Guidry Capped Legendary Career In 1991
There was much to savor for Carlette Guidry of Texas at the 1991 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
Guidry entered the meet looking for her first individual title in the meet, which seemed puzzling since she had compiled six NCAA DI Indoor individual wins – still the most by a woman.
In a final chance for an outdoor title, Guidry starred at Historic Hayward Field.
Guidry’s good fortune began a day before she completed a 100-200 double, as her anchor leg provided the winning difference for the Longhorn 4×100 relay team. With Guidry bringing it home, the Texas quartet set a low-altitude all-time collegiate best of 42.88.
That relay was particularly satisfying for Guidry in that she overtook LSU’s Esther Jones for the victory. It was Jones who had swept the 100 and 200 at the NCAA meet the previous year, which included a false start by Guidry that was questioned by many observers.
Guidry’s best in 1991 was yet to come, though.
On the meet’s final day she ripped a wind-aided 10.91 (her second of the meet) to turn back Jones (10.99w) and then 75 minutes later, repeated the domination with a 22.44w victory in the 200. The homestretch battle in the 200 was memorable as Jones attempted twice to approach Guidry, who held her lead impressively each time to win by 0.13 seconds.
“I’ve trained more than I raced this year and listened to my body,” Guidry said after the 200. “I’ve trained to have a strong finish.”
Guidry’s collegiate career is unmatched combing performances at the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Counting relays, she totaled 12 career NCAA titles, three more than any other woman. (Guidry was also a legend at the Texas high school ranks, notching the two largest point totals in Texas UIL state meet history at 48 and 43 points.)
Post-collegiate success followed for Guidry as she earned two Olympic gold medals as part of the U.S. 4×100 relay team in 1992 and 1996. And in 2015, the Texas Relays named its women’s university/college 4×100 relay after her.
The NCAA and collegiate track & field will mark a momentous milestone in the spring of 2021 -- the 100th anniversary of the NCAA Championships and with that, the NCAA Track & Field Championships. In June 1921, the University of Chicago hosted the first track & field championships in NCAA history.
This point can’t be emphasized enough: Not only was the event the first for NCAA track & field, but the first championships for any sport under the sponsorship of the NCAA.
To celebrate, over each of the next 365 days, the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) will celebrate moments, student-athletes, and coaches that have made a century’s worth of championships special. From humble beginnings to important historical milestones to the modern-day, collegiate track & field has evolved with the American society.
The 2021 edition of the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships begin with preliminary round action on May 27-29 in Jacksonville, Fla., and College Station, Texas. The championships final site and culmination of the celebration is slated for June 9-12, 2021 at the newly rebuilt Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.
Carr Displayed His World Record Speed
Henry Carr set a meet record in the 220 yards of 20.5 at the 1963 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
Joaquim Cruz’d To Meet Record, 800-1500 Double
Joaquim Cruz won three career titles at the NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships. In 1983, he set a meet record in the 800 of 1:44.91 & completed the 800-1500 double in 1984.
Back-To-Back 200-Meter Crowns For Annelus
Anglerne “Angie” Annelus won back-to-back 200m titles at the NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships in 2018 & 2019. Her 22.16 winner from 2019 is the 4th fastest mark in collegiate history.
Indoors? Outdoors? Johnson Starred In The PV
Jan Johnson won the pole vault title at the 1970 NCAA Division I Outdoor T&F Championships and tied the meet record of 17-7.
Beard Capped Sensational Year At NCAAs
Jessica Beard won the 400 & then split the fastest 4×400 leg ever recorded at the NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships to lead Texas A&M to a relay crown.
Biles Brothers Boast Historic Winning Feat
Martin Biles & Robert Biles were the first siblings to win the same event at the NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships. Marty won the javelin in 1940 & 1941, while Robert did so in 1942.
Branta Set NCAA MRs In 1500, 3000
Cathy Branta set meet records in back-to-back years at the NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships: 8:59.57 in the 3000 (1984); 4:12.64 in the 1500 (1985) as part of a 1500-3K double.
Brophy Led “Deca Central” With MR In 1992
Brian Brophy led a 1-2 finish by Tennessee athletes in the decathlon at the 1992 NCAA Division I Outdoor T&F Championships. He won with a meet record of 8276 points.
UCLA’s Brenner Won Amazing SP Duel In 1984
John Brenner completed the discus-shot put double at the 1984 NCAA Division I Outdoor T&F Championships and won the shot put after an incredible duel against Michael Carter.
Ellerbe, Misipeka Dominated The Hammer
Dawn Ellerbe and Lisa Misipeka went 1-2 in each of the first two years that the women’s hammer was contested at the NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships.