USC Makes an NCAA Statement

USC made its case Saturday to be considered a favorite in the men’s and women’s NCAA track and field championships, defeating defending men’s indoor and women’s outdoor champion Louisiana State in a nonconference dual meet at Cromwell Field and Loker Stadium.

The Trojans qualified nine men and 13 women for the NCAA meet in a 122-69 victory in the men’s meet and a 114-75 victory in the women’s competition.

LSU had three men and four women post NCAA qualifying marks.

“We really stood up today and took notice that we’re a power,” Trojan Coach Ron Allice said. “We were all trying to get qualifying standards, because the more people you get to go to the big show, the more it enhances your chances.”

The USC women received a surprise in the 100 meters when Candace Young--daughter of former Trojan and Los Angeles Ram tight end Charle Young--outran two-time defending NCAA champion Angela Williams of USC.

Young, whose previous best was 11.49, caught Williams at 90 meters and edged past her at the finish, 11.22 to 11.23. Both qualified for the NCAA meet.

“This is way more than I expected,” Young said. “I wanted to run 11.4. Angie has a phenomenal start, and I knew if I could stay close I could finish with her.”

Young also finished third in the 200 in 23.66, behind freshman Muna Lee of LSU in 23.15. and Kinshasha Davis of USC (23.32).

Brigita Langerholc of USC, who finished fourth in the 800 for Slovenia at the Sydney Games, clocked 2:06.16 to provisionally qualify for the NCAA meet, along with teammate Aleksandra Deren (2:06.17).

Natasha Neal won the 100 high hurdles in a personal-best 13.34, and turned in the day’s most impressive performance in the 400 intermediate hurdles. Neal hit the first hurdle and fell, then came back to finish third in 1:04.06 behind Zamyal Jackson of LSU (1:02.89) and Rebecca Patterson of USC (1:03.22).

Trojan football players Kareem Kelly, Miguel Fletcher and Darrell Rideaux contributed to the victory.

Fletcher, Devon Ward, Rideaux and Kelly clocked 39.39 to win the 400 relay. Ward--the only non-football member of the relay team--led a Trojan provisional qualifying sweep in the 100 meters at 10.26, followed by Rideaux (10.27) and Fletcher (10.31).

Ryan Wilson led USC sweeps in the 110 hurdles (13.69) and the 400 hurdles (53.24).