by Larry Eder
Derek Drouin, photo by PhotoRun.net
Drouin for ATL opener
BLOOMINGTON (ISA): The American Track League (www.americantrackleague.com) is set to kick-off in Bloomington Indiana this Friday May 2nd on the campus of Indiana University and top class fields have been assembled. League Director Paul Doyle expressed his satisfaction: “I am extremely happy with the fields that have been assembled for our inaugural meet. The way the athletes have supported this league leaves me feeling very optimistic about the future of the sport within the US.” One of the most exciting events will surely be the Men’s High Jump featuring Olympic and World Bronze Medalist Derek Drouin of Canada who improved at Drake Relays to 240 facing the in-form American Dusty Jonas.
Derek Drouin, Moscow 2013, photo by PhotoRun.net
In the 400 m Hurdles, American Record Holder Lashinda Demus will attempt to improve on her opening mark from the past weekend. The women’s sprint hurdles should also be a main event, featuring newly crowned Drake Relays Champion and World Leader Kristi Castlin going head to head with America’s sweetheart, Lolo Jones in her opening hurdle race of the year. The Women’s 400m will feature triple Olympic Medalist DeeDee Trotter. The middle distance races each have a local flavor as Molly Beckwith (Indiana University Alum) faces off with Bloomington Native, Morgan Uceny. On the men’s side, Indiana Native and NCAA Champion, Andy Bayer will enter the 1500m race as the crowd favorite but he will surely face a strong challenge from a man much further from home, Ryan Gregson of Australia. The men’s short sprint will feature a 40 yard dash time-trial for qualification to the 100 m final. The 40 yard dash preliminary runs will also be open to the public and the fastest member of the public will be awarded lane 9 in the 100 m final. This lucky member of the public will get to face former World Silver Medalist, Derrick Atkins of the Bahamas and Jamaican talent Jacques Harvey. Throughout the evening, the crowd will be entertained by the sounds of the Velveteen Playboys playing live on the infield and led by their front man and former High Jumper Paul Souza. Additionally, the ATL Dance team will be performing, led by team captain Sabrina Clark who was voted 2011 NFL’s Hottest Cheerleader.
