Falcons To Host MWC Track Championship
2/20/2001 12:00:00 AM | Track and Field Managers
Brigham Young is the heavy favorite to repeat as both the men's and women's team champion. The Cougars won the inaugural MWC championship last year. The Cougars' victories extended their indoor team titles to eight after winning seven consecutive titles in the Western Athletic Conference.
"Colorado State could challenge BYU's men for the title," said Air Force head coach Ralph Lindeman. "I think this is one of CSU's best team's ever. They come into the meet ranked 13th by 'Trackwire."
"I see our men in a battle for third place along with Wyoming. However, we have several individuals that will challenge for a top three spot in their respective events."
Heading that list is Shawn Johnson in the shot put. In last weekend's Air Force Open, Johnson set a new school record with a throw of 58'6 3/4". The old record of 57'6 3/4" was set in 1988 by Mark Hughes. Johnson comes into the meet with the fifth best throw in the league.
The Falcon distance runners are also expected to score well in the meet. Brian Carpenter has the fourth fastest time in the league in the mile. Shane Rogers ranks third in the 3,000-meters and is the returning 3,000-meter steeplechase champion. Chris Acs has the third fastest time in the 5,000 meters. In the 800-meters, Joe Lopez has the second fastest time in the Mountain West. The Falcons' distance medley relay team has the fastest time in the league to date.
In the field events, Lindeman expects Ben Gensic and Anthony Park to score for the Falcons. Gensic is coming off a lifetime best in the pole vault last week by clearing 16'6 3/4". That height ranks him second in the league. Park should place in the top five in both the long jump and the triple jump.
Air Force's women hope to improve on last year's eighth-place finish. Heading the list is pole vaulter Ana Maria Ortega who matched her school record in last week's Air Force Open with a vault of 11'11 3/4"inches. Ortega has the third best vault in the league.
LaTravia Robinson comes into the championship meet ranked third in the triple jump while Jaime Flood has the fourth fastest time in the 5,000 meters. Also expected to gain points is the women's distance medley relay team which ranks second in the league.
