Pollock’s Perspective

April 11, 2000

The Clemson Track and Field team traveled to Durham, North Carolina for the Duke Invitational this past weekend (April 7th and 8th) with sights set on individual improvements. The Tiger’s goal, however, came up short as strong winds and heavy rains cancelled several events. The cancellation of events was disappointing due to weather conditions but the Tigers were able to review the facility…the site of the ACC Championships in two weeks (April 21st and 22nd).

Tiger All-American Shawn Crawford ran a blazing 100 meter dash in 10.18 seconds as the top collegiate in the event. Crawford’s performance qualifies him for the NCAA Championships as the second best non-wind aided performer in the country.

All-American Charles Allen ran his first 200 meter race of the season clocking 21.43 seconds. Sophomore Todd Matthews turned in another solid effort in the 110 meter hurdles. Matthew’s performance is a NCAA qualifying effort and third consecutive NCAA qualifying effort and third consecutive NCAA qualifying time this season.

All-American Ato Modibo ran his first 400 meter race for the outdoor season clocking 47.45 seconds. Modibo has been hampered with an injury from the NCAA Indoor Championships, competed well considering the training occurred during the past several weeks. He has been strength training and will continue in his preparation for his ultimate goal…2000 Olympic Games.

Sophomore Fred Sharpe placed third in the 400 meter hurdles with a time of 51.98.

The 800 meter race highlighted two Tigers in sophomore Mike Connelly and freshman Marcus Hodges. Connelly ran an outstanding race through the 600 meter point (1:20.57) and then pulled up with a minor calf strain. He was on pace to run 1:48 – 1:49 which would have been a personal best. Connelly will be back for the ACC’s and definitely a top contender to win the 800 meter title.

Freshman Marcus Hodge ran a tactical 800 meter race in 1:55.30 and looked very strong. He has continued to lower his performance and may be a sleeper in the 800 meter at the ACC’s. Tiger distance runners, Jason Meany and Ryan Demers, had solid performances running personal bests in the 5000 meters. Meany, a red-shirt freshman, ran a personal best of 14:24.32 to place ninth overall. He lowered his time by 21 seconds from last week’s Clemson Invitational (14:45.18) and still appears that the best is still to come.

Sophomore Ryan Demers ran his first collegiate 5000 meter race running 14:34.74. Demers ran a tactical race and feels very comfortable heading into the ACC meet in two weeks.

The field events were certainly dampened by the rain, however, several Tigers did compete will despite the poor weather conditions. Sophomore Keith Rzewuski had a seasonal best in the hammer throw with a 163′-5″ effort. Rzewuski’s performance currently ranks fifth on Clemson’s All-Time List. Tiger high jumpers, Malcolm Reynolds and Doug Ameigh, cleared 6′-7″ in the rain when competition was halted. Sophomore Kai Maull had a 24′-Ľ” leap in the long jump to place him fifth collegiately.

Our overall team performance was fair considering our expectations and standards are quite high. We will train this week and begin our final preparations for the ACC Championships to be held April 21st and 22nd on Duke University’s campus in Durham, North Carolina. Our team will be challenged, as the ACC Championship title is our first goal in the 2000 Outdoor Season.

Go Tigers, Bob Pollock Head Track & Cross County Coach