PREP TRACK : Lack of Top-Level Competition Is Evident at Outdoor Meet

The cover story in the May issue of Track & Field News magazine was titled, “What If We Gave a Track Meet and No One Came?”

That was almost the case at the inaugural National Scholastic Outdoor Championships at Birmingham High on Saturday.

Although only preliminary races were run, about 150 spectators were in the south stands near the finish line. On top of that, two preliminary races were run in the boys’ 100-meter event to eliminate one sprinter from today’s final.

Four finalists in the boys’ 100 qualified with times of 11 seconds or slower.

Compton’s Ricky Carrigan, the state champion in the 100 and 200, did not compete.

Coincidentally, the established Golden West Invitational--a seniors-only event that draws competitors from across the country--is being held this weekend in Sacramento. Several athletes are also preparing for the International Prep Invitational next Saturday.

The lack of competitors also limited the number of preliminary heats. No field events were contested and no heats were arranged in the girls’ running events. Preliminary races for boys included only the 100, 200, 400 and 800.

Today’s final will include four-time state sprint champion Marion Jones of Rio Mesa High. Jones set National Federation records in the 100 (11.17) and 200 (22.87) this year. Canyon’s Dave Hartman, the state champion in the 3,200 meters, is scheduled to compete in the 1,600 today. State girls’ 3,200 titlist Deena Drossin of Agoura is expected to run that event.