Campbell, Sprinters Key Titan Hopes at BWC MAY 14, 2002– Fullerton, Calif.
The health of Brandon Campbell and the success of the men's sprint squad
hold the keys to success for the Cal State Fullerton track and field squad
at the 2002 Big West Conference Championships this weekend at UC Irvine.
Campbell, the defending Big West Male Athlete of the Year, is entered
in the high jump and long jump where he will attempt to defend championships.
But his participation in the relays is unlikely due to a pulled hamstring
suffered on May 4.
The Titans figure to be competitive in the 400 meters, generally acknowledged
as the most wide open race in the meet. Fullerton's David Ortega and Derek
Brown could each finish in the top five and a one-two finish is within
the realm of possibility.
Nick McCullom is the Titan favorite in the 200 and a peaking Fred Williams
is a definite threat in both the 100 and 200. Both men are part of the
4x100 relay team, which has beaten every team in the conference that they
have faced although Idaho is a serious threat. The running order will
be McCullom, Williams, Brown and Ortega.
The Titans typically are stronger in the 4x400, which they have won the
past two years. Campbell will be missed and Brown, Williams, McCullom
and Ortega must be in top form to fight off Long Beach State, Northridge
and Idaho.
On the women's side, school record holder Lakeysha McClenton in the 800
meters is the Titans' top threat. Jumper Anna Doty will try to defend
her triple jump championship and improve upon her second-place finish
in the long jump. In the men's jumps, Ian Jennings, Cody Jones and Aaron
Williams are among the conference leaders.
Competition begins Wednesday and Thursday with the decathlon and heptathlon.
Field events start at 9 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and running events
begin each day at 1 p.m. Ticket prices are $8 for a one-day pass for adults
and $4 for students. All-meet passes are $14 for adults and $6 for students.
Parking is $5 per vehicle on the UCI campus.
