Monday, March 12, 2001
The University Daily Kansan
Section B·Page 7
Eighth place gives men's track best finish since '89
By Michael Sudhalter
sports@kansan.com
Kansan sportswriter
The Kansas track and field team had its own form of March Madness this weekend when six athletes excelled at the NCAA Championships in Favetteville, Ark
The Jayhawks finished eighth in the nation at the final indoor event of the season — their best finish since 1989. Kansas finished 47th last year at the NCAA Championships.
Seniors Scott Russell, Charlie Gruber, Andy Tate and Jabari Wamble, and junior Brian Blachly
and Ryan Speers all played a major role in Kansas's strong showing.
"We are excited for the eighthplace finish, but we are more excited for the athletes," Kansas coach Stanley Redwine said. "I think all the hard work and dedication these six athletes have put into our season has paid off."
Gruber placed second in the mile event with a time of 3:58.51. That, coupled with his efforts on the sixth-place distance medley team, earned Gruber all-American honors in two different events in the same season — something only three other males in Kansas track history have accomplished.
"It's nice to break the four-minute mark for the first time," Gruber said. "It means a lot knowing you went out and gave it your best effort. I wanted to go out with a bang because this is my last indoor season, and I feel like I did that. I'm also happy for our team. We all really performed at our
best this weekend."
Redwine said he was impressed with Gruber and the rest of the distance medley relay team — Blachly, Tate and Wamble.
"I think our DMR team ran a great race, and I'm extremely excited for them," Redwine said. "I think Kansas track and field has taken another step forward, and we are looking for more great things from this program in the future."
Senior Scott Russell finished third in the highly contested weight throw with a 76-8 toss. The throw set a new personal, school and Canadian National record for Russell.
Redwine said he was pleased with everything Russell has provided for the team this season.
"Scott had a huge day for us and himself," Redwine said. "We are excited for him to place third in the weight throw. The two guys ahead of Scott are great competitors and had excellent days."
Speers also helped Kansas to its highest finish in 12 years with sixth-place in the shot put. Speers moved his way into the Kansas record books by throwing the fourth best mark in school history with a toss of 62-7.
Louisiana State University came away with the NCAA title, while Texas Christian and Arkansas finished second and third, respectively.
Kansas will now focus on its outdoor season at the North Texas Invitational on March 24 in Denton, Texas.
"Again, we are excited for the team and athletes, but now we need to focus on the outdoor season," Redwine said. "We need to continue to get better day by day, week by week. If we have athletes that step up and perform at their best, we will do great."
Edited by Leita Schultes
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