Sprinting events by Tanya Brown and Leon Bunion
Distance and Field events by Tom Borish (3/8/05)

[ Men's Preview ]

60 meters:
Top Contenders: DaBryan Blanton (Oklahoma), Tyson Gay (Arkansas), Johnie Drake (C. Michigan)

Defending champion Blanton will have to go through Tyson Gay and a very consistent Johnie Drake to repeat. Gay is recovering from injury, but if he is anywhere near 100% he will challenge for the title.

The Challengers: Demi Omole (Wisconsin), John Woods (Colorado State), Dusty Stamer (Nebraska), Walter Dix (Florida State), Derrick Johnson (Charlotte)

The Darkhorse: Jonathan Wade (Tennessee)

200 meters:
Top Contenders: Wallace Spearmon (Arkansas), Xavier Carter (LSU), Kerron Clement (Florida)

This will be a rematch of the SEC 200m final. This will be a very exciting event, where any of the top contenders can take the title. Spearmon is the favorite aftering winning SECs.

The Challengers: Rodney Martin (South Carolina), Walter Dix (Florida State), Kyle Farmer (Florida), Domenik Peterson (Arizona State), Omar Brown (Arkansas), Rubin Williams (Tenn)

400 meters:
Top Contenders: Kerron Clement (Florida), Kelly Willie (LSU), Darold Williamson (Baylor)

With the absense of Lashawn Merritt, who went pro, Clement, the SEC champion, has become the favorite. Kelly Willie has been playing possum this year, having only run the 400m once this season. Willie will definitely challenge for the title along with fellow Olympian Darold Williamson.

The Challengers: Matt Scherrer (Oregon), Damion Barry (Auburn), Terry Gatson (Arkansas), Craig Everhart (UCLA), Ricardo Chambers (Florida St.)

The Darkhorse: Jason Barton (Arizona State)

800 meters:
Top Contenders: Jonathon Johnson (Texas Tech), Nate Brannen (Michigan), Aldwyn Sappleton (Oklahoma)

Brannen will look to become the first collegian to ever win the 800 meters for three consecutive years. With his time of 1:47.51 set last weekend, Brannen will be tough to beat. Johnson has never shown signs to compete well during the indoor season, but he would like to accomplish something special since this is his last indoor race as a collegian. Sappleton has been solid all season long and could emerge as the favorite.

The Challengers: Joel Williams (Jackson State), Jeremy Mims (Kansas), Shaun Smith (Oral Roberts), Sherridan Kirk (Auburn)

The Darkhorse: Kevin Hicks (Florida A&M)

Mile run:
Top Contenders: Sean Jefferson (Indiana), Said Ahmed (Arkansas), Nick Willis (Michigan)

Jefferson comes into the meet as the defending champion with the top time in the nation at 3:56.44. Ahmed's time of 3:57.04 was set last weekend so he will have to run very fast for the second week in a row. Willis will be doubling while also competing in the 3,000 meters, but he's strong enough to win both titles.

The Challengers: John Jefferson (Indiana), Jonah Maiyo (Arizona), Kurt Benninger (Notre Dame), Leonel Manzano (Texas)

The Darkhorse: Nathan Robison (BYU)

3,000 meters:
Top Contenders: Nick Willis (Michigan), Josh Rohatinsky (BYU), Robert Cheseret (Arizona)

Willis should now stand in the spotlight with defending champion Alistair Cragg of Arkansas gone. Willis finished second last year in 7:56.44 and enters the meet with a national leading time of 7:48.65. Rohatinsky's time of 7:51.28 was set back in January, but he should be well rested for a prime run. Cheseret has always been strong enough to win and could take the title if he runs his own race.

The Challengers: Stephen Haas (Indiana), Matt Tegenkamp (Wisconsin), Richard Kiplagat (Iona), Chris Solinsky (Wisconsin)

The Darkhorse: Josh McDougal (Liberty)

5,000 meters:
Top Contenders: Matt Tegenkamp (Wisconsin), Brent Vaughn (Colorado), Chris Solinsky (Wisconsin)

This event is the perfect distance for Tegenkamp who is also coming off an excellent cross country season. His time of 13:36.48 currently leads the nation. Vaughn is not sitting back too far at 13:38.30 and will give the field all they can handle. Super sophomore Solinsky knows this event from start to finish very well and will key off teammates Tegenkamp, Simon Bairu and Tim Nelson. The Badgers will put up some serious points here.

