Troy University Athletics
In the Trenches
Monday, July 28, 2008
7:30 p.m.
With the end of July approaching and the beginning of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games just around the corner, the track & field season is officially over at Troy University for the 2007-08 athletic season.
After arriving in October, I was assigned all the women's sports and the men's track & field program, unbeknownest to me that the two programs would shatter records and set new goals for the 2008-09 squad along the way.
At the begninng of the season, the focus was on O'Darien Bassett's attempt to capture the NCAA championship
The Finish Line
and a berth on the United States Olympic Team. Bassett had a great year, winning the Sun Belt Conference the Mideast Region, before competing at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. He also competed at the United States Olympic Trials, finishing as the top collegiate in the field and finishing ninth overall.
Archived Blogs
Meanwhile, outgoing senior Tawanna Meadows stole the show during the season, winning multiple titles including the Sun Belt Indoor Co-Track Performer of the Championship Meet on her way to a pair of championships. She also claimed the 100-meter and 200-meter titles at the Sun Belt Outdoor Championships, along winning the Outdoor Performer of the Year in the conference. Meadows didn't stop there, advancing through the regions and qualifying for the semifinals of the NCAA Championships.
Not only did she compete at the U.S. Olympic Trials, Meadows was selected for the United States Under-23 National Team to compete at the NACAC meet in Mexico where she won a silver in the 100-meter dash and a gold in the 4x100-meter dash.
Many records fell this past season, and not just at the hands of Bassett and Meadows. For a complete list, visit the track and field portion on the website for all of your information.
I can only imagine what next season will be like for the Troy track and field programs. For any questions or suggestions, feel free to email me at tjarome@troy.edu.
Later,
TJ