Florida, Oregon Begin 2012 as No. 1

Florida’s men and Oregon’s women, both two-time defending NCAA Division I indoor track & field national champions, begin the 2012 season in familiar territory – as the nation’s No. 1 teams. The preseason national team computer rankings as calculated by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) projects the Gators and Ducks as the early paper favorites based largely on performance bests from returners.

 

Florida won their second-straight NCAA crown in 2011in scoring 52 points at the national championships to home team Texas A&M’s 40. The Gators lost jumpers Will Claye and 2011 Bowerman finalist Christian Taylor to the pro circuit for 2012, but return two-time 60-meter champion Jeff Demps, jumper Omar Craddock, sprinter Tony McQuay, heptathlete Gray Horn, and shot-putter Kemal Mesic among others.

Oregon’s women easily took the 2011 indoor national crown in scoring 67 points to nearest challenger Texas who scored 38. The Ducks return Jordan Hasay for her junior season. Hasay won the mile and 3000 meters at last year’s indoor championships. In addition, Oregon returns collegiate record holder in the pentathlon Brianne Theisen for a senior campaign.

 

 

Full Story and rankings list on USTFCCCA...