| Ohio Track and Running Report |
16th Jesse Owens Classic
Pierce, Merriman Shine in Their Last Home Meet
(TPNS) - 6. May 2001 - Columbus, OH -- Buckeye senior All-American Andrew Pierce did the best he could to make his final Jesse Owens Classic appearance in a buckeye uniform a memorable one.
Pierce ran away with the 400 in a seasonal best 45.02, moving to No. 3 on the yearly NCAA list, anchored the runner-up 4x100 squad, and made up nearly 15 meters to anchor the victorious 4x400 relay quartet, running a 45.2 split.
"I'm satisfied with that (at this point in the season)," said the Yellow Springs native, of his 45.02. "I was hoping to go under 45, but I'm happy with it."
After a world-leading 45.46 indoors, Pierce was a favorite for the NCAA indoor 400 crown in March, but was edged at the tape by mere miliseconds by Florida freshman Ricky Harris. "It's still tough to swallow that race," Pierce admits. "But I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason."
Pierce is now looking towards the outdoor crown, and in late June, to the USATF outdoor championships and a berth on the World Championships squad. "It's definitely in the plan. But we are taking things week to week." That means unfinished Buckeye business. Next weekend at the Billy Hayes Invite, and the following week at the Big-10 Championships, he'll run his usual open 200 and 400 and two anchor relay legs, before he can begin concentrating on the NCAAs and US nationals.
Buckeye head coach Russ Rogers also alluded to their post-NCAA plan. "After his indoor season, we had to change his entire workout program," Roger said, adding that he was running almost too fast so early in the year. "Andrew is very patient and terrific to work with. He doesn't hesitate with workouts. His leadership will be missed here next year."
While Pierce seems anxious to begin his career as a pilot (he earned his commercial pilot's license over the winter), he does plan on staying in the sport --and in Ohio-- for at least one season, and maybe more. "I'll give professional track at least one season, then we'll see after that. There's a shortage of commercial pilots right now, so there isn't a need to rush into it this year." He will be receiving a flight instructor's certificate this weekend, and with it, a job at Ohio State's Airport, affording him time to continue training at least through 2002.
NCAA indoor 60 hurdles champion Donica Merriman turned in a double win, taking the 100 hurdles (13.19) and the 200 (23.41).
While most of her success has come in the hurdles, Rogers believes the long sprint will ultimately be her better event. "With her long stride, she's on top of the hurdles. That happened again today in the first part of the race. Her strength and stride definitely help in the 200," Rogers said.
A negligible wind factor finally allowed Kent State senior Bobby Cruse to nail an NCAA auto qualifier with his convincing 20.46 win in the 200 over Jonathan Carter (20.77). It was the second fastest legal time ever for Cruse (20.39, '99) who clocked a very windy 19.86 at the 1999 Sea Ray Relays. Carter, the Florida State alum who led off the 1998 US World Cup squad to a silver medal finish, handily took the 100 in 10.29, easily beating back an uninspired Terrence Trammell (10.46). Cruse (10.54) was third. Sydney Olympian had an easy time in the 400 hurdles, winning in 49.83.
Solo efforts by Robert Gary and Jenny Crain highlighted the distance races. Gary ran alone from the gun to an 8:36.55 effort to win the steeple while Ohio University alum Crain, a middle distance runner-turned-marathoner, turned in an easy 4:20.98 in the 1500. Winston Tidwell won a tight 800 in 1:50.02. Canadian Olympian Kevin Sullivan, running in the middle of the pack, found himself boxed in down the homestretch, and finished fourth in 1:50:57.
Ian Connor, another Buckeye All-American doing double duty, was outsprinted in the 1500 by Washington's Dustin Duke (3:48.60) to finish second in 3:48.92. Later, he finished fourth in the 3000 in 8:33.77.
Alabama senior Ron Bramlett had a busy day as well, winning both sections of the 110 highs (13.66 and 13.81) as well as the morning section of the 100 in 10.66.
Complete results at Delta Timing.
