We’re a day out from the NCAA Championships and I think I’m nearly as nervous as the athletes and teams are! Based on what I’ve seen during the conference and Regional competitions, there should be some serious fireworks in Eugene this week, because this year, we’ve got serious matchups in just about every event on the program.
If there are any “clear” favorites, they’re probably two hurdlers – one male, one female. On the men’s side that would be Trey Cunningham (FlSt). The clear leader (13.07) heading into the heats. He’s been running like he’s the second coming of Grant Holloway this season – at least in the high hurdles. Cunningham is #4 all time behind Holloway (12.98), Renaldo Nehemiah (13.00), and Daniel Roberts (13.00) – that’s pretty good company! On the women’s side, I consider Britton Wilson (Ark) the clear favorite in the 400H. Her 53.75, is well ahead of #2 Anna Hall (FL) at 54.91. Of course, with ten barriers in the race anything is possible in the hurdles. And Ms Hall is as competitive as they come. After all, she is the collegiate heptathlon champ. So we’ll see how both of these events play out over the next few days!
What about the events without clear leaders? Well, both the men and women’s 100 fit that description. Especially the women’s race. Several women have broken the 11sec barrier this year – with and without wind – giving this event some serious depth. Including several conference Champions: Julien Alfred (TX), Melissa Jefferson (CCar), Favour Ofili (LSU) and Kemba Nelson (OR). They’ll join conference runner ups Abby Steiner (KY) and Kevona Davis (TX), to form what could become one of the deepest finals ever! Keep your eye on the first thirty meters, because that’s where I think this race will be decided! With so many strong finishers in the race, getting an early edge will be critical.
The men’s race is shaping up to be similar – although they do have a potential favorite in Oregon’s Micah Williams. Williams is the national leader (9.86); =#2 all time in the event; and one of the best starters in the sport. So, why am I not saying he’s the clear favorite? Because if he doesn’t nail that start, and sometimes he doesn’t, there are a handful of guys that I believe can steal this race! Like super smooth Favour Ashe (TN), who has a decent start and has run 9.79w himself. Matt Boling (GA) has a legal 9.98 to his credit, but needs the race to “go slow” in my opinion. Like above 10.00. And the most intriguing sprinter is Joseph Faunbulleh of Florida. Better known in the 200, Faunbulleh closes faster than almost anyone else on the planet, and has done so to the tune of 10.03 – in spite of spotting the field a good 2-3 meters. The question is, how close will he be at 50 meters? This race is going to go one of two ways. One, Williams blows everyone out at the gun, and the real race is for silver. Two, it’s a fairly even start, and then whoa Nelly! Race on. I’m hoping we get race #2, because that could be extremely exciting.
And, if there’s a lot of depth in the two shortest sprints, both 200’s are head to head matchups with two pair of awesome “long” sprinters. Let’s start with the women, because this is a race between two CR holders. That would be indoor 200 CR holder Abby Steiner, KY (22.09). And outdoor 200 CR holder Favour Ofili, LSU (21.96). Steiner defeated Ofili in her CR race which won her Indoor Nationals. Ofili defeated Steiner at the SEC Championships 22.04 to 22.07. They go to Eugene with the two top times out of the Regionals – Steiner (22.01), Ofili (22.08). Given that both ladies make the final, it will be the tie breaker for 2022. Is there a better backdrop than this for a championship final? I don’t think so. This will be one of the most anticipated events of the week! I know it’s one that I’m particularly waiting to see!
The men’s deuce is just as hot! Featuring defending champion Joseph Faunbulleh (FL) and SEC champion (over Faunbulleh), Matt Boling (GA). Yes, Boling defeated Faunbulleh at the SEC meet 20.01 to 20.13. They faced each other in the quarterfinal at Regionals with Joe running away 19.86w to 20.24w. Setting the stage for another “tie breaker” 200 in Eugene. Is Faunbulleh really that much better? Maybe. As I said earlier, his top end speed is crazy! However, Boling has really been working on his relaxation this year. At any rate, there’s only one way to find out, and that’s on the track. Eugene gets to be the meet and venue. This will be fun to watch.
The closing event of every championship meet is the 4×4. And we’ve got a pair of hot ones in store in Eugene! The women have the two fastest teams in history with Kentucky (3:21.93) and Texas A&M (2:22.01). The times they ran leading a rewriting of the record book at the SEC Championships. You can bet that A&M will be looking to flip the script on Kentucky in Eugene. Similarly, the men close with CR holder Florida (2:58.53) headlining a very fast and deep men’s race. As Kentucky (2:59.93) and Texas (3:00.70) will be looking to upset the Gators, in what will certainly be a barn burner! Especially since just about everyone else will be in the 3:02 range! I feel sorry for the announcer that gets to call these two finals, because there should be a lot of “back and forth” throughout both events.
By the end of this weekend, I expect fans to be describing this as one of the best, most exciting, Championships ever. Don’t miss it!
Tags: Alfred, Ashe, Boling, Cunningham, Davis, Faunbulleh, Jefferson, Nelson, Ofili, Steiner, Williams, Wilson