McPherson, Woods Qualify For Event Finals At Mideast Regional
Obviously, Jen and Chris have a shot at nationals, said MSU headcoach Al Schmidt. As a sophomore, Chris is probably one of the best800 guys in the country. The freshmen were a little overwhelmed.Tomorrow, the 4x4 has a chance, as does Joy (Griffith).
McPherson took eighth overall, running 4 minutes, 30.26 seconds, whileWoods finished second in his heat -- fifth overall -- in 1:49.91.Junior Nicola Wilson (Trenton, N.J.) ended her season with a throw of47feet, two-and-one-quarter inches in the shot put. In other events,senior Zita Magloire (Tallahassee, Fla.) closed out her Maroon andWhite career with a 19th-place showing in the 1500-meter run (4:49.43).
With four juniors competing in the men's 400-meter dash, the Bulldogshoped to have multiple athletes in tomorrow's final. However, MSU's topfinisher was Ezra Jones (Wildwood, Fla.) who placed 10th with apersonal-best 46.73. Bruce Davis (Phenix City, Ala.) clocked 46.85 totake 12th, while Nathan Daniels (47.35) and Arthur Davis (47.52) were22nd and 24th, respectively.
In other women's action, freshman Gabrielle Dillon (Liberty, Miss.)clocked 24.48 in the 200-meter preliminaries. In the long jump, seniorLauren Johnson (Scottsboro, Ala.) leaped 19-05 ½ to finish 18th, whilefreshman Marrissa Harris (Memphis, Tenn.) took 23rd (18-06 ½). Harrisalso ran 13.94 to finish 24th in the 100-meter hurdles.
On deck tomorrow, the Lady Bulldogs have three competitors in action.In addition to McPherson in the 1500-meter finals, junior ChristinaHernandez (Asheville, N.C.) competes in the discus throw and junior JoyGriffith (Tuscaloosa, Ala.) takes to the track in the 3000-metersteeplechase. For the Bulldogs, Woods will run the 800-meter final andsophomore Tim Williams (Pensacola, Fla.) competes in the high jump.Junior Travis McKay (Edmonton, Alberta) seeks to improve his time inthe 3000-meter steeplechase. MSU's 4x400-meter relay team also runsSaturday.