relations Phone ...... 615-898-2968 Chip Cirillo (Beat Writer) (615) 248-5285 FAX (615) 244-9883 Media Relations Fax ...... 615-898-5626 Hope Hines (Sports Director) Sidelines Additional Staff: Mark Howard, Bob Rainey E-Mail ...... [email protected] MTSU Box 42 Web Address ...... GoBlueRaiders.com Murfreesboro, TN 37132 WZTV (Ch. 17) Primary Track and Field Contact ...... Chad Wood (615)898-2815 FAX (615) 904-8487 631 Mainstream Drive Address ...... Athletic Media Relations Student Sports Editor Nashville, TN 37228 MTSU Box 20 (615) 244-1717 FAX (615) 259-3962 Murfreesboro, TN 37132 Radio Skip Baldwin (Sports Director) WGNS Radio (1450 AM) SP021-0100 P.O. Box 1439 A Tennessee Board of Regents Institution Murfreesboro, TN 37130 MTSU is an equal opportunity, non-racially identifiable, educational institution that (615)893-5373 FAX (615)893-1101 does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities.

Mission Statement credits The Middle Tennessee athletic program is its alumni, and the community at large. They give The 2001 Middle Tennessee Track and Field Media committed to quality athletics that bring the students, faculty, and alumni opportunities for in- Guide is a publication of the Media Relations Office. campus community together and promote a novative public service activities that better the This year's guide was written by Chad Wood and Keith sense of pride and tradition in academic and community. And athletics use financial and physi- Cartwright. Design by Chad Wood. The cover was de- athletic excellence. These programs also bring cal resources to maintain and develop sports pro- signed by David Lowery. Photography provided by the university regional and national recogni- grams to accomplish the mission of the univer- MTSU Photographic Services and printing was done tion and provide a link among the university, sity. by Ambrose Printing.

2001 Middle Tennessee Track and Field 1 Dean Hayes A nationally recognized team and one of the most highly The 'DEAN' of Track & Field regarded coaches in the country characterize the award- Personal winning Middle Tennessee track and field program. Birthdate: 12-14-37 Head coach Dean Hayes has gained great respect since Hometown: Morrison, Illinois coming to Middle Tennessee 36 years ago. Family: Wife, Jan; daughters, Erin and Kara His men’s teams dominated the Ohio Valley Conference and the women’s program has duplicated that success since Education Hayes took over the program in 1987. High School: Naperville (IL) Central Overall, Hayes has guided the programs to 28 OVC titles, College: Lake Forest (1959) his first Sun Belt Championship last year, and 16 NCAA Top 25 finishes, while 28 of his athletes have earned 58 All- Head Coach Experience ( College ) American honors, three have become national champions, and Middle Tennessee: 1965 - present a number of them have gone on to compete internationally in the Olympic Games, World University Games and Pan-Ameri- Head Coach Experience ( World ) can Games. There could have been more awards, but Middle Tennessee did not sport a track and field program from 1987 to Goodwill Games: 1998 (New York, New York) 1991. World Championships: 1997 (Athens, Greece) Hayes has garnered 14 OVC coach of the year honors, World Cup: 1994 (London, England) including 10 in a row from 1977 to 1986. He was inducted into Goodwill Games: 1990 (Seattle, Washington) the Blue Raiders Hall of Fame in 1982 and the Tennessee World University Games: 1985 (Kobe, Japan) Sports Hall of Fame in 1994. Following the 1981 season, Hayes was voted the NCAA Outdoor Coach of the Year by the Division The name Dean Hayes has become synony- Assistant Coach Experience ( World ) I Coaches Association, a group he served as president 1982– mous in the world of track and field. Above Olympic Games: 1988 (Seoul, South Korea) he talks with an offical during last year's OVC Championships. World Championships: 1983 (Helsinki, Finland) 83. In his first attempt at a Sun Belt Championship, World University Games: 1981 (Bucharest, Romania) Because of Hayes' international success, nu- Hayes delivered again as his Lady Raiders took first US Olympic Festival: 1978 (Colorado Springs, Colorado) merous foreign athletes have sought out Middle Ten- place in Miami, Fla. For leading the women's team to nessee as their college of choice. victory, Hayes earned his first Sun Belt Coach of the However, Hayes' most successful collegiate *Hayes also served as a referee at the 1996 Olympic Games Year award. athletes at Middle Tennessee would have to be NCAA in Atlanta, Georgia. Hayes has indeed put Middle Tennessee on the triple jump-an event Hayes specializes in-champions world map in terms of collegiate track and field. Tommy Haynes (1974) and Barry McClure (1972 and NCAA Top 25 Finishes ( 16 ) However, Hayes' experience is not limited to 1973) as well as NCAA high hurdle champion Dionne Women's Indoor: 1994, 8th the collegiate level. In fact, Hayes has coached sev- Rose (1994). Hayes also guided Roland McGhee to Men's Indoor: 1993, 21st; 1982, 11th; 1981, 11th; eral teams sponsored by either the United States nine All-American honors while both McClure and 1980, 19th; 1979, 20th; 1974, 14th; 1973, 8th; 1972, Olympic Committee or USA Track and Field. Greg Artis have won All-American honors seven 7th; 1971, 22nd His international experience began at the first times. Olympic Sports Festival in Colorado Springs (1978) Men's Outdoor: 1976, 19th; 1974, 17th; 1973, 25th; Hayes earned his B.A. at Lake Forrest (Ill.) and includes working as the head coach at the World 1972, 22nd; 1971, 25th where he competed in the 800, long and triple jump, University Games in Kobe, Japan (1985), Goodwill Men's Cross Country: 1966, 14th an event in which he was an NCAA qualifier. After Games in Seattle (1990), World Cup in London, earning his M.A. at North Illinois, Hayes began his England (1994), World Championships in Athens, Ohio Valley Conference Titles ( 28 ) coaching career at the high school Greece (1997) and again at the Good- Women's Indoor: 1996, 1995, 1994, 1991 and 1988 level in Chicago (three years) will Games in New York City Men's Indoor: 2000, 1993, 1991, 1986, 1985, 1983, 1982, and Minneapolis (one year) be- (1998). 1981 and 1979 fore returning to Lake Forrest The Naperville, Ill., na- Women's Outdoor: 1996, 1994 and 1991 and then moving onto Middle tive also has served as an as- Men's Outdoor: 1994, 1993, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983, Tennessee in 1965. sistant at several international 1982, 1981, 1980, 1978 and 1977 events. Aside from the first Olympic Sports Festival, Hayes Sun Belt Championships ( 1 ) worked as an assistant at the Women's Outdoor: 2000 World University Games in Bucharest, Romania (1981), Honors World Championships in Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame: 1994 Helsinki, Finland (1983) and Blue Raiders Hall of Fame: 1982 the Summer Olympic Games OVC Coach of the Year: 2000, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1991, in Seoul, South Korea (1988). 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978 and In 1996, Hayes served 1977 as a referee at the Summer Sun Belt Coach of the Year: 2000 Olympic Games in Atlanta.

2 2001 Middle Tennessee Track and Field Roger Kerr and Thomas Keith Roger Kerr possesses more experience than 58-year-old has also worked the Winter Olympic most head coaches around the country and now in his Games in Calgary, Alberta, Canada (1988) and The Kerr File fourth year as an assistant, the Middle Tennessee Lillehammer, Norway (1994) as well as the Pan- Personal track program continues to build on its success with American Games in Indianapolis (1987) and Buenos Birthdate: 11-2-41 one of the top coaching staffs in the country. The Aires, Argentina (1995). With his vast experience at Hometown: Wapello, Iowa former head coach at Arizona State, Illinois State and the college level, it should come as no surprise that Family: Sons, Michael, Richard, and James Evansville is still involved in collegiate track and field Kerr has worked at the World University Games in Education competition for one simple reason, the Iowa native Buffalo (1993) and San Francisco (1995). High School: Wapello (IA) High School enjoys teaching and working with young athletes. In Kerr's experience includes, but is not limited to, College: Iowa (1963) his two previous years with the Blue Raiders, Kerr has athletic ticket coordination, athletic focused much of his energy on working with sprinters, transportation arrangements, Head Coach Experience ( College ) hurdlers and weights. Kerr also deals with team and athletic coordination for Arizona State: 1977 - 85 (Women's track & field/cross equipment and helps head coach Dean Hayes with ABC television (USA) and country) recruiting duties. BBC television (UK) for Illinois State: 1973 - 77 (Men's track & field/cross Kerr earned his B.S. and M.A. in physical edu- post-event interviews at country) cation at the University of Iowa, where he was a three- the Summer Olympic Note: during this time Kerr also served as assistant to year star on the track and field team. By the time Kerr Games in Los Ange- the Illinois State University athletic director graduated from Iowa in 1963, he held school records les. He also has car- Purdue: 1967 - 73 (Men's cross country) Evansville: 1965 - 67 (Men's track & field/cross coun- in the 600 and 660 as well as a share of the indoor and ried out tasks in the try) outdoor one-mile relay. Both the 600 and 660 records areas of administra- stood the test of time for more than 20 years. tive preparation and Assistant Coach Experience ( College ) Upon earning his M.A., Kerr became the head arrangements and Middle Tennessee: 1997 - present coach at the University of Evansville for both men's equipment and clothing Arizona State: 1977 - 79 (Men's track & field/cross track and field and cross country before moving on to distribution. country) the University of Purdue. In his six years at Purdue, He also has taken Purdue: 1967 - 73 (Men's track & field) Kerr served as head coach of the men's cross country part in the United States Evansville: 1965 - 67 (Men's basketball) team while working as an assistant to the men's track Olympic Festival in Baton and field program. Kerr also earned his Ph.D. in Rouge (1985), Houston Assistant Coach Experience ( World ) educational administration while at Purdue. (1986) and Colorado Olympic Games: 1996 (Atlanta, Georgia) Pan-American Games: 1995 (Buenos Aires, Argen- Kerr then had a four-year stint at Illinois State , Springs (1995). During the tina) thanks in part to Dean Hayes. While at Illinois State, time Kerr worked at vari- US Olympic Festival: 1995 (Colorado Springs, Colo- Kerr also served as an assistant to the athletic direc- ous international events, he also worked as an inde- rado) tor. pendent commodities and financial broker before World University Games: 1995 (San Francisco, Ca- A midwestern boy all his life, Kerr uprooted returning to the love of his life-college track and field. lif.) himself and moved to Tempe, Ariz., where he spent Winter Olympic Games: 1994 (Lillehammer, Norway) eight years as the head women's track and field coach World University Games: 1993 (Buffalo, New York) for the Arizona State Sun Devils, as well as assistant Winter Olympic Games: 1988 (Calgary, AL, Canada) coach for the men's program. While in the "Valley of Pan-American Games: 1987 (Indianapolis, Indiana) the Sun," Kerr's teams accummulated five national US Olympic Festival: 1986 (Houston, Texas) US Olympic Festival: 1985 (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) placings, two conference titles, 12 individual Olympi- Olympic Games: 1984 (Los Angeles, California) ans, two gold medalists and one Olympic silver med- alist. At that point, Kerr took his 20 years of coaching Honors experience and 26 years of being involved in track University of Iowa Hall of Fame: 1986 and field at the collegiate level and focused his Finkbine Leadership Award: 1963 attention on international competition. Held records for both the 600 and 660 at the Univer- Kerr has worked at both the Summer Olympic sity of Iowa for over 20 years Games in Los Angeles (1984) and Atlanta (1996). The

