March. 7, 2002

USC is headed to Fayetteville for the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships. USC will bring a full contingent of athletes, including SEC champions Demetria Washington (400m), Otukile Lekote (800m) and the women’s 4x400m relay. USC’s women won the 4x400m relay at last year’s NCAA meet in Arkansas, breaking the NCAA record along the way and Demetria Washington collected the 400m title.

SECond to None! The Southeastern Conference dominates the indoor track and field rankings like no other conference. On the men’s side, the SEC holds down the top four spots nationally. On the women’s side, the SEC is listed at four of the top seven spots.

On the men?s side this week, USC listed at No. 11. The Gamecock women, who have been ranked No. 1 three weeks this season, moved back up to No. 2 in the national poll. USC is ranked No. 1 in the NCAA in three events: Demetira Washington in the 400m, Otukile Lekote in the 800m and the women’s 4x400m relay. Overall, the SEC has eight teams in the top 25 and four women’s teams.

IF . . .

… USC’S women were to win the NCAA team title, it would be the school’s FIRST EVER NCAA title in any sport.

…. USC wins the women’s 400m it would be the school?s third straight 400m indoor title and its fourth overall.

… OT runs faster than 1:46.13 he will break his own school record.

… USC wins the women’s 4x400m relay title it will be their third title in four tries.

… Demetria Washington collects two All-American honors she will become the school?s most decorated athlete, passing 16-time All-American Miki Barber, who is being redshirted this year due to injury.