Florida Gators
Tyson Invitational
Men's T&F Nabs Four Provisionals, 4x400m Clocks 2nd-Best Time In Nation At Tyson Invitational
Saturday, February 11, 2006 | Men's Track and Field
In the most highly competitive indoor meet to date in the 2006 season, the No. 14 University of Florida men's track and field team notched four provisionals on the first day of competition at the Tyson Invitational at the Randal Tyson Track Center.
Junior All-American Mike Morrison (Willingboro, N.J.) recorded the third-longest jump in the nation in recording a provisional in the long jump, while senior teammate Alex Harris (Tampa, Fla.) picked up a provisional in the event as well. Sophomore All-American Bernard Middleton (Jacksonville, Fla.) scored his first NCAA provisional of the year in the 400m, while Florida's 4x400m relay of senior All-American Sekou Clarke (Kingston, Jamaica), Morrison, freshman Willie Perry (Lenoir, N.C.) and Middleton narrowly finished second in clocking the second-best time in the nation this year.
The men's competition features 15 of the top 20 teams in the country, including eight of the top 10. The provisionals give the Gators a total of seven on the season, in additional to Morrison's automatic mark in the high jump.
Morrison uncorked a leap of 7.84m/25-8.75 on his final attempt in soaring to the second-best indoor mark of his career as he finished third in the championship flight of the event. His jump was half an inch off the NCAA automatic mark, which would have made Morrison the first athlete in the country to achieve and automatic in both the long jump and high jump. Harris notched his first provisional of the season by posting a mark of 7.45m/24-5.50 to take seventh.
In the 400m, Middleton clocked his fastest time of the season to finish seventh. His mark of 47.15 was a provisional and ties for the sixth-best in the Southeastern Conference this year.
Florida's 4x400m relay shaved nearly four seconds off its previous best in 2006 to post a provisional time of 3:07.01. The Gators were neck and neck with Baylor until the Bears pulled ahead in the final 50 meters to win in 3:06.32. The time for the Gators was the sixth fastest in school history.
The second day of the meet begins with the high jump and triple jump slated for an 11 a.m. EST start Saturday. Live results will be provided online at www.flashresults.com.
