One representative from the University of Tennessee doesn't have to worry about qualifying at the U.S. Olympic trials for track and field that begin today in Eugene, Ore.
J.J. Clark has known for more than a year he's going to China as the middle-distance coach on the U.S. women's team.
Clark, in his sixth year as head coach of the Lady Vols, was chosen in March 20007 as an assistant on the U.S. women's team under head coach Jeanette Bolden.
Clark has had international experience before. He was head women's coach for the U.S. in the 2001 World Championships in Canada.
As for the athletes, 2004 Olympic gold-medal winners Tim Mack (pole vault) and Dee Dee Trotter (4x400 relay) are strong candidates to make the team.
Tom Pappas, a veteran of 2000 and 2004, is back and in the hunt for another Olympic decathlon after winning the past two U.S. championships.
Anthony Famiglietti made the 2004 team in the steeplechase and in good position to earn a trip to China.
The top three finishers in each event make the team, provided they meet the Olympic qualifying standards.
"Pappas, Famiglietti, Mack and (Leigh) Smith are guys that would be disappointed to not make another Olympic team,'' said UT men's coach Bill Webb.
Smith hasn't actually made an Olympic team yet but is a viable candidate in the javelin.
Hazel Clark, who trains here and is coached by her brother, has made two the past two Olympic teams in the 800.
Two other coaches with SEC ties are on the Olympic track and field staff. Alabama head coach Harvey Glance is sprints coach for the men. Recently retired Arkansas coach John McDonnell is middle-distance coach for the men.
Area participants
Men
100: Evander Wells, Rubin Williams
200: Wells, Williams
800: Jebreh Harris
110 hurdles: Aries Merritt
Steeplechase: Anthony Famiglietti
Pole vault: Tim Mack
Hammer throw: Garland Porter
Javelin: Leigh Smith
Decathlon: Pappas, Chris Helwick, Jangy Addy
Women
200: Lynne Layne
400: Dee Dee Trotter
800: Hazel Clark, Chanelle Price, Nicole Cook, Kamiesha Bennett, Phoebe Wright, Alisa Harvey
1500: Treniere Clement, Sarah Bowman
100 hurdles: Jacqueline Coward
400 hurdles: Coward
Long jump: Tianna Madison
5,000: Sharon Dickie-Thompson
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Comments » 3
BillVol writes:
How soon, Mike, we forget our own Gary Kikaya, of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
BillVol writes:
And Annie Alexander. Others?
HotlantaVol writes:
"Clark, in his sixth year as head coach of the Lady Vols, was chosen in March 20007 as an assistant on the U.S. women's team under head coach Jeanette Bolden."
March 20007? How long did I sleep last night?
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