March 13, 2002

Finishing the NCAA Indoor Championships with a bang last weekend, the South Carolina men’s and women’s teams brought home 12 women’s All-Americans and eight men’s All-Americans. South Carolina (women, fourth, men, sixth) joined LSU (women, first, men, third) as the two top programs at the NCAA Championships when combined men’s and women’s finishes were taken into account.

USC won NCAA titles behind the victories of Otukile Lekote in the 800m and the women’s 4x400m relay (Bass, Stoddart, Demus, Washington). Every athlete USC took the NCAA meet, with the exception of Lisa Barber (who did not compete in the finals due to an injury suffered at the meet) came home with All-American honors.

The SEC went 1-2-3-4-6 on the men’s side, while the SEC women proved their power as well, taking 1-3-4-10-11 when the final scores were posted. The following is a list of USC’s All-Americans from the NCAA Indoor Championships. Junior Demetria Washington collected All-American honors in the 400m and with the 4x400m relay. Washington, a 17-time All-American, became the most decorated athlete in USC history, passing teammate Miki Barber, who has collected 16 All-American honors.

USC Men’s NCAA Indoor All-Americans (all-time All-American status) 60m hurdles – Corey Taylor (1) 200m – Andre Totton (2) 800m – Otukile Lekote * (5) 4x400m relay – Jon Fortenberry (1), Otukile Lekote, Otis Harris (3), Gerald Pressley (2) Pole Vault – Chris Steddum (1)

USC Women’s NCAA Indoor All-Americans (all-time All-American status) 60m – Aleen Bailey 60m hurdles – Tiffany Ross (1) 200m – Aleen Bailey (2), Erica Whipple (1) 400m – Demetria Washington (17), Shevon Stoddart (2), Lashinda Demus (2) 4x400m relay – Tacita Bass (5), Shevon Stoddart, Lashinda Demus, Demetria Washington * Long Jump – Antoinette Wilks (1)

* NCAA Champion