Thomas Keith has been a valuable member of Keith transferred to Middle Tennessee in the fall of 1976 and immediately Dean Hayes' track and field coaching staff since went to work as team manager. He has been with the program ever since. 1976. The Tullahoma, Tenn., native currently teaches at Mitchell Neilson El- Known for his positive attitude and uncanny ementary School in Murfreesboro. patience, Keith is considered among the nation's top Keith, who is single and resides in Murfreesboro, has a daughter, Desiree. coaches in terms of dealing with players. His extensive history with Dean Hayes and the Middle Tennessee track Exceedingly versatile, Keith is able to run prac- and field program makes him an extremely valuable cog in the machinery of the tices, coach events, handle equipment as well as Blue Raider success. Thomas Keith work with athletes in a professional manner. Assistant Coach

2001 Middle Tennessee Track and Field 3 2000 Roster & Schedule WOMEN'S ROSTER 2001 Indoor Track and Field NAME EVENT(S) HT WT YR DOB HOMETOWN Schedule Naomi Ansah Sprints5-4 115 Jr. 11-13-78 Accra, Ghana December 9, 2000 Tori Blander Hurdles 5-2 135 Jr.8-6-80 Pontiac, MI Middle Tennessee Christmas Inv.; Murphy Center LaToya Brown High Jump 5-8 130 Fr. 4-17-81 Memphis, TN Natasha Cain Sprints5-6 145 Fr. 4-10-82 Decatur, AL January 13 Jameka Collins Sprints/Jumps 5-6 120 Jr. 3-31-80 Virginia Beach, VA Kentucky Invitational; Lexington, KY Doreisha Davis Sprints5-7 135 Sr. 1-28-79 Rochester, NY Letitia Eady Jumps 5-5 117 Fr. 4-22-82 Orlando, FL January 20 Amanda Forrester Jumps 5-8 128 So. 12-13-80 LaFollette, TN Middle Tennessee Invitational; Murphy Center Kim Freeman Sprints/Jumps 5-7 140 So. 8-19-80 Mobile, AL January 26-27 Willisa HeintzSprints5-5 123 So. 3-28-81 Richardson, TX Arkansas State Invitational; Jonesboro, AR Bromeka Holmes Sprints5-7 130 So.1-7-80 Arlington, TX Nicolette Jarrett Sprints/Jumps 5-11 150 Fr. 3-24-81 Grand Rapids, MI February 2-3 Lashon Kennedy Jumps 5-8 139 Jr. 9-21-80 Evanston, IL Indiana Invitational; Bloomington, IN Kapreia Kirk Distances 5-6 120 Sr.7-9-78Danville, IL Jerkita McClorin Hurdles/Jumps 5-2 114 Fr. 6-16-80 West Palm Beach, FL February 10 Chantel Kneeland Sprints5-7 115 Fr. 9-13-82 Memphis, TN MT Valentine Invitational; Murphy Center Tiffany Purham Sprints/Jumps 5-2 108 So. 1-26-81 Virginia Beach, VA February 25-26 Stephany Reid Jumps 6-2 170 So. 4-13-80 Riverview, NB Sun Belt Championships; Jonesboro, AR Heather Smith Distances 5-6 120 Fr. 10-24-81 Murfreesboro, TN Kelley Smith Hurdles 5-3 135 Jr. 8-21-79 Chattanooga, TN March 2-3 Sabrina Smith Distances 5-3 123 Jr. 3-24-80 W. Hempstead, NY Last Chance Meet; South Bend, IN Robin Wallace Multi5-9 135 So.7-7-80 Gwenmoore, PA March 9-10 NCAA Championships; Fayetteville, AR MEN'S ROSTER 2001 Outdoor Track and Field Schedule NAME EVENT(S) HT WT YR DOB HOMETOWN Kareem Bland Jumps/Hurdles 6-0 178 Jr.3-6-80 Conley, GA March 17 Tanko Braimah Sprints5-11 185 Sr. 8-12-79 Takoradi, Ghana Southern Miss Invitational; Hattiesburg, MS Josh Carroll Distances 6-5 185 So. 11-3-80 Murfreesboro, TN March 24-25 John Cheek Distances 6-0 140 Jr.7-9-79 Murfreesboro, TN Alabama Relays; Tuscaloosa, AL Nigel Daniels Sprints5-8 160 Jr. 4/10/80 Duncanville, TX Jasper Demps Hurdles 6-4 190 Jr. 10-22-79 West Palm Beach, FL March 31 Godfrey Herring Sprints6-0 150 Jr. 5-18-78 Pontiac, MI Mississippi State Invitational; Starkville, MS Dallas Jones Distances 5-9 175 So. 5-11-79 Murfreesboro, TN Rob Jordan Jumps 6-0 165 Jr. 7-29-80 Orlando, FL April 6-7 Texas Relays; Austin, TX Chris Koger Jumps 6-4 175 Fr. 8-29-80 Lavergne, TN Goeffrey Lagat Distances 6-0 140 So.1-1-80 Kapsabet, Kenya April 14 and 15 Michael Long Jumps 5-9 160 Fr. 8-17-79 Hammond, LA Sea Ray Relays; Knoxville, TN Thomas Mbanda Distances 5-11 140 So. 12-12-78 Kapsabet, Kenya Arkansas State Invitational (15th); Jonesboro, AR Anthony McGary Distances 6-1 142 Fr. 12-18-81 Dallas, TX Bryan Picklesimer Distances 5-10 160 So. 6-24-80 Nashville, TN April 20-21 Marcellus Scales Sprints5-8 150 Fr. 9-10-81 Franklin, TN Vanderbilt Invitational; Nashville, TN Haneef Sharif Hurdles 6-0 160 Jr.5-1-79 Gates, NY April 27-28 William Sims Throws 5-11 195 Fr. 7-28-82 Antioch, TN Penn Relays; Philadelphia, PA William Smith Sprints6-0 160 Sr. 2-23-78 Antioch, TN Drake Relays; Des Moines, IA De'Jun Spann Sprints6-0 151 So. 11-11-80 Augusta, GA Levi Sybert Distances 6-0 160 So. 7-12-79 Pemberville, OH April 28 Murray State Invitational; Murray, KY

