Feb. 10, 2007
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — South Carolina junior Shalonda Solomon ran the fastest 200-meter time in the world this year on the final day of the Tyson Invitational on Saturday in Fayetteville, Ark. Solomon, who is the defending NCAA champion in the event for both the indoor and outdoor seasons, crossed the tape in 22.85 during the prelims for her second automatic NCAA qualifying time in as many races.
Junior Natasha Hastings also found success in the 200m, finishing ninth in the prelims with a time of 23.48. Seniors Chiquita Martin and Stephanie Smith were 21st and 27th with times of 24.01 and 24.24. Junior Faraign Giles finished in 24.49 for 34th.
Solomon did not run in the finals, however, Hastings and Martin competed in the race. Hastings placed fifth overall with a personal record of 23.39, just nine-tenths of a second from an automatic time. Martin took eighth in a time of 24.09.
On the men’s side, senior Dan McKenzie tied his PR in the pole vault for the third time this season by clearing 17-0 3/4. It was a provisional NCAA mark as well.
In the men’s 200m, freshman Quentin Moore had his top time of the year with a 21.88 figure to place 33rd in the prelims. Junior Jamil James took 44th with a time of 22.24.
Senior Johnny Baez earned fourth place in the half-mile run, crossing the finish line in 1:53.35. Other performances for the men included junior Derek Pressley jumping 48-6 3/4 in the triple jump (5th) and senior Tyler Trout throwing the 35-pound weight 56-3 3/4 (14th).
Sophomore Brittney James and senior Precious Akins also competed for the women, with James taking fourth in the consolation finals of the 60m hurdles in 8.56. Akins was 12th in the shot put with a toss of 47-6 1/4.
Men’s 200-Meter Dash (Prelims)
33. Quentin Moore 21.88, 44. Jamil James 22.24
Men’s 800-Meter Run (Finals)
4. Johnny Baez 1:53.35
Men’s 4×400-Meter Relay (Finals)
6. South Carolina 3:11.31
Men’s Pole Vault (Finals)
T7. Dan McKenzie 17-0 3/4
Men’s Triple Jump (Finals)
5. Derek Pressley 48-6 3/4
Men’s 35-Pound Weight (Finals)
14. Tyler Trout 56-3 3/4
Women’s 200-Meter Dash (Prelims)
1. Shalonda Solomon 22.85, 9. Natasha Hastings 23.48, 21. Chiquita Martin 24.01, 27. Stephanie Smith 24.24, 34. Faraign Giles 24.49, 69. Trier Young 25.68
Women’s 200-Meter Dash (Finals)
5. Natasha Hastings 23.39, 8. Chiquita Martin 24.09
Women’s 60-Meter Hurdles (Consolation Finals)
4. Brittney James 8.56
Women’s Shot Put (Finals)
12. Precious Akins 47-6 1/4