The Challengers: Peter Kosgei (Arkansas), Stephen Haas (Indiana), Ian Dobson (Stanford), Simon Bairu (Wisconsin), Matt Gonzales (New Mexico)

The Darkhorse: Robert Cheseret (Arizona)

60 meter hurdles:
Top Contenders: Antwon Hicks (Miss), Josh Walker (Florida), Aries Merritt (Tenn)

Defending champion Hicks is the favorite, holding the fastest time of the season and having beat Walker and Merritt at the SEC Champs. Walker, the outdoor champion, will challenge. Merritt is capable of pulling an upset.

The Challengers: Jason Richardson (South Carolina), Eric Mitchum (Oregon), Richard Phillips (George Mason), Ricardo Melbourne (George Mason)

The Darkhorse: Montrelle Person (Georgia Tech)

4x400 meter relay:
Top Contenders: Florida, LSU, Arizona State

Another barn burner is on tap for the big dance in this event. Florida seems to be the top team with the fastest time in the nation. However, LSU cannot be counted out. LSU finished second to Florida at their conference, however, they ran without one of their fastest legs, Xavier Carter. Arizona State has a solid group that can take the title as well.

The Challengers: Oregon, Northern Iowa, Texas Tech, Baylor

The Darkhorse: Arkansas

Distance Medley Relay:
Top Contenders: Michigan, Arkansas, Stanford

Can they do it again? That's the question everyone will be asking Michigan on Friday night when the relay rolls around. They dominated the field last year with their collegiate record time of 9:27.77. Just last week, the foursome of Rondell Ruff, Stan Waithe, Andrew Ellerton and Nick Willis recorded the second-fastest time in history at 9:28.12. Arkansas is always loaded and will look to score big points here for their run at the overall team title. Stanford will be in the race, but perhaps not enough to win it all.

The Challengers: BYU, Notre Dame, Missouri

The Darkhorse: Wisconsin

High Jump:
Top Contenders: Andra Manson (Texas), Mike Morrison (Florida), Marcus Harris (Texas Southern)

This should be Manson's event to lose after breezing to the indoor and outdoor titles last year as a freshman. Harris placed second to Manson during the indoor season and it could take at least 7-5 to win. Morrison seems to improve as each week moves along. He will also be competing in the long jump.

The Challengers: Aaron Plas (Nebraska), Jesse Williams (USC), Mickael Hanany (UTEP), Kyle Lancaster (Kansas State)

The Darkhorse: Tomasz Smialek (Akron)

Pole Vault:
Top Contenders: Tommy Skipper (Oregon), Yoo Kim (UCLA), Ray Scotten (Nebraska)

If there is a heavy favorite for any event, it will be Skipper in the pole vault. His confidence is riding high which includes placing second at the USA Indoor Championships. Kim could provide the best competition as it should take at least 5.60m to win the event. Scotten comes off a very impressive indoor season, but may not have the strength to leap over 5.60m.

The Challengers: Sage Thames (Texas Tech), Paul Gensic (Air Force), Robison Pratt (BYU), Scott Martin (Oklahoma)

The Darkhorse: Trent Powell (BYU)

Long Jump:
Top Contenders: Aarik Wilson (Indiana), Leonidas Watson (Oregon), Fabrice Lapierre (Texas A&M)

Wilson had a huge jump last weekend which propelled him to enter the NCAA Championships with the best mark in both the long jump and triple jump. He is still looking for his first NCAA title and this should be the year. Watson and Lapierre has solid indoor campaigns and have the ability to take the title.

The Challengers: Mike Morrison (Florida), Norris Frederick (Washington), Chris Gillis (Baylor), Jason Romero (Cal State Northridge)

The Darkhorse: Arturs Abolins (Nebraska)

Triple Jump:
Top Contenders: Aarik Wilson (Indiana), Rafeeq Curry (Florida State), Jaanus Uudmae (Arkansas), Brandon Atkinson (Ole Miss)

Wilson will once again be one of the favorites in the triple jump in which the title has been so close so many times. If the Hoosiers want to make a run at the overall title, they need Wilson to win both events. Curry placed fifth last year and will be a serious threat if Wilson is not on top of his game. Uudmae will look to step up for some major points as the Hogs make their run for another title. Atkinson could be considered a darkhorse as not many people have been talking about him.