May 11-13 Sun Belt Championships; New Orleans, LA

May 19 Georgia Tech; Atlanta, GA

May 30 thru June 2 NCAA Championships; Eugene, OR

4 2001 Middle Tennessee Track and Field Women's Preview in 2001 is a lack of depth within the dis- They are the defending Sun Belt Conference Sabrina Smith returns as a solid com- tance running corp, but it shouldn't be a Champions and they return all but three from last petitor in the relays and the 800-meters. year's team. problem for Hayes' squad. The Lady The Lady Raiders surprised the field last sea- Raiders will look to make up their points son in Miami, Fla. In their first meet as a member in the sprints and hurdles with one of is Tori Blander, who returns for her of the Sun Belt Conference, the the strongest groups that junior season with some amazing ac- Lady Raiders escaped with a one- Hayes has ever assembled colades during her first two seasons. point victory. with the women's program. She has never lost a conference With nearly the entire team Headlining the sprinters is championship since coming to returning and the addition of a sophomore Willisa Heintz, who Middle Tennessee. Blander was few athletes who will likely could become the third female track spectacular in Miami last year, blow- make the Lady Raiders even athlete to earn All-American honors ing away the field in the 400-meter better this season, there is at Middle Tennessee. hurdles finishing almost two sec- cause for excitement around Heintz burst onto the collegiate onds ahead of second place. It was this year's team. scene last year posting quick times a follow-up to accomplishing the With that excitement week after week. She capped her sea- same feat two weeks earlier at the also comes expectations. son by winning the 200-meters at both OVC Championships in Head Coach Dean Hayes' the Sun Belt Conference Champion- Murfreesboro. 2001 team will likely be one ships and the OVC Championships. "Tori is a very strong com- of the favorites to repeat as She placed second in the 100-meters in both con- petitor and doesn't like to lose," Sun Belt Conference Cham- ferences. commented Hayes. pions. "Willisa making the United States Junior "She was on the edge of "One thing that is to our National team last summer was very beneficial qualifying for the NCAA's last advantage is that the Sun to her," remarked Hayes. year and I think she will have a big year again Belt is very competitive," "She worked hard in the fall and she should this season. said Hayes. have a great year." Kelley Smith likely will be very busy this sea- "Only 13 points sepa- Helping lead the Lady Raiders son for the rated the top five teams last sprint unit is a group of talented run- Lady Raiders. year and since we rely on ners that will give Middle Tennessee In addition to our quality and not quantity, Stephany Reid is depth in almost every race. "One thing that is to our competing in it gives us a shot to win the one of several jump- Doreisha Davis and Tiffany advantage is that the Sun the javelin and title since the points get ers returning for the Purham are both capable of scoring Belt is very competitive. the 100-meter spread out through several Lady Raiders this points in the 100 and 200-meters as hurdles, she teams." season. is Naomi Ansah who runs anchor for Only 13 points separated will expand her Although the Lady the Lady Raider relay the top five teams last role this year Raiders do return the majority of the 2000 team, teams. The Lady Raid- year." by competing one loss that will be tough to overcome will be ers will also get a boost in the the departure of senior Andrea Ribac. Ribac from Kansas State -Dean Hayes- heptathlon, an earned All-American honors last season in the transfer event not triple jump after qualifying for the NCAA Champi- Bromeka sponsored by onships. She was a leader for the Lady Raiders Holmes, the OVC. in the jumps, winning the Sun Belt Conference who led the Wildcats Smith competed in a collegiate heptathlon for the and OVC outdoor triple jump titles. in the 200 and 400- first time at last year's Sun Belt Championships, "We have a lot of quality in the jumps and meters. Holmes will finishing sixth. hurdles," said Hayes. also aid an already When looking down the roster at the talent The Lady Raiders indeed return with a lot of strong relay squad. An- on the women's team, it's no wonder that a Sun depth in their jumping arsenal. Kim Freeman re- other lift will come from Belt Championship is well within the team's grasp. turns after posting a third place finish in the triple Jerkita McClorin, who sat If there is one weakness to this year's team, jump and winning the Sun Belt's long jump title. out last season. McClorin Hayes feels it may come in not having the num- With Jameka Collins and Stephany Reid also is a gifted athlete and will bers to compete in some other events. set to return, the Lady Raiders are poised to pick compete in several events "We do not cover a lot of events," said Hayes. up where they left off last season. Collins took for the Lady Raiders. A "There will be a lot of events we don't have any- third place in both the long jump and triple jump strong relay runner, body competing in and that makes us somewhat at the OVC Championships. Reid had her best McClorin was a three-time vulnerable." performance of year in Miami with a strong fifth All-American in Although the 2001 team doesn't possess a place showing. Doreisha Davis will run with the high school. lot of superstar potential, the Lady Raiders will In addition to the strong group of jumpers re- Lady Raiders' talented relay "We have a lot be consistently strong from top to bottom. turning, the Lady Raiders have also added Letitia teams during the 2001 season. of talent com- "We don't have a lot of people that will make Eady, who will be able to step right in as a fresh- ing back this it to the NCAA Championships," said Hayes. "We man and compete as one of the team's top jump- year," said do, however, have a lot of very good athletes who ers. Hayes. "But having both McClorin and Holmes will perform well during the course of the season. One weakness the Lady Raiders may have this year is going to be a big lift for the team." The Lady Raiders top intermediate hurdler 2001 Middle Tennessee Track and Field 5 Women's Profiles NAOMI ANSAH cal therapy ... Cypress Creek ... Florida Merit Scholar Personal: Plans to become Undeclared major ... Goal is to have a successful 5-4 Š 115 Š Jr. a physical thera- and happy life. Accra, Ghana pist following Sprints graduation ... Her amanda forrester PB: 54.20 (400) uncle (Gary Redus) 5-8 Š 128 Š So. played for the Pittsburg LaFollette, TN Is an excellent sprinter with Pirates. Jumps good range ... Tough an- PB: 5-8 (High jump) chor at Sun Belt Champion- Jameka ships in the 4x400 pro- Collins pelled Lady Raiders to SBC title ... 2000: Placed Could provide team with a fourth at the OVC Championships in the 400-meters lift by performing well in the ... 1999: Injured most of the season ... Best finish high jump ... 2000: Seventh was at the Blue Raiders Indoor Invitational, where at at the Sun Belt Champi- she finished first in the 200 and 400 ... Finished first onships ... High School: in the 400 at the FSU Invitational ... Was a mid-sea- Two-time state high jump champion in 1999 and son transfer from McKendree College in Lebanon, 1998 ... Personal: Undeclared major. IL ... Personal: Plans to pursue a career as an ath- jameka letic trainer ... Majoring in athletic training. collins5-6 Š 120 Š Jr. kim freeman Tori Blander Virginia Beach, VA Jumps/Sprints 5-7 Š 140 Š So. 5-2 Š 135 Š Jr. PB: 19-3 (LJ)/41-1 (TJ) Mobile, AL Pontiac, MI Jumps 1/2 3/4 Hurdles Very versatile athlete ... Will PB: 41-4 (TJ)/19-6 (LJ) PB: :59.78 (400-H) be looked to help in the jumps as well as 400-meter hurdles ... 2000: Placed Will be looked on to fill the One of the better hurdlers third at the OVC Championships in the long and triple void left by All-American in the nation ... Proved abil- jump ... Also earned a sixth place finish in the inter- Andreja Ribac ... Showed ity by dominating the 400- mediate hurdles ... Member of 4x400-meter relay improved ability at the end meter hurdles at both the team that earned fifth best time in school history ... of last season ... Can also run the 4x400 relay ... OVC and SBC Champion- 1999: Competed for Hampton (VA) University ... Per- 2000: Became the first athlete at MT to earn an in- ships ... Also throws javelin ... Very competitive ... sonal: Plans to pursue a career in the fashion in- dividual Sun Belt title in the long jump ... Placed third 2000: Medalist at the OVC and SBC Championships dustry as a buyer ... Majoring in fashion merchan- in the SBC triple jump ... High School: Earned high ... First athlete in NCAA history to win individual titles dise. school All-American honors ... Personal: Majoring in two different conferences in the same year ... Set in athletic training. a new school record in the 400-meter hurdles with a Doreisha davis time of 59.78 ... Member of 4x400-meter relay team that earned fifth best time in school history ... 1999: 5-7 Š 135 Š Jr. willisa heintz Finished first in the intermediate hurdles at the OVC Rochester, NY 5-5 Š 123 Š So. Outdoor Championships ... Third in the 400 hurdles Sprints Richardson, TX at the Spec Towns Invitational ... High School: Won PB: 11.84 (100)/24.29 (200) Sprints the state championship in the 300-meter hurdles two PB: 11.63 (100)/23.6 (200) consecutive years ... Two-time all-state selection ... Solid sprinter ... Member of Holds the Pontiac Northern High School records in the relay teams ... Handles One of the best sprinters both the 200 and 300 hurdles ... Three-sport star the baton well ... 2000: ever recruited to Middle Ten- lettering in track, basketball and volleyball ... Per- Placed fifth at the OVC nessee ... Very competitve sonal: Majoring in computer information systems. Championships with a season best 11.95 in the 100 ... Member of the U.S. Na- tional junior team ... Ran on natasha cain ... Seventh in the 200 ... 1999: Competed for Ari- zona State University ... Personal: Majoring in Uni- the gold medal winning relay team in Montreal for the 5-6 Š 145 Š Jr. versity Studies. United States ... Placed in Decatur, AL the 100 and 200-meters at Sprints Letitia eady the USATF Junior Nationals PB: 11.76 (100) 5-5 Š 117 Š Fr. ... 2000: Set a school record in the Orlando, FL 200-meters for a runner up place at Fast out of the blocks ... Jumps the Sun Belt Championships ... Also Should solidify a good PB: 19-03/4 (LJ)41-63/4 (TJ) ran to a second place finish in the 100- 4x100 relay team ... High meter finals ... Medalist in the 200- School: Four-time All- meter OVC finals and placed second in Another in a long line of State and All-Region at Decatur High School ... the 100 ... High School: Two-time high solid jumpers at Middle Ten- Decatur Daily's All-County Athlete of the Year in school All-American ... Member of high nessee ... High School: At- back-to-back seasons ... Set new school records in school 4x100 and 4x200 relay teams tended Cypress Creek High the 100 and 200-meters, long jump, and 4x100-meter ranked as No. 2 and 3 in the country School ... Four-time team MVP ... Metro East, Re- by Track and Field News ... Per- relay team ... Personal: Intends to major in physi- gional and state champion ... Athlete of the Year at Willisa Heintz sonal: Undeclared major. 6 2001 Middle Tennessee Track and Field Women's Profiles bromeka holmes in the recreation field ... Majoring in recreation pro- Heather smith gram management. 5-7 Š 130 Š So. 5-3 Š 135 Š Fr. Arlington, TX c Murfreesboro, TN Sprints jerkita m clorin Distances PB: 24.06 (200)/54.85 (400) 5-2 Š 114 Š Fr. PB: 5:40 (1 mile) W. Palm Beach, FL Transfer from Kansas State Hurdles/Jumps Ran cross country for back- ... Will be a big help in relay PB: 13.65 (100-H) ground ... Can help the Lady events ... Very tough men- Raiders in a weak area ... tally ... 2000: Member of the Gifted athlete... Easy to High School: All-region Big XII Conference Champions in the distance med- teach ... Looks to compete and All-midstate at Oakland High School ... Who's ley relay ... Won the sprint medley at the Drake Re- in multi-events in 2001 ... Who and All-American scholar ... Personal: Intends lays ... Led K-State in the 200 and 400-meters ... 2000: Sat out the season ... to major in math ... Would like to become a teacher High School: Member of 1996 state champion High School: Three-time high school All-American or take over her father's business. 4x100 relay team in Texas ... 1998 Female Athlete in the 100 hurdles in 1999, 1998 and 1997 ... Sec- of the Year ... Personal: Sociology major. ond fastest time in the nation ... Holds the Palm Kelley smith Beach Lakes record in the long jump, 100-meter nicolette jarrett hurdles, 4x100 and 4x400, finishing in the top 10 in 5-3 Š 135 Š Sr. 5-11 Š 150 Š Fr. the nation ... Personal: Majoring in social work. Chattanooga, TN Inkster, MI Hurdles PB: 14.50 (100-H) Sprints/Jumps tiffany purham PB: 24.85 (200) 5-2 Š 108 Š So. Continues to make strides Solid potential... Will com- Virginia Beach, VA in the 100-meter hurdles pete in the 200 and 400 ... Sprints/Jumps and javelin ... 2000: Set a 2000: Sat out the year ... PB: 12.04 (100) new school record at the High School: Attended Sun Belt Championships in the javelin John Glenn High School in Westland, MI... Placed Solid in the with a distance of 127-3 ... Also was the in the 200 at the Michigan State meet ... Personal: sprints and first Lady Raider to compete in the pen- Hopes to work in the recreation field ... Majoring in jumps ... Very tathlon ... Placed third at the OVC recreation program management. hard worker ... Championships in the 100-meter hurdles Competes all out ... 2000: Ran a per- ... Third at the OVC Indoor Champion- sonal best 12.04 at the OVC Cham- Chantel Kneeland ships ... 1999: Finished first in the 100 pionships ... High School: Two- hurdles and second in the long 5-8 Š 120 Š Fr. time state champion in the 55 jump at the Arkansas State Memphis, TN meters in 1998 and 1997 ... Two- Track Classic ... Fourth in the Sprints time regional triple jump cham- 100 hurdles at the OVC Outdoor PB: NA pion and also won a regional Championships ... Best indoor fin- long jump title ... Hampton ish was second place in the 55 Kelley Will provide the Lady Raid- Roads (VA) athlete of the year meters at the Blue Raiders Indoor ... Was an honor roll student ... Smith ers added depth in sprints Invitational ... 1998: Took a red- Personal: Plans to enter medical and relays ... High School: shirt ... Personal: Majoring in school... Majoring in biology. All-American in the 4x100 physical education. and 4x400 at East High School in Memphis ... Mem- stephany reid ber of relay team that holds state record in the 4x400 sabrina smith ... Member of state championship team in 1998 ... 6-2 Š 170 Š Jr. Personal: Majoring in chemistry ... Plans to become Riverview, N.B.,Canada 5-3 Š 123 Š Jr. a dentist. Jumps W. Hampstead, NY PB: 19-10 (LJ)/41-10 (TJ) Distances PB: 2:13.29 (800) lashon kennedy Will also be looked to in 5-8 Š 139 Š So. helping replace Ribac ... Great ability and potential ... Evanston, IL Great potential ... Hard Very fluid and pretty to Jumps worker... Already pos- watch ... Became more PB: 39-2 (TJ) sesses good jump technique ... Transferred from the competitive last year ... University of Nebraska ... 2000: Placed sixth at the 2000: Placed third at both Knows how to win ... Ver- OVC Championships ... Had a season best 40'04.25 Sun Belt and OVC conference championships ... satile jumper who is also ca- triple jump at the Sun Belt Championships to place 1999: Best finish of the year was first place in the pable of runnning a leg on fourth ... High School: Two-time female athlete of 800 at the Blue Raiders Indoor Invitational... Finished the relay teams ... 2000: Fi- the year in 1998 and 1997 ... Three-time team MVP third in the 800 at the Jace Lacoste Invitational ... nalist in the triple jump at the Sun Belt Champion- ... Holds the Canadian Junior National record in the High School: State champion in the 800 in 1997 ... ships ... Was injured during most of the season ... triple jump at 413/4 ...Honor roll student ... Personal: Personal: Majoring in computer information sys- 1999: Did not compete ... Personal: Hopes to work Majoring in biology. tems. 2001 Middle Tennessee Track and Field 7 LADY RAIDER RECORDS Lady Raider Indoor Records

