April 21, 2006

WACO, Texas - Meet Information

The Baylor track and field team will host the ninth annual Michael Johnson Classic Friday and Saturday at the Hart-Patterson Track & Field Complex. The hammer throw is the only event today and will begin at 4 p.m.

Saturday's action begins with the javelin at 9 a.m., followed by the triple jump at 9:30 a.m. and the pole vault at 12:30 p.m. The discus, shot put, high jump and long jump each begin at 2 p.m. The preliminary heats for the running events begin at 1 p.m., while the finals begin at 5:30 p.m.

In the invitational 400 meters, former Bears Jeremy Wariner, the Olympic gold medalist in the 400, and Darold Williamson, the 2005 NCAA 400-meter champion, will go head-to-head in the quarter-mile for the first time this season. Junior Reggie Witherspoon (Marietta, Ga.), the Big 12 indoor 200- and 400-meter champion as well as a 200-meter All-American, will also compete in the race. Jamaica's Sanjay Aries, Illinois senior Nathan Vadeboncouer, last year's NCAA runner-up to Williamson, Jamel Ashley and Seton Hall's Quincy Bowens round out the heat. Beginning this year, the two invitational/open heats of the 400 meters have been named in honor of Wariner and Williamson.

Sanya Richards, an Olympic gold medalist on the 4x400-meter relay, and the runner-up in the 400 meters at the 2005 IAAF World Track & Field Championships, leads the field in the women's 400 meters. Senior Angel Perkins (Cerritos, Calif.) and freshman Katrina Taylor (Baton Rouge, La.) will also run in the heat.

Freshman Jacob Norman (Temple, Texas), the NCAA indoor 60-meter champion, has battled through injuries during the outdoor season, but will run in the 100 meters. Senior Chris Gillis (Pennsauken, N.J.) and freshman Queito Teasley (Katy, Texas) rank among the top 10 nationally in the long jump, which should produce an exciting battle for the hometown fans.

Two of the nation's top women in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, sophomore Lyndsy Bedell (Plano, Texas) and junior Monique Ortega (El Paso, Texas), will go head-to-head in the event for the first time at home this season. Freshman Erin Bedell (Plano, Texas), sophomore Lauren Hagans (Little Rock, Ark.), junior Kandace Tucker (Irving, Texas) and a strong 400-meter hurdle field also highlight the days action.

Team scheduled to appear at the meet are Iowa State, Illinois, Seton Hall, Tulsa, New Mexico State, Northwood, Stephen F. Austin, Oklahoma State, Prairie View A&M and Arkansas.

Results will be posted on BaylorBears.com immediately following the conclusion of the meet. Tickets to the Michael Johnson Classic are $5 for adults and $3 for youth. Baylor will next compete at home when it hosts the 2006 Big 12 Outdoor Track & Field Championships May 12-14.