Jan. 20, 2004
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue's men's track and field team jumped nine spots this week in the Trackwire 25 and are currently ranked 14th in the nation. The Boilermakers, who stand fourth among all Big Ten teams, were ranked No. 23 in last week's preseason poll.
According to its web site, the Trackwire 25 projects a hypothetical score for the NCAA meet, factoring in injury reports and other variables supported by information gathered from coaches and NCAA-qualifying competitions across the country. This projection is generated by scoring the Dandy Dozen, a power ranking of the top 12 athletes and relay squads in each NCAA event.
Seniors Kenneth Baxter, Keith McBride and Scott Hecht along with junior Nedzad Mulabegovic were individually ranked in each of their respective events in this week's Dandy Dozen.
Baxter, who is currently ranked fifth in the 200-meter dash, competed in off-events at the Purdue Invitational last Saturday. Baxter raced in the 400 meter run (3rd, 51.07) as well as the 60 meter run (8th, 7.25).
Mulabegovic earned the No. 3 spot in the shot put after throwing a first-place launch of 60-feet, 7 3/4 inches at the Purdue Invitational.
After a successful weekend at the Purdue Invitational, McBride and Hecht walked away with the No. 5 and No. 8 rankings in the weight throw. McBride added over two feet on to his personal best in recording a first-place throw of 68-9 3/4. Hecht posted a personal best toss of 66-7 1/4 to finish third in the weight throwing event. McBride and Hecht's marks rank second and third on Purdue's all-time indoor track best list.
The factors used to build the Dandy Dozen include quantitative values that measure performances in past major competitions, durability and freedom from injuries, demonstrated ability to compete well in multiple rounds of competition, ability in other events, head-to-head competition with other top athletes, and personal or seasonal bests.
The Purdue men's and women's track and field teams will compete on Jan. 24 in Columbus, Ohio in a triangular meet against Ohio State and Indiana at 10:00 a.m. On Jan. 30 the Boilermakers will be back in West Lafayette to take on Indiana State at Lambert Fieldhouse at 5:00 p.m.