Jan. 18, 2008

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina men’s and women’s track teams will open their 2007 indoor season Saturday at the Eddie & Jo Smith UNC Classic in Chapel Hill, N.C. Competition begins at 10 a.m. in the Eddie Smith Field House with the final event slated for 4:55 p.m.

Sixteen schools will compete, including host North Carolina, Clemson, Duke, NC State and College of Charleston. Results will be available following the meet on GamecocksOnline.com.

Complete UNC Classic Meet Schedule in PDF Format

WHO TO WATCH ON THE WOMEN’S SIDE
The sixth-ranked women’s team will compete in 15 events but will look towards the 200m, 400m and 4x400m relay. All-Americans Krystal Cantey and Brandi Cross return in the 400m and 4x400m relay along with two-time All-American Faraign Giles. The Gamecocks will look to a group of strong freshman to bolster the remaining sprints, led by Shayla Mahan in the 60m and 200m.

Rebecca Chain, Lisa McKinney, Callie Rabun and Kayla Parker head a group of distance runners while Kettiany Clarke will lead the women in jumps and shot put. NCAA qualifier Trier Young will compete in the 60m hurdles. Liza Todd and Sallie Gurganus, both performers at the SEC Championships last season, will be two to look for in the pole vault.

WHO TO WATCH ON THE MEN’S SIDE
The South Carolina men will compete in 11 events and anticipates the return of All-American hurdler Jason Richardson after he missed the 2007 outdoor season to injury. The men return All-Americans in Keith Hinnant, Ray Miley and Quentin Moore, all members of the 4x400m relay team. Hinnant and Miley will compete in the 400m with Moore contributing in the 60m and 200m. The men’s side also returns NCAA qualifiers Jussi Heikkila (400m, 60m hurdles) and Jamil James (400m).

Derek Pressley competes in long jump and triple jump. Mike Zajac and Dave Zaycek will be two to watch in the shot put and weight throw.

NEXT WEEK
The Gamecocks will travel to Gainesville, Fla., next Saturday (Jan. 26) to compete in the Tom Jones Memorial Classic.