Nebraska’s Greene Equals 100-Yard World Record
History couldn’t wait for Nebraska’s Charlie Green.
That’s why, on this day back in 1967, Greene equaled the world record in the 100 yards of 9.1 in a first-round heat at the NCAA Championships. He followed that up with a title-winning 9.2 in the final, which made him the third man in NCAA DI history to win three career national titles in the 100 yards/meters (Marquette’s Ralph Metcalfe from 1932-34 and Southern California’s Mel Patton from 1947-49 are the others).
This was back in the days when hand times were considered official, but Greene actually achieved the fastest automatically timed 100-yard performances since the meet had a Bulova phototimer in use. His heat time was recorded at 9.23 and his final in 9.21, which track historians note are the two fastest marks ever recorded at that distance.
Greene, a native of Pine Bluff, Ark., who grew up in Seattle, was also known for some memorable one-liners. He wore dark shades whether it was day or night and claimed “These aren’t sunglasses – they’re my re-entry shields.” He also used a “super-satellite” gear only when leading and challenged in a race.
It’s safe to say Greene continued his record-breaking ways in 1968. He won the “Night of Speed” 100 Meters at the AAU Championships when the world record was set or tied by 10 men over three rounds. Greene later earned the bronze medal in the 100 at the Mexico City Olympics after suffering a hamstring injury and then returned to lead the U.S. 4×100 relay team to gold and a world-record performance of 38.2.
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.
Mikkola Set Javelin MR With Huge Win
Esko Mikkola was a two-time JT winner at the NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships. When Mikkola won in 1998, he set a MR of 81.86m (268‑7) and won by 17 feet!
Little Made Big 400H History
Shamier Little won three consecutive 400H titles at the NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships between 2014 & 2016. Little became the No. 2 performer in collegiate history with her 53.51 winner in 2016.
Comenentia Completed Historic Double In 2018
Denzel Comenentia became only the third man in the history of the NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships to complete the HT-SP double back in 2018.
Ellerbe Won After Film Review In 1939
Mozelle Ellerbe won back-to-back 100-yard dash titles at the NCAA Outdoor T&F Championships in 1938 & 1939. His victory in the 2nd year was confirmed by a film review.
Saunders Won Back-To-Back SP Titles, Set CR
Raven Saunders won back-to-back SP titles at the NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships in 2015 & 2016. Saunders set a CR & MR of 19.33m (63-5) in that second year.
McCullouch Ran Legendary Times At NCAAs
Earl McCullouch of Southern California won back-to-back 120H titles at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships and was a member of a WR-setting quarter-mile relay team.
Hook ‘Em, Leo: Manzano Made 1500 History
Leo Manzano was the first male freshman in the history of the NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships to win the 1500/mile in 2005. Manzano added a 2nd title to his haul in 2008.
Walton Started It All In The 800
Delisa Walton won the first women’s 800 at the NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships in 1982. Walton is the mother of Ebonie Floyd, who finished 2nd in the 2007 100.
Rupp Capped Sensational Senior Year In 2009
Galen Rupp completed an unprecedented year at the 2009 NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships when he swept the 5K & 10K.
Gipson, Ugen Made Long Jump History
Whitney Gipson & Lorraine Ugen were the first teammates to win women’s long jump titles at the NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships in consecutive years (Gipson in 2012; Ugen in 2013).