Despite rain delays and humidity indexes spiking higher than normal, the weather in Jacksonville, Florida couldn’t keep Alabama down. It may not have been the most optimal conditions to compete in, but the Crimson Tide Track and Field team was able to make the most of it.
Over the course of the three-day NCAA East Regional event, 19 Alabama athletes were selected in 15 events to compete in the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
“Well, first it was a blessing to get this far to the top 48 and to go to regionals,” freshman Quanesha Burks said. “We knew that we could go far so we just stayed focused. Basically, at practice, we had to bring practice to the meet. Being able to compete there was a blessing. And then being able to take care of business, that was amazing as well.”
Burks qualified for both the 4×100 meter relay and the long jump. While competing in the regional, Burks, along with Remona Burchell, Dominique Kimpel and Sarah Thomas, ran a 44.24 second relay.
Of the 19 athletes, seven are women.
Burchell will also compete in the 100 meter race. She and Burks are the only two women competing in multiple events.
“It is a blessing [to compete as a freshman],” Burks said. “It hasn’t hit me yet that I am going. I know I’m going but it hasn’t hit me that I am going to the nationals. This is something I’ve dreamed of but I didn’t think it could happen this early, but I know I’m going. And since it’s both the long jump and the 4×100, it’s a blessing. I’m excited. But I think it’ll hit me when we take off this coming week and then I’ll realize I’m going to nationals to compete. I am excited though.”
On the men’s side of the regional tournament, sophomore Justin Fondren tied for first on the high jump. Fondren cleared each of the four jumps on the first try.
The men also clocked in a 39.58 second men’s 4×100 meter relay. Already using runners Dwight Davis, Alex Sanders and Akeem Haynes, coach Dan Waters added Kamal Fuller to the lineup. Fuller had not previously competed in a relay this season. This group of relay runners beat out the other Alabama team.
“Always stay focused,” Fondren said. “No matter what the conditions are, you still have to come out on top. [I learned a lot] because we have to come out tougher now that I know that even bad weather can’t stop you from performing good. It’s just a mind set.”
Alabama will head out to Oregon next week for the NCAA Championships, competing in 14 events.
(See also “Track and field earns 14 wins in meet“)