EVENT RECORD HOLDER RECORD YEAR LONG JUMP Dionne Rose 20-8 1/4 1994 TRIPLE JUMP Jacqui Brown 42-7 1994 HIGH J U M P Veronica Tipton 5-8 1991 Mia Florence 5-8 1995 SHOT P U T Shelly Johnson 48-7 1/4 1996 55 METER DASH Dionne Rose :06.89 1994 200 METERS DASH Nadia Graham :23.54 1996 Tori Blander Jacqui Brown 400 METER DASH Nadia Graham :55.56 1996 400-m hurdles Triple jump 800 METER RUN Leigh Weathers 2:14.97 1990 ONE MILE R U N Dianne DeOliveira 5:01.73 1991 3000 METER RUN Kiya Thomas 10:21.57 1990 5000 METER RUN Lea White 18:46.26 1992 55 METER HURDLES Dionne Rose :07.59 1994 ONE MILE RELAY Hall, Parrish, 3:42.78 1996 Phillips, Graham DISTANCE MEDLEY RELAY Barnes, McGill, 12:22.45 1992 Smith, DeOliveira Lady Raider OUTDOOR Records Mia Florence Nadia Graham EVENT RECORD HOLDER RECORD YEAR High jump 200/400-m LONG JUMP Dionne Rose 21-9 1994 TRIPLE JUMP Andreja Ribac 43-7 1/2 1994 HIGH J U M P Veronica Tipton 5-10 1/2 1992 SHOT P U T Rhonda Hall 47-0 1/2 1995 DISCUS Shelly Johnson 168-5 1995 JAVELIN Tracy Edens 124-6 1989 100 METERS Natalie Douglas :11.34 1994 200 METERS Willisa Heintz :23.60 2000 400 METERS Nadia Graham :53.30 1996 800 METERS Leigh Weathers 2:13.15 1991 1500 METERS Dianne DeOliveira 4:35.09 1991 3000 METERS Sharon Smith 10:21.74 1989 Willisa Heintz Shelly Johnson 5000 METERS Joan Becker 18:01.70 1986 200-m Discus 10000 METERS Lea White 37:38.5 1992 100 METER HURDLES Dionne Rose :13.14 1994 400 METER HURDLES Tori Blander 1:01.97 1999 4 X 100 METER RELAY Douglas, Rose, :44.87 1994 Brown, Watson 4 X 200 METER RELAY Phillips, Douglas, 1:38.17 1994 Brown, Watson 4 X 400 METER RELAY Hall, Parrish, 3:42.25 1996 Phillips, Graham 4 X 800 METER RELAY Smith, Barnes, 9:06.63 1992 DeOliveira, Weathers 4 X 1500 METER RELAY Barnes, Smith, 19:57.23 1991 DeOliveira, Thomas Rachel Parrish Tyjuana Phillips SPRINT MEDLEY RELAY Ralls, Phillips, 1:44.83 1995 Shot Put 4x400-m Hall, Graham DISTANCE MEDLEY RELAY Barnes, McGill, 12:07.74 1991 Smith, DeOliveira SHUTTLE HURDLE RELAY Dean, Williams, :58.53 1994 McGill, Rose NCAA champion Dionne Rose 1994 NCAA High Hurdle Champion other honors Dionne Rose Nadia Graham 1996 OVC Female Athlete of the Year Dionne Rose 1994 OVC Track Woman of the Year

8 2001 Middle Tennessee Track and Field Lady Raider Honor Roll Event Name Record Year 800 Meters 1. Kapreia Kirk 2:11.64 2000 Long Jump 1. Dionne Rose 21-9 1994 1. Leigh Weathers 2:13.15 1991 2. Jacqui Brown 21-3 1/4 1994 3. Michelle Welch 20-5 1990 3. Sabrina Smith 2:13.90 2000 4. Elissa Davis 2:15.67 1990 4. Sherrie Bingham 20-2 1987 5. Dianne DeOliveira 2:16.66 1991 5. Ursula Langford 20-1 1/4 1988 1,500 Meters 1. Dianne DeOliveira 4:35.09 1991 Triple Jump 1. Andreja Ribac 43-7 1/2 2000 2. Sharon Smith 4:43.11 1990 2. Jacqui Brown 43-1 1994 3. Kim Freeman 41-4 1/2 2000 3. Karen Barnes 4:44.90 1992 4. Jameka Collins 41-1 2000 4. Kiya Thomas 4:50.33 1991 5. Sharon Johnson 4:50.94 1981 5. Michelle Welch 39-11 1/2 1991 3,000 Meters 1. Kiya Thomas 10:21.57 1990 High Jump 1. Veronica Tipton 5-10 1/2 1992 2. Sharon Smith 10:21.74 1989 2. Ursula Langford 5-8 1/2 1989 3. Mia Florence 5-8 1994 3. Karen Barnes 10:22.37 1992 4. Dianne DeOliveira 10:29.06 1991 4. Krista Hare 5-6 1/2 1989 5. Vicki Wells 10:39.24 1981 5. Koko Rowley 5-6 1992 5,000 Meters 1. Joan Becker 18:01.72 1986 Shot Put 1. Shelly Johnson 48-7 1/4 1996 2. Lea White 18:27.01 1992 2. Rhonda Hall 47-0 1/2 1995 3. Shauntel Jennings 44-9 1999 3. Lisa Mitchell 18:47.68 1982 4. Robin Moses 18:48.34 1981 4. Tina Rumsey 39-8 1994 5. Kiya Thomas 18:53.14 1991 5. Holly Hoover 39-6 1982 10,000 Meters 1. Lea White 37:38.8 1992 Discus 1. Shelly Johnson 168-5 1997 2. Debbie Morrison 38:33.09 1986 2. Tina Rumsey 139-6 1993 3. Rhonda Hall 133-8 1995 3. Lisa Mitchell 39:46.32 1982 4. Robin Moses 40:01.30 1981 4. Deidre Mitchell 128-6 1987 5. Tracy Edens 126-7 1989 4 X 100-Meter 1. Douglas, Rose, :44.87 1994 Relay Brown, Watson Javelin 1. Tracy Edens 124-6 1989 2. Kelley Smith 117-4 1999 2. Phillips, Douglas, :45.84 1994 3. Tori Blander 116-3 2000 Brown, Watson 3. Purham, Heintz, :45.83 2000 4. Tina Rumsey 114-11 1994 Brent, Davis 5. Angie Venable 109-11 1997 4. Jackson, Cody, :46.28 1991 Wells, Welch 100-Meter 1. Dionne Rose :13.14 1994 5. Weddington, Brent, :46.54 1999 Hurdles 2. Sherrie Bingham :13.90 1987 3. Latonia Jackson :14.15 1992 Jones, Acklin 4. Koko Rowley :14.16 1992 4 X 400-Meter 1 Hall, Parrish, 3:42.25 1996 5. Nekeya Ralls :14.22 1995 Relay Phillips, Graham 400-Meter 1. Tori Blander :59.78 2000 2. Blander, Kirk, 3:45.33 2000 Hurdles 2. Alicia Moore 1:01.78 2000 Smith, Ansah 3. Saran Dunmore 1:02.07 1996 3. Hall, Henderson, 3:45.56 1995 Phillips, Graham 4. Nadrian McGill 1:02.31 1994 4. Weathers, Brewer, 3:49.00 1991 5. Latonia Jackson 1:02.78 1991 Brown, Welch 5. Blander, Kirk, Smith 3:49.62 100 Meters 1. Natalie Douglas :11.34 1994 2. Willisa Heintz :11.63 2000 Collins 3. Nadia Graham :11.67 1995 Pentathlon 1 Kelley Smith 4,267 2000 4. Kim Watson :11.79 1994 5. Stacy Aklin :11.83 1999

200 Meters 1. Willisa Heintz :23.60 2000 2. Nadia Graham :23.54 1996 3. Dionne Rose :24.02 1994 4. Natalie Douglas :24.14 1994 5. Donna Sims :24.21 1981

Event Name Record Year 400 Meters 1. Nadia Graham :53.30 1996 2. Naomi Ansah :54.22 2000 3. Melanie Hall :55.37 1995 4. Tyjuana Phillips :55.88 1997 5. Angie Allison :56.03 1986

