MSU Travels To Des Moines For Nationals
STARKVILLE, Miss. - Although Mississippi State has faced some challenges this season, the Bulldogs look to end on a high note this week at the 2011 NCAA Outdoor Championships.
Competition begins on Wednesday at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, with action at Johnny Bright Field concluding on Saturday.
The Bulldogs have 14 athletes competing.
"This week is why you train hard and put in all the extra hours," coach Steve Dudley said. "We all know what's at stake. Obviously, it doesn't get any bigger than this."
Leading the pack for MSU is freshman All-SEC standout James Harris, who qualified in four different events. The Lanett, Ala., native will compete in the high jump and 400-meter dash, as well as the 4x100m and 4x400m relays.
Joining Harris in the 4x100m relay is O'Neal Wilder, Justin Christian and Garren Hendricks, while the 4x400 quartet is comprised of Harris, Wilder, Daundre Barnaby and Tavaris Tate. Tate and Harris are also competing in the 400m dash.
Joining Harris in the high jump is freshman Marcus Jackson.
The Lady Bulldogs are taking seven athletes to Des Moines to compete in four events.
Leading the way is Jody-Ann Muir, who is competing in the 400m dash and 4x400m relay. Joining her on the 4x400m relay is Racquel Farquharson, Brittany Covington and Taneisha Baker.
In addition, Richesa McCaleb and Jessica Merriweather qualified in the 100m dash and high jump, respectively, while Haley Greenwell is running in the 10,000m run.
For live results, go to www.flashresults.com. CBS will provide television coverage on Friday and Saturday. Friday's coverage will begin at 6:30 p.m. on CBS Sports Newtork, while Saturday's noon-2 p.m. coverage will be on CBS.