MCC preps for regionals with Classic
As the 2007 track and field season comes to an end, head coach Steve Jacobs and both the men’s and women’s teams have a lot to look forward to. Many athletes on the team have already qualified nationally with their marks.
James Galvin has proven to be the biggest surprise not only at MCC, but in the entire country. Galvin has posted the fastest 800 time in the country this year, when he ran a 1:49.31 at the Sun Angel Classic at ASU on April 14. His national presence was something even the coaching staff didn’t expect.
When coach Steve Jacobs was asked of his expectations for Galvin entering the season, he said, “We didn’t really know what to expect. He wasn’t with us last year, so he was somewhat new to our system.”
Galvin is now the national favorite to win the 800 in the Outdoor National Championships.
“We are only expecting Galvin to get better from here on out,” said Jacobs. “He has improved in every meet thus far.”
Galvin has also qualified in 1600 meter relay(4x400) in the Outdoor National Championship. Galvin, along with Richard Johnson, Anthony Jamison, and Spivey Vasquez qualified during an April 7 meet with a time of 3:16.85.
At the same meet, Vasquez also qualified for the 400 meter hurdles by running a 54.58. Expectations were for him to post an even better time than that at the Mesa Track and Field Classic that took place on April 13, but an injury kept him out. He is expected to be good to go for the regional tournament held on May 8 and 10 at Riggs Stadium here at MCC.
The Mesa Classic did give more athletes a chance to qualify and they did not disappoint.
“It was a solid all around meet and many athletes came up big for us” said Jacobs.
The 4x100 meter relay team, comprised of Anthony Jamison, Blake Summer, Mitchell Gladstone, and Todd Kreimeyer, ran a 42.10. That was fast enough to surpass the national qualifying mark.
Richard Johnson, who has qualified in the 4x800 meter relay, also came up big in the Mesa Classic. His 14.77 in the 110 meter hurdles was enough to qualify for the National Championship meet.
Previous athletes who have already qualified were Rashaud Scott, the dominant thrower who has not only hit the national marks, but has shattered many of MCC’s throwing records. He will be throwing for the Kentucky track and Field team next year.
Another thrower who has nationally qualified and silently anchored the women’s team this year is sophomore thrower Michelle Amete. She will be throwing for ASU next year.
When asked how the team would replace throwers like Rashaud and Michelle, the throwing coach Selmer Olson said, “We are going to do our best. We have a lot of interest out there that looks very promising.”
Sophomore Amber Washington has also qualified for the outdoor nationals with her 47.9 time in the 400 meters.
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Competitors in the Women’s 100-meter hurdles vie for the lead in the kickoff race in the Mesa Track and Field Classic held at Mesa Community College on April 13.
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MCC’s Aramis Woiley takes his turn in the long jump during the Mesa Track and Field Classic.
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MCC’s Angie Sandell clears the bar during the Mesa Classic.
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MCC’s Nick Wilson fires off the block during his heat in the 100M dash.