2001 Middle Tennessee Track and Field 9 Men's Preview When it comes to men's track and field, Junior Tanko Braimah will look to fill the void left Geoffrey Lagat is coming of the cross head coach Dean Hayes could have written by Agyemang. Braimah was a member of Ghana's country season where he won the indi- the book and the rules. 2000 Olympic team and should vie for the fastest man vidual title. Lagat will help lead a strong During his 30-plus years at Middle in the Sun Belt Conference. He was second only to distance team. Tennessee, Hayes has built a con- Agyemang in the OVC and placed at the Sun Belt tender for a championship every sea- Championships. son and 2001 will be no different. D.J. Spann is one of the Blue Raiders returning Success has not been limited four-time OVC champion in the long and triple sprinters who likely will help the team run the longer to just regional accomplishments ei- jump, Jordan will be a major factor if the Blue sprint races such as the intermediate hurdles. ther. Hayes continually has had teams Raiders are to win their first Sun Belt Champion- Also helping in the sprints will be Mardy Scales. ranked near the top and his list of All- ship. The freshman is very versatile and will cover several Americans - 58 and counting - speak vol- His second and third place finishes in the Sun events for the Blue Raiders including the relays where umes. Belt Conference have motivated him to work even he will be a huge help. This year's team will feature one of harder to prove he belongs at the top of the podium Haneef Sharif and Jasper Demps also will run those All-Americans, Godfrey Herring. during championship week. sprints for the Raiders, but there is little doubt as to The backbone of the men's team, Her- "The Sun Belt just happened to have one of where the duo will make their biggest impact. Demps ring is a fierce competitor who has na- those jumpers that was an All-American, a NCAA and Sharif battled each other all year in the high tional championship caliber ability. qualifier," remarked Hayes. "Rob (Jordan) will be hurdles. Sharif was victorious in the OVC Champion- "Godfrey is always good for points," there for us at the end." ships, finishing just ahead of Demps; but at the Sun said Hayes. "He can cover a lot of events Historically, the Blue Raiders Belt Championships Demps for us too. He gives you a lot of confidence and we have had incredible jumpers and took first ahead of Sharif in his have a good chance to win a championship knowing there is little doubt that will be the hometown of Miami. he will be anchoring the relays." case this year. Jordan and new- "We have a more Although injury limited his ability near the end of comer Michael Long will bolster a complete team this year than last year, he earned All-American honors in the 400- solid sprint team and one of the we did last year," said Hayes. meters during the indoor season. best group of distance runners "We cover a lot more events. It was his injury that was likely the difference in Hayes has had during his tenure at We have sprinters, jumpers, the Blue Raiders coming up just short at the Sun Belt Middle Tennessee. and distance runners. If we Championships last year. Geoffrey Lagat proved why have one weakness it is in the However, the native of Pontiac, Mich., is ready he will be a major force during the throwing events. We do not to return for his junior year healthy and more confident track season after capturing the have a lot of throwers, but we than ever. Herring will be a force in the 400-meters as Sun Belt Conference's individual know who is going to get all of well as the 200-meters. His greatest influence may be cross country title during the fall. those points in the Sun Belt on the relay teams where he has anchored some of Lagat should compete for the anyway, so we will continue to the best times in school history. Sun Belt titles in the 5,000 and focus on what we do well." Not to be overlooked by Herring's success is 10,000-meter events. The Kenyan As in any year, a Hayes- Rob Jordan, who has the potential for an All-American placed third in both events last built track and field team has season himself. The junior from Orlando, Fla., has the year in Miami. a foundation of fewer com- ability to win every time he jumps into the sandpit. A Although they seemed to petitors but extremely talented come out of nowhere, Hayes has athletes. no intention of sending Levi Sybert "We have always fo- and Anthony McGary home. cused more on quality than The two distance runners Tanko Braimah will be one of quantity," Hayes commented. were consistently in the upper ech- the favorites in both the 100 "We have to rely on those guys elon during the cross country sea- and 200-meters in the Sun like Herring and Jordan to carry son. Both should give the Blue Raid- Belt Conference. us." ers a huge lift with the ability to score A long-time Middle Ten- points that have not traditionally been nessee tradition has been there in the past. Along with John Cheek and Josh strength in relay events. Hayes has coached several Carroll, the Blue Raiders boast the most depth they teams to a No. 1 ranking and he should have another have possessed in years in distance races. Not only strong relay team again this year. With Scales leading does Middle Tennessee have a deep group of return- off and Herring running anchor, Hayes has a number ers, Hayes has also added freshman Nigel Daniels, of options to run in between. Braimah will likely run who could make an immediate impact this year in his relay events especially in the 400-meter relay. Hayes first season. will also use Jordan, Sharif, Spann, and Long as the Hayes' teams have always been strong in sprints 2001 relay teams could have NCAA Championship and will again this year despite the departure of last quality. year's senior speedster Albert Agyemang, who swept the 100 and 200-meters at the OVC finals and took Jasper Demps and Haneef Sharif return as the leagues top second in both races at the Sun Belt Conference two high hurdlers. The duo went first and second at the championships. Sun Belt Championships last year.

10 2001 Middle Tennessee Track and Field Men's Profiles tanko braimah ranked 4x100-meter relay team ... Winner of the Arthur rob jordan Ashe Academic Achievement Award ... Two-time national 5-11 Š 185 Š Sr. qualifier in the 400-meters ... Personal: Lettered in foot- 6-0 Š 165 Š Jr. Takoradi, Ghana ball and track at Duncanville High School ... Majoring in Orlando, FL Sprints criminal justice. Jumps PB: 10.33 (100)/20.62 (200) PB: 25-10 (LJ)/51-10 (TJ) jasper demps Member of Ghana's 2000 Olympic team in Sydney ... 6-4 Š 190 Š Jr. Continuing in the long line of Very competitive ... Good relay West Palm Beach, FL. talented jumpers at Middle Hurdles runner ... 3rd Ghanan to run for All-America Candidate Tennessee ... 2000: Swept the MT ... 2000: Placed second to PB: 13.97 (110-H) long jump and triple jump OVC teammate Albert Agyemang in OVC sprints ... Placed in titles for the second straight season ... Placed the Sun Belt 100 and 200-meter finals ... 1999: Attended Exceptional size ... Proved his third at the Sun Belt Championships in the the University of Science and Technology in Kumasi ... ability as one of the top hurdlers long jump and second in the triple Personal: Majoring in economics. for the Blue Raiders last season jump ... 1999: OVC male athlete ... Possesses of the year ... Finished first good tech- at the OVC Indoor josh carroll nique ... 2000: Medalist at the Sun Belt Rob Championship in Championships in the 110 ... Placed second to Jordan the long jump ... 6-5 Š 185 Š So. Š Š teammate Haneef Sharif at the OVC Championships ... Med- Finished first at the Murfreesboro, TN alist in the high hurdles at the OVC Indoor Championships ... OVC Outdoor Championship in both Distances 1999: Attended Troy State ... High School: Five-time all-state the long jump and triple jump ... Won PB: 10:08.28 (3000-m St.) selection ... Ranked seventh nationally in 110-high hurdles in the long jump at the USATF National 1998 ... Personal: Plans to pursue a career in law enforce- Junior Championships ... High School: Also a member of the cross ment ... Majoring in criminal justice. No. 1 junior in the nation in the long country team ... 2000: Re- jump at 25'8" ... Personal: Plans to pur- corded a new personal best in sue a career in music business ... Ma- the 3,000-meter steeplechase godfrey herring joring in recording industry management. at the Sun Belt Championships 6-0 Š 150 Š Jr. (10.08.28) placing 10th ... High School: Qualified for the Pontiac, MI state track meet in 1999 and 1998 ... Qualified for the Sprints state cross country meet in 1998 ... Named to Who's Who PB: 45.59 (400) as a senior and junior ... Earned three letters in track and chris koger one in cross country ... Personal: Plans to coach high school athletics ... Majoring in marketing education. Can run anything from the 100 6-4 Š 175 Š Fr. through the 800 ... Strong re- Lavergne, TN lays with a love for chasing High Jump All-America Candidate down opposing runners ... PB: 6'10" john cheek 2000: Became th 6-0 Š 140 Š Jr. Middle Tennessee's 34 track athlete to earn Could become the first Blue Murfreesboro, TN All-American honors in the 400-meters ...Placed Raider to score in the high ninth at the NCAA Indoor Championships Distances jump in three years ... Has not with a time of 46.52, a school record PB: 1:52.58 (800) competed in two years ... High ... Also set the school record during School: Tennessee State High the outdoor season with a time of Jump Champion in 1998 ... 1998 National Junior Solid competitor in the 800- 45.59 in the 400 ... Medalist at the Youth Champion... Personal: Major is undecided. meters ... Will also compete in OVC Indoor Championships ... Injury the 1,500-meters ... A member slowed performance at the Outdoor Sun of the cross country team ... Belt2000 Championships and NCAA Cham- geoffrey lagat 2000: Recorded a time of All-Americanpionships, but still earned a fifth place 6-0 Š 140 Š So. 1:53.89 in the 800-meters ranking fourth in the OVC ... finish in the SBC ... Member of Kapsabet, Kenya Set a personal best at the Sun Belt Championships with prestigous Middle Tennessee relay Distance a time of 1:52.58 ...1999: Finished fourth in the 800 at the teams that led the OVC and SBC ... PB: 14:33.40 (5,000) Blue Raider Indoor Invitational ... High School: Two-time 1999: Won the 400 at the OVC In- Godfrey all-state selection ... Personal: Undecided major. door Championships ... Recorded the Herring Major factor helping MT win the best indoor time in the OVC in the OVC Indoor title ... Strong com- 400 at 46.70 ... Won the 400 at the petitor in distance races ... nigel daniels Wildcat Track and Field Classic ... Re- Joined the Raiders in January corded the best outdoor time in the 400 at 45.96 ... 1998: 5-8 Š 160 Š Jr. of 2000 ... No. 1 runner on the Sat out year ... High School: Won three Michigan state men's cross country team ... 2000: Earned third place fin- Duncanville, TX high school titles, winning the 100, 200 and 400 ... Per- Distances ishes in the 5,000 and 10,000-meters at the Sun Belt Con- sonal: Majoring in health education. ference Championships in Miami ... Placed second at the PB: 21.89 (200) OVC Championships in the 5000-meters during the In- door and Outdoor seasons ... Personal: Major undecided. Transfer from Southwestern Christian College in Texas ... Provides lead leg of 4x400 re- lay ... Will add depth to the sprints... Can run any race from the 100 to 400-meters ... JUCO: Member of the No. 1 2001 Middle Tennessee Track and Field 11 Men's Profiles michael long Demps ... Set a season best of 14.09 at SPEC Townes Invitational in Athens, GA ... 1999: His 14.16 rated as the marcell scales 5-9Š 160 Š Fr. OVC's third best outdoor time in the 110-high hurdles ... 5-8 Š 150 Š Fr. Hammond, LA Finished third at the OVC Indoor Championship in the 55 Franklin, TN Jumps ... 1998: OVC 110-high hurdles champion ... Personal: Sprints Majoring in education. PB: 24-5 (LJ)/50-1 (TJ)-HS PB: 10.51 (100)

Just learning the long jump and Will give the Raiders solid help triple jump ... Good speed and in the relay events ... Very com- determination that may allow petitive ... Placed third in 2000 him to compete on relay teams National Scholastic Indoor 60- ... High School: Five time MVP meters ... High School: Ten- award winner ... Earned a total of 21 awards in track and nessee High School State Champion in the 100 and 200- field ... State, regional, and district champion... Personal: meters ... Holds Centennial High School records in the Plans to major in computer engineering ... Intends to at- 100, 200-meters, and long jump ... Lettered in football and tend graduate school after earning degree. track in high school ... Personal: Undecided on a major.