The Challengers: Rodrigo Mendes (BYU), Willie Bradley (LSU), Brandon Via (NC A&T), Jason Bell (Clemson)

The Darkhorse: Adrian Ghioroaie (Kent State)

Shot Put:
Top Contenders: Garrett Johnson (Florida State), Magnus Lohse (Colorado State), Nedzad Mulabegovic (Purdue)

Johnson did surprise a lot of people with his national leading throw of 20.34m set back on January 15. However, Johnson has shown signs of consistencey and should be the favorite. Lohse enters the meet with the second best mark and will need to pop a big throw over 20 meters in order to win. Mulabegovic did not compete at the outdoor meet, so this will be a long time coming for the senior out of Purdue.

The Challengers: Edis Elkasevic (Auburn), Sean Shields (Arizona), Vikas Gowda (North Carolina), Sheldon Battle (Kansas), Conrad Woolsey (Missouri)

The Darkhorse: Rhuben Williams (California)

Weight Throw:
Top Contenders: Spyridon Jullien (Virginia Tech), Cory Martin (Auburn), Coby Cost (Kansas State)

Just like Skipper who dominated in the pole vault all season long, the weight throw is certainly Jullien's event to lose. The junior threw an eye-popping mark of 23.25m set last week at home. With the second best mark at 21.68m, Martin hopes to match Jullien throw for throw along with Cost who are both coming off outstanding indoor seasons.

The Challengers: Jason Carruthers (Indiana State), Garland Porter (Tennessee), Karim Chester (N. Arizona)

The Darkhorse: Leif Arrhenius (BYU)

Heptathlon:
Top Contenders: Donovan Kilmartin (Texas), Trey Hardee (Texas), Maurice Smith (Auburn)

Kilmartin enters the meet as the defending champion and collegiate record holder. Even more amazing it was set last year as a freshman. It will take over 6,000 points to win and the big three of Kilmartin, Hardee and Smith seem to be the only athletes capable of doing so.

The Challengers: Travis Brandstatter (Minnesota), Darion Powell (Washington State), Darius Draudvila (Kansas State)

The Darkhorse: Hans Uldal (Missouri)

Team Race:
It all appears to be in Arkansas' favor once again. However, Florida is sitting right behind them and can pull ahead at any time. Michigan, Auburn, Indiana, Nebraska, LSU and Oregon should also compete very well to battle out the top 5.

[ Women's Preview ]

60 meters:
Top Contenders: Fana Ashby (Auburn), Priscilla Lopes (Nebraska), Sheri-Ann Brooks (Florida International)

Fana Ashby has been unstoppable this season consistently running sub 7.30. However, Priscilla Lopes may be looking to successfully complete the dash and hurdle double. Sheri-Ann Brooks, showed early on in the season that she is a contender.

The Challengers: Courtney Champion (Tenn), Tianna Madison (Tenn), Toyin Olupona (Tenn), Cleo Tyson (Tenn), Tremedia Brice (Texas Southern), Marshavette Hooker (Texas), Janice Davis (Stanford)

Darkhorse: Ashley Owens (LSU)

200 meters:
Top Contenders: Hazel Ann Regis (LSU), Courtney Champion (Tenn), Fana Ashby (Auburn), Erica Whipple (South Carolina), Tremedia Brice (Texas Southern)

The 200m is wide open! Any of the top contenders and challengers can take the race, it's all about who brings their "A" game to the big dance. Regis may be considered the favorite after winning SECs. She is attempting to become the first female to ever win the 200/400 double. Champion stepped her game up by finishing second at SECs. Ashby is on top of her game this season and will bring the heat. Whipple has finished top 8 too many times and will be looking to finally finish #1. Brice has performed consistantly well this season.

