The Gator men remained #1 in the USTFCCCA weekly poll, while the women jumped two spots to #4 after a great weekend at the Razorback Invitational. There is a caveat to this poll. The first few weeks they take into consideration results from last year, thus Hall is ranked #1 in the 200 and Glass and Hall are ranked #1 and #2 in the 400. So far their times have been mediocre in the 200 and 400, although Hall did run a respectable 6.63 in the 60 in Lexington KY, which is one of the few times he has run that sprint. I trust that they will be ready for the SEC championships, but Mouse was definitely unhappy with his "senior" leadership. Bates has also not done as well in the triple jump and they need him to do well in that event. Plus, once we get to the championships Arroyo will definitely be pushed by several 800m runners, so there is no guarantee he remains #2. He certainly has the talent, but he is one who does not do as well in championship meets. Also, the championship meets only score 1st to 8th, whereas this poll gives points up to 25th rank. Of course, that applies to other schools as well. The Gators are still the favorite, but they really need Hall and Glass to perform well. Definitely be interested in seeing how they develop. Others who could score nationally are Antwan Wright (60m), Ryan Clark (60m and 200m), the Kenyan freshman whose name I cannot spell unless I am looking at the roster (400m), Yanick Hart in the 60mH, Bates in the LJ and HJ, Arroyo in the 800m, Schnulle in the 800m and perhaps the freshman in the weight throw, who has not yet competed. Aaron Owens jumped over 17' in Arkansas this past weekend, but that most likely not good enough to score points. Nick Uruburu could potentially score in the 400, but he has not run that well so far. It will also be interesting to see if he is on the 4x400 relay. Both TJ Holmes and Eric Futch, who are primarily 400 IH outdoors, ran better times in the 400 than Uruburu. I was also surprised that UF did not run distance medley relay - with Schnulle and Arroyo, plus any number of candidates to run the 400m leg, one would think that Florida would do well. They did not compete in Arkansas.
Pre-season I thought the men were far more likely to win the national title, but now I am not sure. The women had a spectacular meet and spectacular times and jumps this weekend. They most definitely have a legit shot if they continue to run like this.
I am interested to see if Chauncey Gardens will run outdoors in the 100 and 200. He is a big time talent in track and field.
Pre-season I thought the men were far more likely to win the national title, but now I am not sure. The women had a spectacular meet and spectacular times and jumps this weekend. They most definitely have a legit shot if they continue to run like this.
I am interested to see if Chauncey Gardens will run outdoors in the 100 and 200. He is a big time talent in track and field.
