Weems Baskin Relays Meet Schedule
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March 16, 2005

Columbia, S.C. – After a successful conclusion to the outdoor season, the men’s and women’s track and field teams will open their outdoor season hosting the Weems Baskin Relays Friday and Saturday, March 18-19 at the home outdoor facility.

Participating schools include Coker College, College of Charleston, Frostburg State University, Morris College, S.C. State University, St. John’s University and Tennessee State University. Events will kick-off at 2 p.m. on Friday with the women’s hammer throw and wrap-up at 6:15 p.m. with the men’s 4x300m relay. Saturday’s events will start with the men’s shot put at 11:00 a.m. and conclude with the men’s and women’s 4x400m relays at 3:50 and 4:10 p.m.

Highlights

Men’s:

-The men’s team finished 19th at the NCAA Indoor Championship last weekend in Fayetteville, Ark, after only competing in three events.

-Freshman Jason Richardson, the 2004 National Gatorade Athlete of the Year, earned All-American honors for the first time as he finished 3rd in the 60m hurdles finals with a personal best of 7.70. Richardson was the only freshman to compete in the event at NCAAs.

-Senior captain Rodney Martin also earned his first All-American honors last weekend in an exciting 200m final that included American record-breaking performances. Martin finished third in the final with a time of 20.38, breaking the school-record for the third time this season.

Women’s:

-The women’s team finished 5th at the NCAA Indoor Championship, totaling just one less point than fourth place.

-USC’s 4x400m relay won the championship title with a time of 3:30.01-the second fastest time in school-history and the sixth fastest collegiate time ever.

-Freshman Shalonda Solomon, the 2004 National Gatorade Athlete of the Year, earned her first All-Americans honors finishing fifth in the 200m final with a season best time of 23.15. Solomon also replaced injured teammate Natasha Hastings and anchored the 4x400m to the championship title.

-Sophomore All-American Stephanie Smith and senior All-American Shevon Stoddart finished third and fourth in the 400m finals, while Stoddart also ran the first leg of the winning 4x400m relay team.

-Senior All-American Erica Whipple finished sixth in the 200m with a season best time of 23.20.