The Challengers: Cleo Tyson (Tenn), Sheri-Ann Brooks (FL International), Khalilah Carpenter (South Carolina), Kelly-Ann Baptiste (LSU), Shana Cox (Penn State)

Darkhorse: Shalonda Solomon (South Carolina)

400 meters:
Top Contenders: Hazel Ann Regis (LSU), Tiandra Ponteen (Florida)

The 400m will be a true battle royal between Regis and Ponteen. This is a highly anticipated race as the two haven't gone head to head the the semi-finals of the Olympic Games. Both have run well this season and will chase Sanya Richards collegiate indoor record of 50.84.

The Challengers: South Carolina's Natasha Hastings, Tiffany Ross, Shevon Stoddart, Stephanie Smith, Shauna Smith (Wyoming), Lacretia Sibley (Texas Tech), Ginou Etienne (Miami)

Darkhorse: Shana Cox (Penn State)

800 meters:
Top Contenders: Nicole Cook (Tennessee), Aneita Denton (Arkansas)

Cook enters the meet on fire with the best time ever run in history at 2:00.75 which was set at the SEC Championships. Denton placed second to Cook during the SEC meet with her blazing time of 2:01.96. These two should pull the field along and if Cook can hold on, look out for a sub 2:00.

The Challengers: Neisha Bernard-Thomas (LSU), Mable Kunihira (Oral Roberts), Lysaira Roman-DelValle (Kansas State), Melanie Hardy (Tulsa)

The Darkhorse: Beata Rudzinska (Akron)

Mile run:
Top Contenders: Lindsey Gallo (Michigan), Shannon Rowbury (Duke), Arianna Lambie (Stanford), Anne Shadle (Nebraska)

Go ahead and try to find when Gallo lost a race this season. You won't. The Big Ten Champion hopes to secure the title for the Wolverines and should be the favorite. Rowbury, Lambie and Shadle are all coming off an excellent season which saw them dominate their event as well.

The Challengers: Erin Donohue (North Carolina), Mary Kamau (Idaho), Heidi Magill (BYU)

The Darkhorse: Kathleen Trotter (Stanford)

3,000 meters:
Top Contenders: Marina Muncan (Villanova), Adriana Pirtea (UTEP), Sara Bei (Stanford), Renee Metivier (Colorado)

It's been a while since Muncan's national leading time of 9:07.64 which was set way back on December 5. She should be comfortable enough to know to compete at that level once again. Pirtea, Bei (placed second last year) and Metivier all look to challenge Muncan, but it will be a matter of who wants to step up and not follow.

The Challengers: Anita Siraki (Stanford), Lindsay Donaldson (Yale), Cack Ferrell (Princeton)

The Darkhorse: Annie Bersagel (Wake Forest)

5,000 meters:
Top Contenders: Maureen McCandless (Pittsburgh), Caroline Bierbaum (Columbia), Alicia Craig (Stanford)

McCandless has had one of the more impressive indoor distance seasons in recent memory. Also competing in the 3,000 meters on the second day of competition, McCandless holds the top time of 15:48.10 which is over 4 seconds faster than anyone else. Bierbaum and Craig (finished second last year) should be the top athletes to hold the best chance at winning the title.

The Challengers: Ida Nilsson (N. Arizona), Christine Bolf (Colorado), Jessica Gall (Indiana), Renee Metivier (Colorado), Amy Hastings (Arizona State)

The Darkhorse: Annie Bersagel (Wake Forest)

60 meter hurdles:
Top Contenders: Priscilla Lopes (Nebraska), Dawn Harper (UCLA), Kellie Wells (Hampton)

Lopes seems to be in a class all by herself this year. However, Harper and Wells will definitely have something to say about that. Both Harper and Wells have been consistent sub 8.20s this season and both can pull an upset.

The Challengers: Virginia Powell (USC), Melaine Walker (Texas), Ashley Lordee (Washington), Beau Walker (Alabama), RaNysha LeBlanc (LSU)

Darkhorse: Kasia Williams

4x400 meter relay:
Top Contenders: LSU and South Carolina

This will be a true barn barner as anyone who witnessed the SEC and Armory Collegiate Invite meets can contest to. LSU and South Carolina will battle it out from start to finish. LSU is 2-0 against SC this season and SC is tired of losing. This promises to be an exciting race!!!

