Feb. 27, 2002

The Southeastern Conference dominates the indoor track and field rankings like no other conference. On the men’s side, the SEC holds down five of the top six spots in 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 moved up to season-high No. 6. The Gamecock women, who have been ranked No. 1 three weeks this season, moved back up to No. 3 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 seven teams in the top 25 and five women’s teams. All teams will be put to the test next weekend when the University of Arkansas hosts the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships March 8-9.

Trackwire Men’s Top Six 1 Tennessee 63 * 2 Arkansas 49 * 3 LSU 46 * 4 Alabama 44 * 5 Villanova 24 6 South Carolina 17 * Stanford 17

Trackwire Women’s Top Seven 1 LSU 51 * 2 Florida 48 * 3 South Carolina 41 * 4 Stanford 33 5 Arizona 29 6 North Carolina 23 7 Auburn 22 *

* SEC team