Clemson Women Sixth, Men 30th in Track & Field Ratings Released Tuesday

May 31, 2011

CLEMSON, SC – The Clemson women are sixth and the men’s team is 30th in the latest computer ratings released by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) on Tuesday. The women fell two spots this week, while the men’s team improved seven positions to its highest national rating of the 2011 outdoor season. This week’s ratings only take into account those student-athletes qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Championships.

The men’s team is coming off one of its best weekends under the watch of Director of Track & Field Lawrence Johnson, now in his third season overseeing the combined program. Six student-athletes combined to earn eight entries for next week’s NCAA Outdoor Championships, held June 8-11 in Des Moines, IA.

Justin Murdock qualified in four events, including both relays. He will compete in the open 100 and 200 semifinals, as well as the 4×100 relay and 4×400 relay. Murdock owns a season-best 10.13 in the 100, and helped both relays to season-bests last weekend in Bloomington, IN at the NCAA East Preliminary Round.

Miller Moss will compete in three events for the Tigers, including both relays. He already qualified for the decathlon prior to the East Prelims because his value of 7,706 points is one of the top 10 in the nation. Last week, he led the 4×4 to an impressive time of 3:05.73 and an automatic berth to NCAAs. He also stepped in as the anchor leg for the 4×1 team and also led that group to a season-best 39.89.

Spencer Adams qualified in the 110 hurdles from the men’s squad after achieving a personal best 13.55 in the quarterfinals in Bloomington. Adams also competed at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in the event last season as a red-shirt freshman.

La’Mont Jackson and Jordan Rispress both qualified for their first NCAA Championships. Jackson will compete with both relays, while Rispress will run with the 4×4.

The women’s team fell to sixth in this week’s ratings, largely due to the loss of injured sprinters Stormy Kendrick and Brianna Rollins. Both were expected to be key contributors next week in Des Moines. Clemson has been rated among the top six in the NCAA in women’s track & field this entire outdoor season, however, with a top position of No. 3 in the May 10 poll.

April Sinkler led the way for the women’s team at the East Preliminary Round, qualifying in all three jumping events in which she entered. Patricia Mamona, defending NCAA champion, qualified as one of the top seeds in the triple jump. Clemson qualified three athletes in the short and high hurdles, led by record-holder Michaylin Golladay who will make her second straight trip to the NCAA Outdoor Championships. She will also run lead leg for the Tigers’ 4×100 relay.

Liane Weber will compete in the heptathlon at the NCAA Championships. It will be a case of redemption for the Tiger senior, who missed most of last year’s competition due to a tendon injury.

Six members of the women’s team were first-time qualifiers for the NCAA Championships, led by Misha Morris, Bridgette Owens and Lauren Terstappen.