The Challengers: Miami, Tennessee, Wyoming, Auburn, Baylor, Florida

Darkhorse: Texas Tech

Distance Medley Relay:
Top Contenders: Villanova, North Carolina, Michigan

The defending champion, Tennessee, will not be a heavy favorite like they were last year, but it should be a great competition. This will be a tough one to call as the top three of Villanova, North Carolina and Michigan all have a great shot.

The Challengers: Stanford, Arkansas, Georgetown

The Darkhorse: Duke

High Jump:
Top Contenders: Chaunte Howard (Georgia Tech), Gaelle Niare (SMU)

It's been a long time the last time Howard lost a collegiate competition. The defending indoor and outdoor champion will be the one to beat. Niare is tied with Howard for the best mark in the country at 1.90m, so she will provide a great challenge.

The Challengers: Sheena Gordon (North Carolina), Sharon Day and Kaylene Wagner (Cal Poly-SLO), Peaches Roach (Iowa)

The Darkhorse: Krystle Moss (Florida)

Pole Vault:
Top Contenders: Kate Soma (Washington), Lacy Janson (Florida State)

Soma has soared high all season long as she enters with the top mark of 4.36m. Janson, the 2003 Champion with a clearance of 4.45m, is finally back on track after a number of injuries from last season.

The Challengers: Amy Linnen (Kansas), Connie Jerz (Arizona), Shayla Balentine (San Diego State), Breanna Eveland (Kansas State)

The Darkhorse: Stacie Manuel (Arkansas)

Long Jump:
Top Contenders: Tianna Madison (Tennessee), Krysha Bayley (Georgia), Amy Menlove (BYU)

Madison lit the indoor season on fire with her leap of 6.71m set on Feb 26 which ranks as one of the best marks of all-time. Bayley will need to at least reach the 6.60m range to stand a chance, along with Menlove who will also be competing in the Pentathlon.

The Challengers: Marashevet Hooker (Texas), Kierra Foster (Maryland), Tabia Charles (Miami)

The Darkhorse: Erica McLain (Stanford)

Triple Jump:
Top Contenders: Erica McLain (Stanford), Chaytan Hill (Kansas State)

McLain seems to be head and shoulders above the rest of the field with her mark of 13.90m which is outstanding for just a freshman. Hill's mark of 13.63m will not be good enough, unfortunately, to take the title from McLain who is simply on a roll.

The Challengers: Colleen Ramharak (Kent State), Gisele Oliveira (Clemson), Rosalind Goodwin (Ohio State), Candice Baucham (UCLA)

The Darkhorse: Brooklyn Hann (Kansas)

Shot Put:
Top Contenders: Kimberli Barrett (Miami), Michelle Carter (Texas), Liz Wanless (Florida)

The defending champion, Olympian and collegiate record holder Laura Gerraughty of North Carolina will not be able to compete due to an injury in her throwing wrist. She will, however, compete in the weight throw. This leaves the door open for Barrett who stepped up big at the ACC Championships with her national leading mark of 18.19m. The transfer from Florida should be a heavy favorite for the title. Carter and Wanless will have to throw over 18 meters in order to win the title as that is what it should take.

The Challengers: Candice Scott (Florida), Amarachi Ukabam (Southern Illinois), Loree Smith (Colorado State)

The Darkhorse: Amanda Walker (Pittsburgh)

Weight Throw:
Top Contenders: Candice Scott (Florida)

We just can't see anyone challenging Scott for the title. The collegiate record holder should start the fireworks Friday night.

The Challengers: Loree Smith (Colorado State), Jenny Dahlgren (Georgia), Amarachi Ukabam (Southern Illinois)

The Darkhorse: Laura Gerraughty (North Carolina)

Pentathlon:
Top Contenders: Ashley Selig (Nebraska), Amy Menlove (BYU)

This should be an exciting competition between Selig and Menlove who both have the capabilities to score over 4,200 points.

The Challengers: Amber Williams (Miami), Beyonka McDowell (Arkansas), Manuela Kurrat (Idaho), Diana Pickler (Washington State)

The Darkhorse: Tamara McGill (Pittsburgh)

Team Race:
This should be very interesting as many schools have a great shot for the title. Stanford, Tennessee, LSU, Florida and Nebraska all have the firepower to emerge at the top. Not far behind are Miami, South Carolina and BYU who could give a scare during the race.