Central Michigan University Athletics
Three Former Chippewas Vie To Represent USA
7/8/2004 12:00:00 AM | MTF
July 8, 2004
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - From the Maroon and Gold to the Red, White and Blue, three former Central Michigan University track and field standouts are shooting for spots on the US Olympic Track and Field Team next week.
Hurdler Greg Richardson and distance runners Jeff DeLong and Richie Brinker converge on the campus of Sacramento State and are vying for spots to represent the USA in Athens, Greece.
The top three winners from each event will compete in the Olympics while the fourth-place finisher will be an alternate.
Richardson is making his second appearance in the trials, competing in the 110m hurdles. He also competed in the 2000 Olympic trials. This year, the 110m hurdles are slated to begin on July 17 with the qualifying heats. It wraps up on July 18 with the semifinal and finals.
"I am incredibly proud," CMU's head track and field coach Jim Knapp said of his three former athletes. "Those three athletes certainly have and continually bring notoriety to CMU.
"All three of them are intense competitors and this venue will bring out the best in each of them."
Making their respective first appearances are DeLong (800m) and Brinker (10,000m). DeLong's event begins on Day 1 (Friday, July 9) with the 800m quarterfinals. The semifinals will run on July 10 and the finals on July 12. Meanwhile, Brinker will run in the 10,000m final on Day 1.
"It's a difficult road to hit the qualifying standards and make it to the trials," CMU's head cross country coach and mentor of the distance runners Craig Fuller said. "I'm really proud of those guys because of all of the hard work that they had to put in. What these guys have done shows a lot of dedication because you have to put in a lot of time in training. Plus, you don't get very much money so they are doing it out of the love of the sport.
"This is the pinnacle of a long career for Brinker. He has worked very hard to reach this level and you can see that in his times. DeLong has been injured most of the season but qualified two weeks ago. That goes to show the heart and determination he has to make the team at such a late date. "
All three athletes had stellar careers for the Chippewas. Richardson was a 100m hurdle conference champion in 1999 and holds the school record in that event (13.59), Brinker was the last cross country individual champion (1998) at CMU and was also the 10,000m outdoor champion in 1999, while Delong was a two-time 800m outdoor champion (1999, 2001) and also hold the school record in that event (1:47.70).
All eight days of the competition will be televised between the USA Network and NBC Sports. Consult your local listings for the station and times.