Thomas Mbanda de jun spann 5-11 Š 140 Š So. 6-0 Š 151 Š So. Kapsabet, Kenya Augusta, GA Distances Sprints PB: 9:52.42 (3000-m St.) PB: 51.55 (400-H)

A big help in what has been a Has a lot of speed ... Can be a weak area for the Blue Raid- tough competitor when he de- ers ... He is a hard worker and cides he wants to be tough ... tough competitor ... Will give 2000: Placed second in the in- the Blue Raiders another force termediate hurdles at the Sun in the distance races ... 2000: Set a new personal best in Belt Championships ... Set a the OVC Championships to place sixth in the 3000-meter new personal best while win- steeplechase ... Placed seventh at the Sun Belt Champi- ning the IH at the OVC Championships with a time of 51.55 onships ... Attended St. Mary's School Yala ... Played bad- Thomas Mbanda ... Member of 4x100-meter relay team that won the Sun minton, rugby, track and soccer in high school ... Personal: Belt title ... High School: Two-time all-state selection in Majoring in business administration. 1999 and 1998 ... Holds school records in the 100, 300- intermediate hurdles, triple jump and as a member of the anthony mcgary william sims 4x100 relay team ... Finished second in the AAU Nation- als in the 400-intermediate hurdles in 1999 and fourth in 6-1 Š 142 Š Fr. 5-11 Š 195 Š Fr. 1998 ... Personal: Simply known by teammates as DJ ... Antioch, TN Dallas, TX Plans to pursue a career in athletic training ... Majoring in Throws athletic training. Distances PB: 162-4 (Javelin) PB: 2:00 (800) levi sybert Could help MT in the javelin ... 6-0 Š 160 Š So. Has the desire to be good ... Has good technique ... High Pemberville, OH Just needs to gain experience School: Holds the Ezell Distances ... Can compete in a wide Harding school record in the PB:4:25.39 (mile) range of events ... High discus at 153-7 ... Also re- School: Three-time District corded a distance of 165 feet at an AAU meet ... Per- Very tough mentally and works Champion in cross country at Bryan Adams High School sonal: Plans to major in computer engineering. hard ... Should be a force in ... Two-time district champion in 1,600 and 3,200-meters... middle distances ... Solid cross Set school records in the 5K, 3,200, 1,600 and 800-meter country season should give events ... Personal: Majoring in computer information William smith him confidence during the track systems ... Plans to compete professionally following 6-0 Š 160 Š Sr. season ... High School: Five- graduation. Antioch, TN time MVP award winner ... Throws Earned a total of 21 awards on track and field ... State, haneef sharif PB: 11.01 (100) regional, and district champion ... Personal: Plans to ma- jor in technology education and would like to become a 6-0 Š 160 Š Jr. Transfer from Alabama A&M high school teacher and coach track and field. Gates, NY where he was also a member Hurdles of the baseball team ... Now in PB: 14.01 (110-H) his third year at Middle Tennes- see... 2000: Placed at the OVC Outdoor Championships in the 200-meters ... High One of the top hurdlers on the School: Five time MVP award winner ... Earned a total of Blue Raider team ... Can also 21 awards in track and field ... State, regional, and district run relays ... 2000: Medaled at champion ... Personal: Plans to major in computer engi- the OVC Championships and neering ... Intends to attend graduate school after earning followed with a second place degree. finish at the Sun Belt Championships behind teammate

12 2001 Middle Tennessee Track and Field Men's Event Records Blue Raider Indoor Records

EVENT RECORD HOLDER RECORD YEAR LONG JUMP Roland McGhee 27-0 3/4 1993 TRIPLE JUMP Tommy Haynes 54-6 1/2 1974 HIGH J U M P Skipper Willbanks 7-0 1/2 1985 SHOT P U T Brian Oldfield 57-7 1966 POLE VAULT Tom Yelverton 15-8 1/2 1981 55 METER DASH Roland McGhee :06.20 1994 Keith Watkins :06.20 1995 Greg Artis Carlos Gupton 200 METERS DASH Roland McGhee :20.99 1993 4x100/200 4x100/200 400 METER DASH Godfrey Herring :46.52 1999 800 METER RUN Dennis Votava 1:51.84 1977 ONE MILE R U N Joe O'Loughlin 4:03.47 1982 3000 METER R U N Joe O'Loughlin 8:12.64 1981 5000 METER R U N Jeff Lingwall 15:19.64 1993 55 METER HURDLES Micah Otis :07.23 1992 ONE MILE RELAY Ellis, Newton, 3:09.93 1983 Johnson, Mitchell DISTANCE MEDLEY RELAY Johnson, Mitchell, 9:48.04 1981 Davis, O'Loughlin Blue Raider Outdoor Records

Godfrey Herring Jeff Lingwall EVENT RECORD HOLDER RECORD YEAR 400-m 5,000-m LONG JUMP Roland McGhee 27-6 1993 TRIPLE JUMP Eddie Loyd 55-2 1982 HIGH J U M P Skipper Willbanks 7-1 1985 POLE VAULT Tom Yelverton 16-0 1985 SHOT P U T Brian Oldfield 59-2 1966 DISCUS Harrison Salami 182-9 1977 JAVELIN Jeff Sims 220-11 1984 100 METERS Roland McGhee :10.24 1994 Ron Lloyd :10.24 1994 200 METERS Roland McGhee :20.44 1994 400 METERS Godfrey Herring :45.59 1999 800 METERS Jerry Singleton 1:49.6 1969 1500 METERS Gary Perry 3:42.9 1977 Roland McGhee Joe O'Loughlin 5000 METERS Ross Dowland 14:20.84 1981 Long jump/200-m Mile/3,000-m 10000 METERS Robert Willis 30:51.20 1983 110 METER HURDLES Miguel Williams :13.69 1983 400 METER HURDLES Russell Holloway :50.14 1977 4 X 100 METER RELAY Lloyd, McGhee, :39.55 1993 Gupton, Otis 4 X 200 METER RELAY Lloyd, McGhee, 1:21.17 1994 Gupton,Otis 4 X 400 METER RELAY Ellis, Nsbitt, 3:07.28 1983 Johnson, Mitchell 4 X 800 METER RELAY Yates, Anderson, 7:34.4 1967 Bandy, Singleton SPRINT MEDLEY RELAY Shannon, Mitchell, 3:20.68 1982 T. Johnson, Davis Micah Otis Keith Watkins DISTANCE MEDLEY RELAY Lawrence, Farris, 9:50.64 1982 4x100/200 55-m Davis, O'Loughlin SHUTTLE HURDLE RELAY R. Davis, Kirnes, :56.73 1983 Nesbitt, Williams NCAA champions

Barry McClure 1972 and 1973 NCAA Triple Jump Champion Set Collegiate Records at 52-10 1/2 and 54-1 3/4 Tommy Haynes 1974 NCAA Triple Jump Champion Set Collegiate Record at 54-6 3/4 (1974) and American Record at 56-5 1/4 (1975) other honors Brian Oldfield Set Professional Shot Put World Record at 75-0 (1974) and American Record at 72-9 3/4 (1984) Greg Artis Barry McClure (left) and Tommy Haynes (right) set the standard in the 1981 OVC Athlete of the Year and OVC Indoor/Outdoor Trackman of the Year 1970s capturing three NCAA individual titles in the triple jump. Rob Jordan 1999 OVC Athlete of the Year 2001 Middle Tennessee Track and Field 13 Men's Honor Roll Event Name Record Year Event Name Record Year Long Jump 1. Roland McGhee 27-6 1993 800 Meters 1. Jerry Singleton 1:49.74 1969 2. Tommy Haynes 26-8 1/2 1974 2. John Davis 1:49.96 1981 3. Greg Artis 26-7 1/2 1981 3. Gary Perry 1:50.34 1977 4. Dwight Johnson 26-6 1985 4. Dana McCutcheon 1:50.84 1978 5. Andre’ Kirnes 26-3 1/2 1982 5. Dennis Votava 1:50.94 1977

Triple Jump 1. Eddie Loyd 55-2 1982 1,500 Meters 1. Gary Perry 3:42.9 1977 2. Tommy Haynes 54-6 3/4 1974 2. Joe O’Loughlin 3:44.8 1982 3. Barry McClure 54-4 1/2 1973 3. Dennis Votava 3:46.0 1977 4. Roland McGhee 54-4 1993 4. Dana McCutcheon 3:52.0 1980 5. John DoDoo 54-0 1/2 1979 5. Charles Dahlgren 3:54.5 1967

