Hawkeyes ready to make some noise at NCAA track

IOWA CITY - Early June brings the NCAA Track and Field Championships and, once again, the University Iowa track team is well represented in Eugene, Ore.

The Hawkeyes are sending 15 individuals - a school record - in 11 different events to the four-day championships. Highlighted by hurdler Aaron Mallett and sprinter Brittany Brown, both of whom rank in the top-5 nationally in the 110-meter hurdlers and the 200-meter dash, respectively, Iowa has a good chance to make some noise at the event.

Brown is ranked second in the 200 with a blazing time of 22.30 seconds. The Big Ten champion has been incredible throughout the season.

Mallett, a senior, is rapidly approaching his last chance to win an elusive NCAA championship.

Brown and Mallett are hardly the only two athletes with a chance of doing something special. Already two of the best discus throwers in Iowa history, sophomore Reno Tuufuli and freshman Laulauga Tausaga will get their chance to prove themselves on a national stage for the men's and women's teams. Avery Meyers also will be competing in the discus for the Hawkeyes.

Tausaga was a Big Ten champion, while Tuufuli won the NCAA West qualifying meet, finally breaking the 200-foot barrier. Each thrower is ranked in the top-12 in the nation in discus and very well could improve upon that this weekend.

Two Iowa men's relays also are making the trip to historic Hayward Field. The 400-meter group of Christian Brissett, Mallett, Brendan Thompson and O'Shea Wilson ranks 32nd in the country. The 1,600 squad of DeJuan Frye, Mar'yea Harris, Collin Hofacker and Emmanuel Ogwo is even better, with its best time coming in at No. 12 in the college ranks.

Wilson also will be competing in the long jump, joining Antwon James (triple jump) in the field events. Jahisha Thomas also will be in the field, competing in the high jump.

Outside of Iowa, Northern Iowa superstar sprinter Brandon Carnes will make an appearance at the NCAA's, where he is ranked fifth in the 100-meter dash.

l Comments: jordan.hansen@thegazette.com