June 26, 2005

Carson, Calif. - Deacon freshman Michael Bingham holds a 200 point lead heading into Sunday's final five events of the decathlon at the USATF Outdoor Championship. Senior Annie Bersagel finished 13th in the 10k event on Friday at the Championship.

As he has done all season, Bingham sprinted to an early lead in the decathlon with his 10.67 time in the 100 meter dash. It marked his fastest personal time and the best time by any Deacon all season. The finish earned him 935 points, the only athlete of the 18-member field to earn over 900 points in the opening event.

In the long jump, the Burlington, N.C., native tied for fifth place, with his 21-09.50 leap. The distance earned him 729 points and a hold on his first place overall lead.

Bingham shattered his personal best in the shot put, throwing 40-10.25. The toss earned him 634 points in the event, but dropped him three points off the leader through three rounds.

Northern Iowa's Raven Cepeda maintained his three point margin after the high jump, as he and Bingham both reached heights of 6-00.50. The mark was a personal best for Wake's only All-ACC male performer of the year.

Blowing past the field in the 400 meter dash, Bingham regained the lead through five events and holds a 200 point edge heading into the final five events on Sunday. His 48.29 time in the event earned him 895 points. The next closest time was 50.51.

Competition continues on Sunday at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. The remaining decathlon events include the 110 meter hurdles (9:00 a.m.), the discus (10:00 a.m.), the pole vault (11:45 a.m.), the javelin (1:45 p.m.) and the 1500m (4:15 p.m.). All starts Sunday are Pacific Time.

Various events in the championship will be aired live from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. (Eastern Time) on Sunday on ESPN2.