Feb. 5, 2009
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky track and field plays host to teams from 17 schools at the annual Rod McCravy Memorial Track Meet at E.J. Nutter Field House on Friday and Saturday.
Competition begins Friday at 5:00 p.m. ET with select field events and continues Saturday at 10:30 a.m. ET. The two-day event is free to the public. Live stats will be available at UKathletics.com.
The Kentucky men’s team comes into the weekend ranked 21st in the nation. Two other ranked teams invade Lexington this weekend in No. 11 Louisville and No. 24 Clemson.
The Wildcat men posted five NCAA provisional marks last time out at the Penn State National Invitational. UK’s claims several marks this year ranking among the top in the country.
The UK 4x400m team consisting of junior Kwasi Obeng, freshman Justin Austin, and seniors Jose Acevedo and Mikel Thomas posted a time of 3:09.6 that ranks sixth nationally. Thomas also ranks fifth in the country with a time of 7.79 in the 60m hurdles. Relay teammate Acevedo’s 400m time of 47.16 ranks 10th in the country while Austin claims the 12th-best time in the nation in the 60m dash, clocking in at 6.71.
Senior Rashaud Scott and Chase Madison both rank nationally in the shot put. Scott’s shot put throw of 59-10.25 is eighth nationwide while Madison’s distance of 59-0 is 16th. Scott also ranks in the weight-throw with the 11th-best mark of 66-04.5.
On the women’s side, the Cats are joined by one ranked squad, No. 22 Louisville.
Last week at the Penn State, UK senior Ashley Trimble posted the Wildcats’ first provisional mark of the season in the pentathlon. Trimble’s point total of 3,989 ranks seventh in the nation and tops the SEC.
This weekend’s meet is named in honor of Rod McCravy, a former UK track athlete who died in 1987 at the age of 19 while sleeping in his dorm room. Although only a sophomore, Rod had already become one of the team’s leaders. A social work major, Rod is remembered as a dedicated, enthusiastic athlete who was a conscientious student and outstanding human being. He set the then-UK freshman record in the 400 hurdles and finished sixth at the TAC National Junior Championships. A meet named in Rod’s honor enables the Kentucky track and field family to remember him, as well as provide an on-going opportunity to speak to UK athletes about his impact on the program and those he surrounded.
Be sure to check out live stats both Friday and Saturday available at UKathletics.com with recaps following the conclusion of each day’s action.
