Mason’s Muzzio Starred In Decathlon

Celebrating A Century of NCAA Track & Field Championships

Mason’s Muzzio Starred In Decathlon

Rob Muzzio of George Mason experienced opposite ends of the winning spectrum in becoming the first back-to-back decathlon winner in the NCAA Division I Outdoor Championships.

In 1984, a 19-year-old Muzzio set a collegiate record of 8227 points to win by a meet record margin of 336 points. “Gaudy” was a term decathlon guru Frank Zarnowski used to describe his performance.

In 1985, Muzzio won by a scant three points – the closest in meet history – with a tally of 7968. This time writers called him “gutty.”

Why such a difference?

“I’ve been hurt all year and any part of the anatomy you want to name has been hurt,” Muzzio said after a 1985 day-one lead that was about 200 points less than he had in 1984.

What little lead he had evaporated after the discus on day two, as New Mexico’s Gary Kinder had squeaked ahead by four points and would extend it to 177 points going into the last event, the 1500 meters.

Kinder’s lead meant Muzzio – a much better 1500 runner – would have to beat Kinder by about 28 seconds to capture the NCAA title. Up for the challenge, Muzzio got his only PR of the meet in 4:23.64, then had to wait until Kinder finished.

Finally, announcer Zarnowski read off the results, and while Kinder also PRed at 4:52.01, it wasn’t enough to hold off Muzzio, who won 7968 to 7965.

posted: December 20, 2020
1921-2021
The NCAA's First Championships

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.

Memorable Moments
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
June 11, 2016

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).