McWilliams Ran Into The 1500 Record Book
Tiffany McWilliams ran into the record book in 2003.
McWilliams, who starred for Mississippi State, won back-to-back 1500-meter titles at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships in 2003 and 2004, which included a collegiate record and meet record of 4:06.75 in that first year.
Let’s focus on that 2003 effort in Sacramento, California, where McWilliams lopped nearly two seconds off the meet record previously held by Suzy Favor of Wisconsin at 4:08.25. Favor set the former standard in 1990.
McWilliams, a sophomore who missed a significant amount of time in the fall as she recovered from knee surgery, dueled with defending champion Lena Nilsson of UCLA for most of the race 17 years ago. Nilsson had a strong kick, so McWilliams had to be ready when Nilsson made her move.
“I kept waiting for Lena to come up on me – and when she did, that gave me the kick and motivation to move on,” McWilliams told Gregg Ellis of the Tupelo (Miss.) Daily Journal.
McWilliams surged ahead down the homestretch and crossed the finish line in 4:06.75, three full seconds ahead of Nilsson, who finished runner-up. That also gave Mississippi State its first individual or relay title at the NCAA Track & Field Championships in program history.
“I guess it hasn’t sunk in yet,” McWilliams said. “I’m glad and I’m happy – but I just haven’t had much time to think about it.”
Both of McWilliams’ records lasted until 2008 when Hannah England of Florida State won the NCAA title in 4:06.19. McWilliams remains among the top-10 fastest performers in collegiate history (No. 6) as well as meet history (No. 5).
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.