May 9, 2007

Northridge, Calif. - The Cal State Fullerton men's and women's track and field teams will try to match or improve upon their best performances ever in last year's Big West Conference Championships when they compete in the 2007 edition Friday and Saturday at Cal State Northridge.

Last year, both the men and women had their best finishes ever. The men were third with 116.5 points and the women were fourth with 107 points.

"The men appear to have the ability to exceed last year's point total," said Head Coach John Elders, "with our outstanding sprint squad leading the way.

"The following Titans are ranked in the top five in the conference -- freshman Roberto Archibold (2nd in the 400 IH & 4th in the 400m); defending 200m champion Marques Barosso (3rd in the 100m & 5th in the 200m); Laron Brown (3rd in the long jump & 4th in the high jump); Chris Epstein (2nd in both the 200m & 400m); Jon Golden (1st in the high jump); Jordan Horn (1st in the 10000m; Scott Hutchison (5th in the hammer throw); Lamar Jackson (3rd in the 110 HH); Nathan Skankey and Andrew Little (2nd & 3rd in the pole vault); Garrett Myers (2nd in the triple jump); Jon Pratter (2nd in the 100m & 3rd in the 200m); and Lawrence Trice (4th in the 100m & 200m). In addition, both the 4 x 100m and 4 x 400m relays squads enter the meet with the fastest times.

"The women also have the potential to eclipse last year's total," Elders continued. "Ranked in the top 5 for the women are Nancy Blake (5th in the 400m); Dinah Clark (1st in the 100m hurdles); Amanda Eichmann (5th in the 3000m SC); Kelly Figueira (5th in the long jump); Kimiah Hudson (3rd in the 400m); Jameena Hunt (4th in the discus); Dalya Taman (3rd in the pole vault); Antonia Vega (5th in the 100m); and Kandace Wilson (2nd in the 400m & 5th in the 200m). The women's relay squads are ranked 3rd in the 4 x 100m and 2nd in the 4 x 400m.

"This could be the closest team title race in conference history. Five men's teams could contend for the conference team title including defending champion Long Beach State, Cal State Fullerton, Cal Poly, Cal State Northridge and UC Santa Barbara.

"Cal State Northridge looks pretty solid to defend its women's team title, but strong competition could come from UC Santa Barbara, Long Beach State and Cal State Fullerton. Also, UC Riverside is much improved from last year and should also challenge CSF and others for a top three conference finish."