Andre Cason believes Hampton Roads has some of the best track and field talent in the nation.
He should know since he was a former star.
The Green Run High grad was a six-time individual state champion in high school. He was a member of the United States’ 4×100 relay team that won gold at the 1991 World Championships in Tokyo in a world-record time of 37.5 seconds. And he was a two-time NCAA champion and seven-time All-American for Texas A&M who held the world indoor record in the 60 meters.
Now he’s bringing an outdoor meet like no other to Hampton Roads with the Elite Scholastic Outdoor meet on Saturday at Churchland High in Portsmouth.
“I saw that there was not a lot of quality of track and field meets in this area,” he said. “I really wanted to showcase the talent that Hampton Roads has, and actually the whole state of Virginia and the (D.C., Maryland and Virginia). In my opinion, we’re the most powerful area in the United States in track and field.”
What makes this meet different from other meets in Hampton Roads — and the state — is the first two finishers in each event qualify for next month’s prestigious New Balance National Outdoor Championships in Philadelphia.
“I wanted to show or give athletes a chance to advance to New Balance Nationals without having to meet the qualifying standard,” Cason said.
Another unique thing about this meet is it will also include middle school athletes.
“Every city has its own middle school championships, but you don’t have a state championship or national championship for middle schools,” Cason said. “This gives them a chance to see where they stack up against the other cities in Hampton Roads.”
The meet begins at 10 a.m. with qualifying rounds in the 40-yard dash, 100 meters (middle and high school), 100 hurdles and 110 hurdles. Field events will begin at 11 a.m. There will also be an open division for men and women in the 100, 200 and 400.
Registration, which closes at 11 p.m. on May 9, must be done online.
Admission is $10 per person. Children under 5 are free as well as adults over 60 with an ID.
“This meet is a stepping stone for future superstars,” Cason said. “We want everyone to come out and support the meet, whether you’re an athlete or not. It’s going to be a great time.”
Larry Rubama, 757-575-6449, larry.rubama@pilotonline.com
Most Popular
Comments / 0