Jan. 17, 2007

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The men’s and women’s track and field programs at South Carolina are each ranked among the top 15 nationally according to the first edition of the Trackwire 25. The men’s team is rated in a tie for 11th with Washington, while the Gamecock women are fourth behind Stanford, Arizona State and LSU.

Both teams participated in the Virginia Tech Invitational last weekend and next compete at the Rod McCravy Memorial over Jan. 19-20 in Lexington, Ky.

Highlights from the men’s side in Blacksburg, Va., included Thomas Hilliard, IV, winning the 55m hurdles titles with three NCAA provisional times and the 4x400m relay team taking first place. Jason Richardson also posted a provisional time in the 55mH.

For the women, six Gamecocks finished among the top seven in the 400m, won by Shalonda Solomon, and five were among the top eight in the 300m. Like their male counterparts, the Gamecocks ran away with the 4x400m title and posted a provisional qualifying time. Natasha Hastings had a provisional time in finishing second in the 200m as well.

About the Trackwire 25

The Trackwire 25 projects a hypothetical score for the NCAA meet, factoring in injury reports and other variables supported by information gathered from coaches and NCAA-qualifying competitions across the country. This projection is generated by scoring the Dandy Dozen, a power ranking of the top 12 athletes and relay squads in each NCAA event.

The factors used to build the D12 include quantitative values that measure performances in past major competitions (such as conference championships, national championships and Olympic competition), durability and freedom from injuries, demonstrated ability to compete well in multiple rounds of competition, ability in other events, head-to-head competition with other top athletes, and personal or seasonal bests.