Jan. 10, 2004
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – South Carolina track and field newcomers posted strong showings in their collegiate debuts and the Gamecocks earned four victories while opening the indoor portion of their 2004 track schedule at the Carolina Big 12 Meet hosted by the University of North Carolina.
Rodney Martin earned the win in the men’s 200m with a time of 21.55 in his USC debut. He also placed fourth in the 60m with a time of 6.78.
Erica Whipple ran a time of 24.39 to win the women’s 200m race, William Emase crossed the line first in the men’s 800m with a time of 1:52.50, and Chris Steddum claimed first place in the pole vault with a mark of 16’6.75″ to complete a trio of USC victories.
Former Gamecock Lisa Barber won the 60m dash with a time of 7.42 and current volunteer assistant coach Allen Johnson, one of the most decorated athletes in track and field, won the 60m hurdles with a time of 7.55. Johnson also placed second in the 60m dash with a time of 6.74.
Women’s Highlights
Two highly-touted freshmen made impressive debuts as Stephanie Smith finished as runner-up in the 400m with a time of 55.30 and Ronetta Alexander took second in the 60m hurdles with a time of 8.36.
Shay Shelton’s 800m time of 2:17.33 earned second-place in her collegiate debut and a pair of freshman distance runners recorded top-five finishes as Karen Wigal took fourth in the 300m with a time of 11:31.91 and Nicki Breves placed fifth in the mile with a time of 5:34.73.
Shevon Stoddart finished third in the 400m with a time of 55.64 and USC posted a 4-5-6 finish in the 60m led by Alexis Joyce, Whipple and Khaliah Carpenter, who also placed third in the 200m behind Whipple with a time of 24.88.
The Gamecocks had success in field events as well, led by Chelsea Hammond’s second-place finish in the long jump (18’3.75″) and fourth-place finish in the high jump (5’6″). India Odum led USC in the throws, finishing as runner-up in the shot put (48’9″) and third in the weight throw (54’7.5″).
Sophomore Kemesha Whitmire placed third in the triple jump (37’3.25″) and fourth in the long jump (17’11.75″) while pole vaulter Cheryl Terrio finished fourth by clearing 11’5.75″. Freshman Precious Akins finished sixth in the shot put and seventh in the weight throw in her collegiate debut.
Men’s Highlights
Jonathan Fortenberry finished as runner-up in the 400m with a time of 48.79 and teammate Derron Flood finished eighth with a time of 49.67 in his Gamecock debut. Other USC top-five finishers included sophomore Steve Mance, who was runner-up in the 3000m (8:50.50), and Shawn Cunningham who placed fourth in the 800m (1:55.93).
USC dominated the pole vault competition beyond Steddum’s victory. Trey Bell was runner-up, former Gamecock Jared Farabee finished third, and Greg Royster placed fourth, all clearing the bar at 15’7″.
The Garnet and Black had a strong showing in the long jump with a 2-4-4-6 finish. Greig Cryer led the way for USC with a mark of 23’11.5 while Jason Jackamonis and Tony Allmond tied for fourth with jumps of 23’7.5″ and Fred Townsend reached 23’3.5″. Cryer also had a top-five finish in the triple jump with a distance of 47’9″ and Townsend recorded a sixth-place finish in the 60m hurdles with a time of 8.18.
The Gamecocks placed three throwers among top-five finishers. Adam Bishop was runner-up in the shot put (50’3.5″) and Tony Antonio and Jacob Minskey finished 3-4 in the weight with throws of 56’7.25″ and 50’9.25″.
In relays, USC’s 4×400 team finished second with a time of 3:16.05 and its distance medley team was third with a time of 10:32.81.
