March 27, 2009
COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina’s track and field teams will host the Weems Baskin Invitational on Sat., March 28 with 13 schools from six states competing in the daylong meet that is free to the public. Field events are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. with the hammer throw, and running events will begin at 12 noon with the 3,000m steeplechase. The meet will proceed as scheduled unless lightning strikes the Columbia area.
Competing schools include ACC runner-up Virginia Tech and Southern Conference indoor champion Appalachian State in addition to Allen University, Coastal Carolina, Coker College, Davidson, Francis Marion, Kent State, Morgan State, Morris College, Tennessee State and UNC Wilmington.
Fans are also invited to bring their families to participate in the Family Fun Zone that will run from 2-4 p.m. There will be games, prizes, face painting, contests and a meet and greet with Cocky to celebrate Carolina’s first home track meet of the season.
South Carolina got off to a strong start in the outdoor season last weekend after claiming 11 victories at the Shamrock Invitational. A bevy of Gamecock All-Americans will be in action this weekend, including NCAA Champion Lakya Brookins who will compete in the 100m dash (2:10 pm) and the 4x100m relay (12:30 pm). Other 2009 indoor All-Americans competing for the women include Brandi Cross in the relays and 400m (1:10 pm), and Gabrielle Glenn and Breehana Jacobs in the relays and 100m. Others competing include Shamrock Invitational winners Janica Austin (100m hurdles, 400m hurdles) Danielle Barnes (400m, 800m) and Sallie Gurganus (pole vault).
Men’s team competitors include All-Americans Aaron Anderson running the 400m (1:25 pm) and 4x400m relay (5:05 pm), Quentin Moore and Obakeng Ngwigwa in the relays and 200m (4 pm), and Michael Zajac in the hammer throw and discus (1 pm). Others competing include Shamrock Invitational winners Elliott Haynie (pole vault), Johnathan Hancock (100m, 4x100m), Erik Heymann (javelin) and David Zaycek (shot put, discus).
A complete schedule of events can be found online at www.GamecocksOnline.com.