High Jump 1. Skipper Willbanks 7-1 1985 3,000 -Meter 1. Danny Green 9:08.37 1986 2. Roscoe Kidd 7-0 1978 Steeplechase 2. Eric Kiauka 9:24.34 1998 Linwood Harris 7-0 1984 3. Curt Arthur 9:37.95 1995 Sean Smith 7-0 1985 4. Odongo Mbanda 9:52.42 2000 5. Sammy Crump 6-10 1979 5. Josh Carroll 10:08.28 2000 Greg Smith 6-10 1982-83 Torrance Riley 6-10 1998 5,000 Meters 1. Ross Dowland 14.20.84 1981 2. Joe O’Loughlin 14:21.80 1981 Pole Vault 1. Tom Yelverton 16-0 1982 3. Geoffrey Lagat 14:33.40 2000 2. David Cleveland 15-7 1978 4. Jeff Skinner 14:44.24 1982 3. Jack Warner 15-6 1976-77 5. Richard Russo 14:48.44 1972 Scott Ellis 15-6 1981 5. Mike Stevens 14-9 1967 10,000 Meters 1. Robert Willis 30:51.20 1983 2. Jeff Skinner 31:01.44 1984 Shot Put 1. Brian Oldfield 59-2 1966 3. Jeff Lingwall 31:50.94 1993 2. Ted Hausauer 56-10 3/4 1976 4. Jason Smith 32.57.25 1997 3. Steve McQuiston 55-7 1/2 1985 4. Buck Edwards 53-5 1970 110-Meter 1. Miguel Williams :13.69 1983 5. James McClellan 53-1 1982 Hurdles 2. Ron Bramlett :13.72 1999 3. Micah Otis :13.90 1993 Discus 1. Harrison Salami 182-9 1977 4. Kenny Nesbitt :13.97 1984 2. Steve McQuiston 167-1 1985 Jasper Demps :13.97 2000 3. Brian Oldfield 166-5 1966 4. Buck Edwards 162-9 1970 5. Vince Akridge 156-2 1997 400-Meter 1. Russell Holloway :50.14 1977 Hurdles 2. David Wyatt :50.84 1970 Javelin 1. Jeff Sims 220-11 1984 3. Kenny Nesbitt :50.97 1984 2. Harrison Salami 217-0 1976 4. Ed Thomas :50.99 1980 3. Keith Cromartie 198-0 1974 5. Tom Hampton :51.25 1993 4. Bill Elmer 197-8 1976 5. Stan Summerall 183-5 1971 4 X 100-Meter 1. Lloyd, McGhee, :39.55 1993 100 Meters 1. Roland McGhee :10.24 1994 Relay Gupton, Otis Ron Lloyd :10.24 1994 2. Lloyd, McGhee :39.62 1994 3. Albert Agyemang :10.36 1999 Primm, Otis Tanko Braimah :10.36 3. Shannon, Kirnes, :39.64 1982 4. Kenny Shannon :10.42 1984 Farris, Mitchell 5. Christian Nsiah :10.45 1996 4. Nsiah, Maynard, :39.83 1997 Watkins, Amuzu 200 Meters 1. Roland McGhee :20.44 1994 5. Lloyd, McGhee, :39.88 1994 2. Dwight Johnson :20.65 1985 Gupton, Otis 3. Albert Agyemang :20.85 2000 3. Christian Nsiah :20.90 1996 4 X 400-Meter 1. Ellis, Nesbitt, 3:07.28 1983 5. Tanko Braimah :20.96 2000 Relay T. Johnson, Mitchell 2. Paul, Spann, 3:07.39 400 Meters 1. Godfrey Herring :45.59 2000 Jordan, Herring 2. Kenden Maynard :46.12 1997 2. Ellis, Newton, 3:07.55 1983 3. Ed Stegall :46.44 1977 T. Johnson, Nesbitt 4. Tim Johnson :46.78 1983 3. Mitchell, Nesbitt, 3:07.56 1984 5. Carlos Gupton :46.99 1993 T. Johnson, Ellis 4. James, Mitchell, 3:07.61 1982 Newton, T. Johnson 5. Gambrell, Robinson, 3:07.85 1980 Washpon, Stegall

14 2001 Middle Tennessee Track and Field All-Americans

Brian Oldfield Barry McClure Tommy Haynes Jimmy Washington Sheik Faye Rayfield Dupree Shot Put 1965 Tri. Jump 1970-71-72-73 Long Jump 1974 Triple Jump 1976 Long Jump 1976-77-78 Triple Jump 1977 World Record (ITA) 75’0’’ Collegiate Record Triple Jump 1974 Olympic Team 1976 Olympic Team 1972 Collegiate & American Record Holder Olympic Team 1976

John DoDoo Greg Artis Andre Kirnes Eddie Loyd Orestes Meeks Dwight Johnson Triple Jump 1978-79 Long Jump 1979-80-81 Long Jump 1980-83 Triple Jump 1982 Long Jump 1982 Long Jump 1984 Triple Jump 1981

Roland McGhee Jacqui Brown Dionne Rose Micah Otis Christian Nsiah Ron Bramlett Long Jump Triple Jump 1994 Hurdles 1994 Long Jump 1994 200 Meters 1996 110 Meter Hurdles 1999 1991-92-93-94 Long Jump 1994 Long Jump 1994 60 Meters 1999 55 Meters 1993-94

Godfrey Herring Andreja Ribac 400-meters 2000 Triple Jump 2000

1981 Mile Relay Team: Barry Gambrell, Mike Davidson, 1982 Mile Relay Team: Herb Newton, Gary Mitchell, 1982 Distance Medley Team: Herb Newton, Joe Gary Mitchell, Tim Johnson. Tim Johnson, Floyd James O’Loughlin, Tim Johnson, John Davis (inset). 2001 Middle Tennessee Track and Field 15 Facilities OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD surface year in and year out. press, a leg curl, and a leg extension. Other Hammer In keeping with the development found The indoor facility, which measures a stag- Strength equipment in the facility includes a bench throughout the Middle Tennessee athletic depart- gering 50,000 square feet, is capable of hosting press, a military press, a row machine, neck machine, ment and the university as a whole, the Blue every track and field event except for the javelin pull-up, and pull-over. Raider track and field team will benefit from an and discus throws. The six-lane, sixth-of-a-mile An impressive array of dumbbells also is pro- outdoor facilty that is in its second year. long oval features two photographic finish lines. vided for the student-athletes’ use. Two sets each of Built in 1973, Murphy Center also dumbbells ranging from five to 150 pounds are kept serves as home of the Lady Raiders bas- on racks around the room. Mirrors ring the walls of ketball team, the Blue Raiders basketball the room to help student-athletes ensure that they team and the Lady Raiders volleyball are using proper form throughout their workouts. Car- team, who all play their home games in diovascular equipment such as treadmills and sta- the 11,520-seat Monte Hale Arena. tionary bikes also are available for use in the facility. It is also the location of the athletic de- Fringe benefits may also be found in the weight partment offices, HPER's department and room. A television with cable and a state-of-the-art the Blue Raiders Athletic Association of- sound system has been installed for the enjoyment fice. of the student-athletes. Two offices for the strength Aside from several auxiliary gyms, coaches are located in the room, along with restrooms dance studios, racquetball courts and and a small hospitality area. The weight room also locker rooms, Murphy Center sports a top of the line training room, which is run by the new athletic training program. The pro- The Olympic size track was recently certi- gram allows students majoring in athletic training fied by a USTFA official and was the host site of an opportunity to receive hands-on experience. the 2000 Ohio Valley Conference Outdoor Cham- Murphy Center has also served as the host pionship. site of the TSSAA state boy's and girl's basket- Considered one of the best facilties in the ball tournament for the past decade. Southeast, the running surface features eight During its 27-year existence, Murphy Cen- lanes measuring 42 inches each, which allows ter has staged countless concerts for some the ample space for each participant without feeling world's most renowned artists, including Elvis closed in by other runners. Presley, Elton John, Kiss, and three consecutive Like the running surface, the infield portion sold-out performances by multi-platinum country provides direct access to the football stadium and a is as user friendly as they come. It features the music sensation Garth Brooks. Most recently, large meeting room. The meeting room is used not unique aspect of having two long jump runways, however, Murphy Center was the site of a GooGoo only by the Blue Raider football team on game days allowing both the men's and women's team to Dolls concert in the fall of 1999. and for film breakdown, but press conferences, either practice or compete at the same time. HPERS classes, and other functions are held in this A pole volt runway, javelin runway, high STRENGTH & CONDITIONING space. The meeting room is fully equipped with high jump area, and a hammer/discus cage is also It is often said that the path to athletic great- tech audiovisual equipment to enhance the learning located in the infield area. ness leads through the weight room. It certainly rings of students using the space. This newest addition to The infield portion of the facilty also true at Middle Tennessee, but Blue Raider teams have the Blue Raider athletic facilities is the crown jewel doubles as the home of the Lady Raider soccer a decided advantage over most of their opponents. for all Middle Tennessee athletes. team, which inaugurated the complex October The addition to Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium The weight room is supervised by head strength 14, 1998, when they defeated Tennessee Tech also allowed for a 10,000-plus square foot weight and conditioning coach Matt Riley, associate Robb 4-0. room facility adjacent to the north end zone for use Rogers, assistants Darren Edgington and Cedric by all Middle Tennessee student-athletes and the end Walthaw. MURPHY CENTER result is a strength training area that rivals any in the Riley, a former Middle Tennessee football player, The upper level of Murphy Center features country. The weight room has been lauded by many oversees the entire operation and was responsible an indoor tack and field center, which has served people as better than any other in the immediate area, for the design and layout of the facility. Following his as the site of several Ohio Valley Conference including SEC and Conference USA schools. graduation from Middle Tennessee in 1988, Riley was Indoor Championships - including the 1999 The facility, which opened in January the head strength and conditioning coach at Tennes- championship - and numerous Blue Raider 1999, greets student-athletes with 20,714½ pounds see Tech in 1989 and 1990 before taking over the Invitationals. of plates and dumbbells. The sheer volume of weights same role at Southern Miss in 1991 and 1992. Both the men's is not the most impres- Rogers, the National Strength Coach of the Year and women's track sive aspect of the room. in 1996, is in his second season with the Blue Raid- and field teams have It is equipped with nine ers. Rogers, who is the coordinator for all football benefitted from the Wynmor power racks, strength and conditioning programs, came to Middle fact that the Murphy nine Wynmor platforms, Tennessee after serving as the head strength trainer Center is the only in- and nine York half-racks. for the St. Louis Blues of the NHL. Along with strength door facility in the The equipment list con- training, Rogers is widely known for speed develop- entire OVC, giving tinues to grow from there. ment and injury prevention. Middle Tennessee Hammer Strength equip- student-athletes a ment rounds out the room sure advantage of with five ground-base running on its home jammers, a dead lift, a leg 16 2001 Middle Tennessee Track and Field Campus Tour The Recreation Center The Campus Recreation Center offers fitness and recreation opportunities to students, no matter where their interests lie. For starters, there are six indoor basketball/volleyball courts, six rac- quetball courts, and indoor and outdoor pools. Also featured in the facility is an indoor track, a cardio-vascular room, a climbing wall, a weight room, an aerobics room, and an indoor soccer and roller hockey area. Indoor activities are not the only ones available at the Campus Recre- ation Center. Outside are a sun deck and three outdoor sand volleyball courts along with the aforementioned pool. Students can also join a myriad of recreational clubs and sign up for vari- ous off-campus activities such as whitewater raft- ing and hiking. University Library At a cost of $32.75 million, the new University Library is the crown jewel of Middle Tennessee’s building projects over the past 10 years. The library, which opened in January 1999, spans 250,000 square feet and is capable of housing 800,000 volumes. The state-of-the-art design features study seating for 2,500 students and has 350 public access computers that are connected to a variety of networks for research. In fact, the scope of the library’s network is so expansive that over 150 miles of cable connects the computer terminals to the network. If electronic research doesn’t lead to answers, the library subscribes to nearly 3,500 journals and other periodicals that are readily available for student use. Fifty-three microtext readers and 14 microtext readers with printers are accessible by students in the periodical section. Space in the library has also been reserved for classroom usage and group study area. One visit to the University Library convinces students that the support for their academic pursuits is unmatched in the area.

