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.
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).