Temple University Athletics
Track Teams Compete For A-10 Title On Friday
2.19.09 | Women's Track and Field
Feb. 19, 2009
Watch Friday Here | Watch Saturday Here
PHILADELPHIA - The Temple men's and women's indoor track teams travel to the University of Rhode Island's Mackal Field House to compete in the 16th annual Atlantic 10 Championships on Friday and Saturday. Both teams will look to improve on last-seasons' finishes, and are eager to claim a spot on the podium. The A-10 will offer live video streaming of the action for both days of competition.
Coming off their best finish in over ten years at the A-10 championships last season (4th/96), the men's team has plenty of confidence going into this year's championship. Junior Joshua Louis enters the event with a conference-best high jump (6-10.25), and has the fourth best time in the 55m hurdles (7.61). Several other Owls place in the top five in their respective events.
Senior Marquise Stancil, who has been one of the Cherry and White's most consistent performers, and was narrowly edged out for the top spot in the 200m dash this past weekend (1:04.02).
Sophomore Aaron Taylor claims the third fastest time in the 800m (1:54.09), while junior Grant West also holds third in the hammer throw (54-11.5).
In his final A-10 indoor appearance, senior pole-vaulter Mike Davis (3rd in A-10, 14-11) will be an athlete to watch this weekend. Along with Davis, sophomore Tim Boeni nailed the third-best long jump (23-5.25) in the A-10 this season. Classmate Miles Dryden ranks fifth in the same event (23-0.50).
Charlotte claimed their second A-10 title in three years in 2008, narrowly edging out Rhode Island. Contending for the championship along with Charlotte and Rhode Island will be Fordham, La Salle, Massachusetts, Richmond, Saint Joseph's, Saint Louis, Temple and Xavier.
On the women's side, senior Amanda Cole has led the charge all seasonlong for the Owls. Cole, who continually bettered her school record in the hammer throw this season, leads the A-10 in the event (60-5.25) and ranks fifth in the shot put (43-8.5).
Joining Cole at the top of the ranks are seniors Devon DuPont and sophomore Paris Williams. DuPont, one of the Owls' most versatile athletes, ranks first in the pentathlon (3457), while Williams has the conference-best in the 500m (1:14.06). Williams also has the third fastest time in the 400m (56.62).
Also in the 500m, freshman Brittany OgunMokun ranks third (1:15.04). The Cherry and White have dominated the 500m all season long, currently holding five out of the top ten spots. T
he Owls' relay teams have also had strong showings, claiming the second fastest time in the 4x400 (3:49.33), and fourth in the 4x800 (9:24.34).
The Charlotte women's team has claimed the A-10 championship crown in each of the last three seasons, tying Rhode Island (2000-02) for the longest streak in league history. Also contending for the women's title are Duquesne, Fordham, La Salle, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Richmond, Saint Joseph's, Saint Louis, Temple and Xavier.
The championships will be split between two days for the first time in conference history, kicking-off on Friday, February 20th with the men's heptathlon 55m dash at 9:00 a.m. On Saturday, February 21st, action is slated to begin with the men's heptathlon 55m hurdles at 10:50 a.m.
Complete results for the 2009 Atlantic 10 Men's & Women's Indoor Track & Field Championship will be posted at the end of competition on Saturday at www.atlantic10.org. Live video streaming of the 2009 Championship will be available on the A-10 site for $12.95 for a two-day pass.
