SEVERAL AGGIES HAVE A SHOT AT INDIVIDUAL TITLES

Landover, Md. – February 16, 2006 – A year ago, Justin Bryon collected three different championships at the MEAC Indoor Championships. This weekend, he looks to repeat or perhaps exceed that performance at the 2006 MEAC Men’s and Women’s Indoor Championships held in Landover, Md., at the Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex.

Bryon won in the 200 and 400 meters, and was a part of the 4x400 relay team that took home the title a year ago. With outstanding showings in the Aggies first four meets of this season, there is no reason  to believe Byron will not take home more prizes from indoor championships.  

 Bryon is not the only Aggie hoping to repeat . Brandon Via is the reigning MEAC Champion in the long jump and triple jump. He leaped 25 feet, 7 inches to win the long jump and 52-feet to win the triple jump.  

“Brandon is a lot faster and more focused this year in his jumps,’’ said Director of Track Programs Roy Thompson. “He has always been outstanding in his jumps, but this year he is developing more of rhythm.”

 Also look for Jimmie Fields to make a push for a title in a jump event. He tied for fourth in the high jump and sixth in the long jump last season. The Aggies could also make noise in the 4x100 and 4x400 relays.

 On the women’s side, Courtney Clark has been strong in the sprints, including a first-place finish in the 200 meters at the Penn State National Invitation. PhyKesha Blackmon, who owns a total of three MEAC championships, could take home another title in the 200-meters or 60-meter dash. In the jumps, Lauren Taylor could be the Aggies best chance to win a title, but Brittany Dixson should also be a contender.

 The championship will begin at 9 a.m. with the men’s heptathlon events and the women’s shot put. The Largo Senior High School Roaring Machine Marching Band of Upper Marlboro, Md. will lead the opening ceremonies at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, February 17.

 This year marks the 25th MEAC indoor track and field championship for the men and women dating back to 1981.

Admission for the MEAC indoor track & field championship is $5 dollars for adults and $3 dollars for children, students, and senior citizens per day. Tickets may be purchased the day of the event.