Men’s Track & Field 14th in Preseason Rankings by USTFCCCA

Dec. 22, 2007

The men’s track & field program at Clemson is ranked 14th in the preseason poll by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). The complete top 25 was released Thursday by the coaches’ organization. Clemson was 15th in the NCAA in indoor track & field last season. Florida State is the preseason #1, while Washington is ranked second.

Travis Padgett headlines a group of seven returning All-Americans for the men’s track & field program. The junior from Shelby, NC won the NCAA national championship in the 60m dash last season, one of two All-Americans in the event for the Tigers. Padgett is a four-time All-American and already an automatic qualifier in the 60m dash for the NCAA Championships.

Mitch Greeley also returns as a multiple All-America honoree. The senior pole vaulter from Rock Hill, SC earned his second honor in the event last outdoor season. He posted a strong NCAA provisional qualifying effort at the Clemson Opener three weeks ago.

Other returning All-Americans for the track team this season are two-sport athletes C.J. Spiller. A native of Royal Palm Beach, FL, Ford won the ACC title last season in the 60m dash. His status is unknown for track & field as he recovers from a broken ankle suffered in the football team’s win at Maryland. Spiller was All-American in the 400m relay last season and is an integral part of the Tiger football team as well. Corey Brown and Cowin Mills also earned All-America honors with the relay team last season.

The Tigers’ next indoor meet will take place January 11-12 in Blacksburg, VA for the Virginia Tech Invitational.