Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Middle Tennessee
NCAA Mideast Regional
Track standouts headed to Mideast Regional at LSU
5/27/2004 4:32:00 PM | Track & Field/Cross Country
Scales is the defending NCAA national champion in the 100-meters and the top-ranked collegiate performer in the event this year, as well as the No. 2-ranked performer in the 200-meters, but the senior says he doesn't believe he is the favorite.
"I take everything one year at a time," Scales said. "I was the champion last year. This year I'm a contender, not yet the champion. There is going to be great competition, but I do have confidence in myself and my teammates."
In addition to Scales, who is qualified in the 100 and 200, several Blue Raiders and Lady Raiders have earned the opportunity to continue their quests for national titles. The following performers have qualified on the men's side: Xavier Darden (100 and 200 meters), Pedro Holiday (100 and 200), Linnie Yarbrough (110 hurdles), Garland Martin (110 hurdles), Sean Waller (400 meters), Tim Hicks (400 meters), Victor Okorie (400 hurdles), Clyde Gibson (long jump), and J.J. Sturm (long jump). The Blue Raiders' 4X100 and 4X400 relay teams also have qualified.
On the women's side, Rosemary Okafor is qualified in the 100, 200, 400 and 800 meters, while Kishara George has earned a spot in the 400 meters and the 400-meter hurdles. Candice Robertson (100 hurdles) and Jessica Anderson (100 hurdles) also have earned regional berths. The Lady Raiders' 4X100 and 4X400 relay teams also will be participating for the opportunity to reach the NCAA National Championships.
To qualify for regional competition, athletes must meet a preset standard or win the event at a conference championship. With the addition of the regional meet, the NCAA has increased postseason participation for track and field athletes across the nation. The top five finishers in individual events and the top three relays, in addition to six "wild card" qualifiers in each event across the four regions, will advance to the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Sacramento State University on June 11-14.
