The Week Ahead- (May 26-Jun1)

The Week Ahead- (May 26-Jun1)

May 28, 2008 by Nathan Haskins
The Week Ahead- (May 26-Jun1)
The summer has officially started and that means two things: first NCAA Track and Field Championships are right around the corner and second the Pro track season is under way. This weekend will be full of action as NCAA DI Regions, the Reebok Grand Prix, and the DKB-ISTAF (IAAF Golden League) meets will be raced. This weekend our nation's top collegiate teams will compete in their respective regions with hopes of making it to the big show. For those that don't know there are four regions, which are comprised of the East Region (Florida State),MidEast Region (Arkansas), Midwest Region (Nebraska), and West Region Championships (Cal State Northridge). Expect to see some very fast races, but don't be surprised to see a few strategic ones also. If any team is nervous going into the championships, it has to be Arizona State University. Their cover has been blown. Many knew they were talented, but now everyone knows they're the real deal. Teams like FSU and LSU on the men's side and Texas A&M on the women's side want their shot again at a national championship so expect them to come out strong. The Reebox Grand Prix is the second Visa Championship meet this summer leading up to the Olympic Trials on June 27-July 6. Do not expect anything less than what happened at the Adidas Track Classic. The organizers of the Reebox Grand Prix have also brought in the top athletes not only in the USA, but the world to compete on May 31. Sprinter Allyson Felix, a triple 2007 World Champion; Sanya Richards, ranked #1 in the world at 400 meters; Maryam Yusuf Jamal of Bahrain, the reigning 1500-meter World Champion; Jenn Stuczynski, American Record-holder and #2 all-time in the pole vault; and Lisa Barber, 2006 World Indoor Champion at 60 meters, will all be in the lineup. They join the previously announced Tyson Gay, Usain Bolt, Veronica Campbell-Brown and Lauryn Williams in what is shaping up to be an extraordinary night of sprint action (ReeboxGrandPrix). The start list has not been posted just yet, but trust me there will be plenty of other top runners and field athletes to join those names above. Feel free to post your top picks from your favorite event once they do become available! Though the Reebox Grand Prix is the top USA meet being held this weekend the DKB-ISTAF (IAAF Golden League) might bring just as many top athletes to its competition. There will be four Golden League meets before the Olympics and I am sure that most of you have heard that the Bislett Games, which will be held in Olso is the same weekend as the Nike Prefontaine Classic (letsrun). That really sucks because two of the biggest meets of the year will split the competition up instead of everyone being able to compete against each other. Good luck to all the teams/individuals competing this weekend be safe and run fast! Always make sure to check out the News and Results on the Flotrack Website for any extra information! Nathan Haskins “News and Results Guy”