2001 Middle Tennessee Track and Field 17 Campus Tour Business and AeroSpace Middle Tennessee's Symbolizing the trans- formation that is taking TOP TEN place on campus, the $23 million Business and Aerospace build- 1 ing has been recog- Oldest and largest public university in the mid- nized nationally for its state. excellence and inno- vation in architectural design. The 163,000 2 square foot facility fea- Number one college choice of mid-state vale- tures state-of-the-art dictorians and salutatorians for three years; technology, 40 master entering freshman scores above state and na- classrooms, a technol- tional averages. ogy lab with a wind tunnel, and a flight simulation lab. The 3 aerospace program that calls the building home is among the top three programs in the country and New facilities with latest in equipment and tech- attracts students from all over the world. Having one of the largest and most comprehensive pro- nology. grams in the nation, the Aerospace Department is also one of the first four to be accredited by the Council on Aviation Accreditation (CAA). 4 James Buchanan (‘40), Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences; late U.S. Senator Albert Gore, Sr.; Grammy and Emmy award winners; and a ma- College of Mass Communication jority of the region’s teachers are among suc- Middle Tennessee’s College of Mass cessful alumni. Communication is Tennessee’s fastest- growing learning environment for com- 5 munication skills. It is also one of the Blue Raiders won 20 conference championships largest communication programs in the in the ‘90s; won men’s conference all-sports tro- country, enrolling over 2,500 students phy four times; numerous athletes in pro sports - more than half of whom are enrolled and Olympics. in the nationally acclaimed Recording Industry Program. 6 Direct student access to faculty who use latest technology and master classrooms. 7 Honors College - first in state - provides select The Tennessee Center academic atmosphere within large university. for the Study and Treatment of Dyslexia Middle Tennessee’s program is a nationally recognized model for the delivery of services to students 8 with dyslexia, to psychologists and teachers who identify and instruct them, and to schools that Economic impact on region more than $250 mil- enable these students to achieve their potential. lion. The Center for Excellence in Popular Music 9 Aerospace and Recording Industry attract stu- According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, this Middle Tennessee Center is “next to the Library dents from all over the world. of Congress and Brown University in parts of its collection.” The Center’s holdings encompass a variety of media, including sheet music, sound recordings, audio tapes and videotapes, books, seri- 10 als, photographs, posters, manuscripts, clippings, and microforms. Safe and friendly environment with diverse stu- dent body - 54 percent female, 13 percent mi- nority, and students from over 70 countries.

18 2001 Middle Tennessee Track and Field Academic Enhancement The Student-Athlete Enhancement Center at is committed to to help achieve its Middle Tennessee houses the academic support meeting the needs goals. system and the B.R.A.S.S. Life Skills Program for all of student-athletes The Student- 16 Division I-A sports. The Center is housed at the in life skills devel- Athlete Enhance- Johnny “Red” Floyd Football Stadium on Raider Drive. opment through the ment Center is just The new facility opened its doors on January 4, very popular one way that 1999, to the delight of student-athletes, coaches and B.R.A.S.S. Pro- Middle Tennessee administrators. gram. MTSU’s Life is helping to pre- Blue Raider stu- Skills Progam has pare student-ath- dent-athletes can take ad- the acronym letes for life after vantage of the library-like “BRASS” which college. Programs atmosphere as they re- means Blue Raider such as B.R.A.S.S. port for their required study Athlete Skills for help student-ath- hall hours under the Success. letes learn to take watchful eyes of the Di- Mrs. Counts, as Coordinator, is dedicated to personal responsibility for their lives after college and rector, Mrs. Jeanne helping prepare student-athletes for life after college. help them become self-sufficient. By taking advan- Jeanne Massaquoi Massaquoi, and the As- Blue Raiders volunteer, when possible, to help teach- tage of these opportunities, student-athletes can get Director sistant Director and Coor- ers and students at elementary and middle schools far ahead of their competitors in the game of life. dinator of B.R.A.S.S., Mrs. throughout Rutherford County during the academic Wynnifred Counts. The year. Center consists of admin- In the spring of each year, Special Olympics at istrative offices, fully MiddleTennessee uses Blue Raider student-athletes equipped individual and to run each event. Career night, substance and alco- group tutor rooms, a com- hol abuses seminars are yearly, well attended events. puter center and spacious Social events such as the Fall Welcome Back Picnic study carrels equipped and the Spring Student-Athlete Ball are eagerly antici- with task lighting. Services pated as the only times during the year when all provided by the Center in- student-athletes can be together. Wynnifred Counts clude help with registra- “We are very grateful for the cooperation we Assistant Director tion and pre-registration, receive from our supervising office, Academic Affairs, help with study skills, and updates on NCAA legisla- from the Athletic Department, and from the Faculty tion. and staff throughout the MTSU community,” said In an effort to accommodate student-athletes' Massaquoi. “This success of the Center depends on Community Involvement busy schedules, the Center is open from 7:00 a.m. this cooperation and we have been very fortunate to until 10:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and from 7:00 a.m. experience an outpouring of support in our efforts.” until 2:00 p.m. on Friday. The Center uses an innova- Despite the move and upgraded facility, the Reading Raiders Program tive time-clock system activated by the student’s ID mission of the Center remains to help student-ath- The Reading Raiders program began in the sum- card for daily and weekly reports. Tutors in various letes utilize skills like teamwork that were learned on mer of 1993 and was designed to allow MTSU subjects are scheduled in the tutoring rooms through- the field and turn them into positive preparation for life athletes the opportunity to give back to the com- out all hours of operation and all tutoring takes place after college. The Center is also committed to meeting munity by getting involved in the lives of the only at the Center. the changing needs of student-athletes. The Center community’s children. Within this program, In addition to providing the academic support also continues to promote partnerships between Uni- Middle Tennessee athletes serve as role mod- needed to be successful in the classroom, the Center versity, the NCAA, and the Murfrees-boro community els and motivators in encouraging the impor- tance of reading and proper study skills to stu- dents in the Murfreesboro City Extended Schools Program. B.R.A.S.S. The B.R.A.S.S. program is another vehicle that encourages student-athletes to become involved in service activities. The MTSU athletic depart- ment, through the B.R.A.S.S. program, became the state’s first to take an active role in the Spe- cial Olympics. This relationship is strengthened every year, as the student-athletes begin to look forward to working with the Special Olympians as much as the Olympians look forward to inter- acting with college athletes.

2001 Middle Tennessee Track and Field 19 Around The Boro Nashville and the middle Tennessee area have The area is also home to a burgeoning profes- been thrust into the national spotlight in recent years, sional sports scene. The Gaylord Entertainment Cen- and this time country music is not the only reason. ter is located at Broadway and Fifth Avenue and is Nashville and its surrounding counties are among home to the Nashville Predators of the NHL and the the most popular relocation areas in the United States, Nashville Kats of the AFL. and with good reason. The area is now home to the Adelphia Coliseum, home of the Tennessee Ti- NFL, the NHL, Arena League Football, and it will soon tans NFL franchise, is located across the river and is be home to an Indy Racing League and NASCAR readily accessible from the downtown area. Superspeedway. Just across the interstate from the downtown area Of course, country music is still the heartbeat of is Music Row, home to many of Nashville’s record Nashville. Many record labels and performance rights labels and recording studios. organizations are moving their bases of operation to History buffs will also remember that the middle the “Third Coast.” Tennessee area is home to a number of Civil War Not only has country music been a boom to the battlefields, museums and military cemeteries. Also middle Tennessee area, but there has also been an located in the area is the Hermitage, home of our In their two years of existence, the Nashville influx of many genre of music including jazz, blues seventh President Andrew Jackson. Predators have become the winningest expan- and rock. With MTSU's nationally known recording The seat of Tennessee’s government is located in sion franchise in NHL history. industry program and the Nashville, with convenience of having the State Capitol Music City in the back building located yard, no wonder the Uni- mere blocks from versity as well as the mid- the downtown state area continue to Nashville area. thrive in the music indus- If shopping is THE NASHVILLE SPORTS try. your bag, then COUNCIL ESTIMATES Residents and tourists middle Tennes- THAT 65.5 MILLION DOL- alike enjoy visiting the see offers a wide LARS HAS BEEN downtown Nashville area variety of wares. Adelphia Coliseum: Home of the Tennessee Titians known as The District. The Several malls BROUGHT TO THE MID- area along Second Av- with the latest in STATE DUE TO SPECIAL enue, which parallels the Cumberland River, has be- fashion are located in the area along with antique SPORTING EVENTS SUCH come home to several nationally known hot spots. shops, art galleries and good old fashioned flea mar- AS THE MUSIC CITY The Hard Rock Cafe and Planet Hollywood are all kets. BOWL, THE NATIONAL located in this area along with other restaurants and The area also has gained popularity because of shops with a local flavor. the good reputation of middle Tennessee as family FIGURE SKATING CHAM- friendly. The area features many parks, rivers, lakes PIONSHIPS, AND THE MU- and hiking trails for family fun. The schools in middle SIC CITY MARATHON Tennessee are consistently given high marks for ex- cellence. The best part about all of these area attractions is that Middle Tennessee State University is located a few short minutes from all of them. No matter what you want to do, you will find a friend on cam- pus to go with you.

The Gaylord Enter- tainment Center is home to the NHL’s Predators, AFL’s Kats, and other special Eddie George and the Tennessee Titans events. helped put the midstate area on the map with a trip to the 2000 Super Bowl.

20 2001 Middle Tennessee Track and Field