Central Michigan University Athletics
Chippewas Gear Up for Regional Championships
5/25/2005 12:00:00 AM | MTF
May 25, 2005
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. -- After adding another championship to their resume the Central Michigan University men's track team will have 13 members travel to Indiana University May 27-28 for the NCAA Mideast Regional Championship.
The Chippewas won their second title in 2005, taking the outdoor crown with a Mid-American Conference championship-record 220 points. They also became the first school to capture the cross-country, indoor and outdoor track championships in the same school year. Head coach Jim Knapp is confident that CMU will have several strong performances at regionals.
"I think there are several guys who have a real solid chance at making it to the NCAA National Championship. They're going to have to step it up, just like they have all year, but we talked about how they have a chance to represent themselves, their school and the MAC, and they've stepped up all year long," Knapp said.
Below is a list of all the athletes and the events they qualified for:
Pierre Vinson 100m
Steve Wezner 400m
Clarence Glenn 110m Hurdles
Nick Stout 110m Hurdles, 400m hurdles
Matt Loiselle 3000m Steeplechase
Jake Flynn 5,000m
Jeff Powers 5,000m
Steve Wolf High Jump, Long Jump^
Dave Jones Pole Vault
Mike Marsh Shot Put, Discus, Hammer Throw
John Pilling Discus
Mike Sidlauskas Discus, Hammer Throw
Dave Stallworth Hammer Throw
Dave Ernsberger 10,000m Automatic*
Tristen Perlberg 10,000m Provisional*
Jacob Friess Decathlon Provisional*
*Athletes who qualify in the 10,000m or Decathlon qualify directly to the NCAA National Championships held at Sacramento State June 8-11. ^Steve Wolf will not compete in the long jump.
The top five finishers at each regional qualify for nationals. A national committee will then fill the remaining openings with at-large selections.
Knapp, Vinson Honored
Central Michigan University men's track head coach Jim Knapp and sprinter Pierre Vinson were honored by the Mid-American Conference for their performance in the 2005 outdoor track season.
Vinson was named the "Most Outstanding Performer" by the MAC head coaches for his performance in the outdoor championship, winning the 100m and 200m.
Knapp was named "Coach of the Year" for the second time in 2005. He also won the award for the indoor season.
"It's a great honor, but it should be called the coaching staff of the year. I wouldn't trade this staff for any in the country. They are as deserving as I am," Knapp said.
