Track & Field News releases US rankings in latest issue of magazine...
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| Kara Winger was ranked #1 in the USA by Track & Field News (Paul Merca photo) |
Track & Field News magazine revealed its 2014 world and national rankings in its annual issue mailed out at the end of December.
Among those with ties to the state of Washington making the US top ten in 2014 on the men's side include: Michael Berry (ranked #8 in the 400, with a best of 45.05); Cas Loxsom (ranked #5 in the 800 with a best of 1:45.80); Garrett Heath (#6 in the 1500 at 3:35.89); Jordan McNamara (#7 in the 1500 at 3:37.39); Bernard Lagat (#3 in the 5000 at 13:06.68); Jake Riley (#10 in the 10000 at 28:32.59); Jeshua Anderson (#6 in the 400 hurdles at 49.10); and Brad Walker (#3 in the pole vault at 18-5.25/5.62m).
On the women's side, athletes earning US top 10 rankings from the magazine include: Katie Mackey (#6 in the 1500 at 4:05.74; #4 in the 5000 at 15:04.74); Andrea Geubelle (#8 in the long jump at 21-8.25/6.61m and #5 in the triple jump at 44-11/13.69m); Blessing Ufodiama (#6 in the triple jump at 44-2/13.46m); Britney Henry (#5 in the hammer at 228-8/69.70m); and, Kara Winger (#1 in the javelin at 206-4/62.90m).
HOT LINKS
Over the next few weeks, we'll give you some links provided by the state's nine Division I and II schools previewing their school's indoor and outdoor track & field season.
The University of Washington released the first two previews of their team, focusing on the sprints and throws groups.
The Husky throwers are led by javelin standouts Quinn Hale and Carson Fuller, both of whom advanced to the NCAA championship meet, with Hale capturing a fifth place finish.
Returning NCAA participants in the sprints group include Gianna Woodruff, the outstanding 400 meter hurdler, and 400 meter man Maurice McNeal, who has battled injuries the past two seasons.
Added to the mix for Washington is Italian Jacopo Spanò (left/photo by Paul Merca), who ran at the world junior championships in Eugene last summer.
Washington's preview of the sprints is available here; the throws preview is available here.
Finally, Seattle based Brooks announced a track & field initiative to help underfunded high school teams around the country through its Brooks Booster Club.
This needs-based grant program will provide gear and funds to 25 under resourced high school cross country and track teams across the U.S. and Canada.
“Through our Inspiring Coach of the Year Award, we’ve been able to honor dozens of amazing coaches who build the foundation of our sport and inspire young kids to run, but we discovered there were many schools in need of help in ways that go beyond the award. The Brooks Booster Club is how we plan to provide that assistance,” said Brooks Team Brand Manager Steve DeKoker.
The Booster Club will support 25 high school teams by outfitting athletes with training and racing shoes, racing uniforms, and sweats. Additionally, the schools will receive with $2,000 in cash to help with expenses including pay-to-play fees, meet entry fees and transportation costs.
Speaking of Andrea Geubelle, she recently revealed to paulmerca.blogspot.com that she has a patellar tendon tear in her right knee and won't compete indoors.
NOTE: Track & Field News, the University of Washington, and Brooks Running contributed to this report.
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