Flyin’ Frogs head into home track meet after strong finish
By Danny Gillham
Skiff Staff

Heading into their only home meet of the season, the TCU track and field teams showed signs of what they will have to offer.

The Flyin’ Frogs shined at the Texas A&M Invitational this past Saturday, bringing home six first-place finishes and setting five NCAA provisional marks.

On the men’s side, sophomore Michael Frater led the pack with first place finishes in the 100 meters (10.23) and 200 meters (20.64), both of which were provisional marks. Also making provisional times in the 200 meters were junior Jermaine Joseph (20.64, second) and senior Steve Slowly (20.71, third).

Junior Brandal Lawrence took first in the triple jump, notching a distance of 15.59 meters (51 feet 1 and 3/4 inches). Sophomore Aundre Edwards came up big, jumping a provisional time of 7.70 meters (25 feet 3 1/4 inches), good enough for first in the long jump.

Head coach Monte Stratton said he was pleased with the men’s performance, especially Edwards.

“I though Aundre made a major breakthrough,” Stratton said. “It will probably get him to the national meet and give him confidence to jump even further.”

On the women’s side, the team finished with 11 top-six finishes, highlighted by junior Monica Twum.

Twum took first place in the 100 meters with a 11.56, missing a provisional time by one-hundredth of a second. She also took fourth in the 200 meters with a 23.86.

Twum said that the women were impressive this past weekend.

“I think we did really good this weekend,” Twum said. “Most of us are peaking and running seasonal bests. I think we are looking really ready for conference.”

With the women having more and more top finishes, Stratton said, the team will be a factor at the conference meet. The Conference USA meet will be held May 10-11 in Louisville, Ky.

“The sprinters, middle-distance runners and long-distance runners are doing a good job,” Stratton said. “They have a good chance to challenge for the conference title if they stay healthy.”

Off this momentum, the Flyin’ Frogs will showcase their talents at the TCU Invitational on Saturday. Stratton said it’s a great opportunity for the team.

“The home meet is always important,” Stratton said. “Sometimes it’s the only chance the people locally get a chance to see the team they read about. We want to do well, and continue to improve ourselves in the standings so we can take as many as possible to the national meet.”

Danny Gillham
d.r.gillham@student.tcu.edu

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