Gatlin Doubled Up In Back-To-Back Years
Justin Gatlin of Tennessee ran straight into the record books at the 2002 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Gatlin became the seventh man in meet history to win both the 100 and 200 meters twice. Since the last pair of double-doubles came 45 years earlier, there were some significant differences for Gatlin’s accomplishment as the NCAA Outdoor Championships evolved.
The most noticeable change was that the other six competed before relays were on the NCAA program, and Gatlin was looked upon in both the 4×100 and 4×400 races as the defending champion Volunteers were locked in a team battle with host LSU.
It was a relay, in fact, that was Gatlin’s first final on Friday night – 4×100. It also featured a potent LSU foursome headlined by Bennie Brazell and Walter Davis. Gatlin – already the year’s fastest sprinter at 10.05 and 19.86 – scorched the backstretch, as usual, but LSU won over runner-up Clemson and the third-place Vols, 38.48 to 38.82 and 38.83, respectively, though both LSU and Tennessee had handoff issues on the final two exchanges.
By this point, Gatlin had six races in his legs with three still to go for Saturday – the 100 and 200 finals, plus the 4×400. Gatlin stormed to victories in the 100 (10.22 into a 2.7 m/s wind) and 200 (20.18 into a 2.9 m/s wind) in the span of 40 minutes.
Some 30 minutes later, came a rare sight – a 100-meter champ lining up for the 4×400. With Tennessee trailing LSU 58-53, every point was crucial and Gatlin was a late substitution. Gatlin didn’t disappoint, bringing his team from last into contention with an impressive 44.7 split on the third leg.
Alas, it was not enough. Tennessee finished fifth in the race as LSU won the team crown, 64-57.
“I love my team to death,” Gatlin said of his Vol teammates. “We’ll be back ready to fight again.”
Unfortunately, that 4×400 leg turned out to be the last collegiate race of Gatlin’s career, as the sophomore turned pro shortly afterwards. His career is still running and includes gold medals in 2004 (Olympic 100) and 2017 (World Championships 100).
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.
SIU’s Roggy Dominated The Javelin In 1978
Bob Roggy won the javelin title at the 1978 NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships by more than 20 feet. Roggy qualified first for the final with a MR heave of 89.30m (293‑0).
Makusha Made History In Bowerman Year Of 2011
Ngoni Makusha became just the fourth man in meet history to win individual titles in both the 100 and LJ. It was his 3rd career LJ crown and he set a CR in the 100 of 9.89.
George Mason’s Gage Shocked The NCAA LJ In 1988
Nena Gage won the long jump at the 1988 NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships in a shocking upset over Gail Devers.
Texas’ Thompson Marveled In NCAA Distance Events
Jerry Thompson won three career distance titles at the NCAA Outdoor T&F Championships. His first came in 1943. Then he won again in 1947 & 1948 after serving in World War II.
Grinnell’s Paulu Sprinted To NCAA History
Leonard Paulu was the first athlete to complete the 100-200 double in NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships history in 1922. That also made him the 1st to win back-to-back 100 titles, too.
Scott Won Back-To-Back NCAA Hammer Titles
Candice Scott won back-to-back hammer throw titles at the NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships in 2003 & 2004. Scott set a meet record of 69.77m (228-11) in that first year.
Drouin Soared To The Bowerman In 2013
Derek Drouin won two career HJ titles at the NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships. When Drouin won in 2013, he was only the fourth man to clear 2.34m (7-8) in meet history.
Watts Made Quick Work Of NCAA 400
Quincy Watts set a meet record in the 400 of 44.00 at the 1992 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships. It lasted 25 years until 2017.
Iowa State’s Koll Rolled To 5K-10K Crowns
Lisa Koll won three career titles at the NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships in dominant fashion. Her average margin of victory in those 5K & 10K races was 37.73 seconds.
LSU’s Hardin Completed Unique 440-220H Double Twice
The nearly unheard of 440-220H double was so nice that Glenn Hardin did it twice! Hardin became the first to do so in meet history in 1933 and then swept them again in 1934.