Scott wins at Ohio State University; sets new national mark


COLUMBUS, Ohio - Sophomore hurdler Juan Scott continued his impressive indoor season with another win at the Ohio State University Tune-Up on Friday.


Juan qualified for the 60 meter hurdle finals with a time of 7.93 in the preliminaries. In the finals, Scott blazed across the finish line with a new personal best time of 7.82 seconds. He beat out OSU hurdlers DaJuan Seward (7.86) and Brent Carroll (7.91) for the top spot. Scott has won all seven times he has competed in the 60 meter hurdles this season.


"I felt really good going into my race. With a field that included guys from Ohio State, Cincinnati, Miami (Ohio), I knew that I would have to compete harder than in any other race up to this point. It was a great feeling to cross the finish line with a new personal best time. I felt that going up against Div. I talent helps bring out the best in my ability."


Scott, who automatically qualified for next month's NCAA Div. II Indoor Championships last month,  ranks No. 1 in nation among all NCAA Div. II athletes in the 60 meter hurdles


"Over the next few weeks, my preparation for nationals include proper rest and focusing on some of the small things that will help improve my time," Scott says.


Scott later teamed up with Isreal Williamson, JaVonte Brown and Baron Wilson to finish in second place in the 4 x 400 relay with a pace of 3.18.08. OSU won the event with a time of 3.17.61. The CSU relay team currently ranks No. 19 in the nation with a season-best time of 3.14.97. 


"Our relay team has a chance of qualifying for nationals," Rollins says. "Depending on the size of the field and what happens over the next few weeks, we may be able to compete on the national stage in both the 60 meter hurdles and 4 x 400 relays."


Krystal Mitchell and Iesha Lockhart highlighted the CSU women's efforts at OSU. Mitchell ran a 7.75 in the 60 meter dash to finish in fifth place. Iesha Lockhart ran a personal best time of 1.00.19 in the 400 meter run to finish in ninth place.


"While our ladies won't compete at the indoor championships, I remain extremely optimistic about our chances as we prepare for the outdoor season," Rollins says. "Iesha, Krystal, Mysia Wallace and others continue to show great improvement each week. Many of them thrive in their outdoor events and we are excited for the spring."


NEXT MEET
CSU begins the outdoor season next weekend with back-to-back meets at Columbus State University in Columbus, Georgia. Events will begin on Saturday at 9 am.


ABOUT THE NCAA DIV. II INDOOR TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS
This year's NCAA Div. II Indoor Track & Field Championships will be held on March 9 and 10 in Pittsburg, Kansas. Pittsburg State University serves as this year's host. Additional information on the NCAA Div. II Indoor Track & Field Championships will be available on PSU's athletic website - http://www.pittstategorillas.com/sports/2016/1/3/MTRACK_0103163618.aspx?path=mtrack