by Mike Byrnes, co-meet director

The first national-caliber track and field competition of the 21^st century will take place within the Harry Gladstein Fieldhouse on the grounds of Indiana University the weekend of March 11-12. To paraphrase Abraham Lincoln, "�it is only fitting and proper we should do this." Beginning in 1984 the team of Tracy Sundlun, Jim Spier and your author started a competition that no one expected to succeed. It did and it flourished to become the nation's finest indoor track and field competition. That same team moved over to start the Nike Indoor Classic and in the space of a mere two years have duplicated their earlier success and, in the opinion of most knowledgeable observers, surpassed their previous efforts. The meet about to unfold before you will substantiate those feelings. Why do I say that? Take a look.

THE SPRINTS: On the Boy's side you'll be seeing at least four of the nation's top five speedsters. (Ed. Note: This is being written almost three weeks prior to the competition. I apologize to those athletes omitted due to our having to get this off to the printer quite so early.)

Heading the field is Louisiana's KENNETH JOHNSON. He posted a fine 6.28 in that meet. He'll face serious challenges from two other splendid sprinters, Denver's BRANDON KINCY, 6.34 over 55m and 6.90 for 60m. Close behind, at least in this article, come North Carolina's DUAN BARRINO, 6.35. Two Kentuckians, both juniors, BEN KITTELSON and TYSON GAY round out the field. Kittelson edged Gay at the Kentucky Inv, 6.88-6.89. At the LA Inv they run the 50m and the winner, LAMONT LONG is headed to Bloomington to try and take the title. JUST IN: New faces are always exciting and out of North Carolina comes CHRIS MARTIN. At the NC state meet he won the 55m - 6.34(T#4-US), 300m - 35.23 (an awesome performance on a VERY slow track) and the 500m - 1:07.03. The frosting on the cake, he anchored his 4x400mR with a 48.4 leg. This kid is good, VERY good.

The female field boast two of the nation's best young women sprinters in years, Florida's ERICA WHIPPLE currently leads the nation over 55m at 6.86 with Denver's ALEXIS JOYCE close behind at 6.89. Joyce won the Simplot Games title over 60m with a sizzling 7.32. The petite Joyce is the defending champion and sped to a 7.29. How fast is that? How about #4-AT (that's All-Time!) ALYSSA AIKEN, VA just broke into the sub 7.00 ranks with a solid 6.96. She gets better every week. Look for newcomer HALIMA DECREE, another super Californian, who just took the LA Inv in 6.44, to challenge as will another West Coaster ADRENA WILLIAMS. She's got a best of 7.07 over 55m just ahead of Golden Stater TRACEE THOMAS (7.09.) The surprise of the field may be DANIELLE BAILEY from�DELAWARE!!! Not known as one of the hot spots for sprinting, Bailey could steal the ring symbolic of the unofficial national champion as she's got a 7.07 on the books against mediocre competition. Another newcomer, CHRISTIN JONES. She took the Volunteer Classic in a swift 7.07.

In the long sprint, the class of the Boy's field should be Georgia's BRYAN SEARS. This kid took the silver medal at the first-ever WORLD Youth Games with a fine 21.16 clocking. But in the 200m, the competition will be fierce. ANTHONY EWERS, NY zipped a quick 21.6 on a slow indoor track; the aforementioned Gay won in Kentucky at 21.82 with JEREMY RICHARDSON, Ohio a close second, 21.96. Out of University City CA comes STEPHEN HAYES, a 21.52 performer in '99. The "MB Sleeper", J.K.HAINES, Washington State sprint champ who took the Simplot's in 22.02 besting Dwight Thomas in the process.

Soph JULIE CURTIS, out of Manhattan�Kansas that is, will be in the 200m hunt.

The Girls race will be headed by one of the great female runners of our time, LASHINDA DEMUS, Long Beach Wilson, CA. She currently leads the nation with her 54.44 and has her eyes squarely set on the national record of 53.45 back in '85. To get that mark, she'll need to be pushed and she'll get plenty of that. CHRISTY FAIRLEY comes up from Mississippi and is a strong, tough competitor with a best of 55.93, #2-US. Don't count out Georgia's HENRIETTA GEORGE. She's good.

The top seven 400m men in the country face off here. ANTHONY EWERS, 48.0, Virginia's RICKY HARRIS, 48.52 and probably the aforementioned Martin. These are three tough customers. But so is Georgian OBRA HOGANS, 48.99. Now when's the last time you could see FOUR sub-49 kids in the same race? Did I say four? Oops, I forgot AARON LUSTER, 47.01, TRAVON WALTON 47.09 and THOMAS LEWIS, 47.37 times posted last spring. Why is this the nation's finest NATIONAL caliber meet, look at these kids, from the top, California, Mississippi, Georgia, New York, Virginia, , Florida, California and North Carolina. Every event is like that, representation from throughout the United States. JUST IN: Out of North Carolina comes a new face, CHRIS MARTIN. He copped the 55m at the state meet, 6.34, took the 300m in a blistering 35.48 on a very slow track then finished his evening with a 48.4 relay leg.

THE 800: Another super event for the Boys. Coming in to take a shot at the national record is Kentucky's JAMES DOATY. This kid is so good he has to run in collegiate races just to find some competition. His 1:52.23 easily leads the US but he won't be able to cruise home here. Coming down from Canada is a future Olympian, I guarantee it. ERIK SPROLL, at 15-yrs of age, clocked 1:51.44 in winning the Canadian Legion title. (Ed. Note: Legion is the 14-15 category in Canada.) When he was entered by his coach (and father) Mr. Sproll stated, "We're coming down to race Doaty." He's not coming down hoping to win, he EXPECTS to win. MARK SYLVESTER, Ohio may spoil the fun. He's got a 1:51.96 to his credit and won't be far from the front. However, the best of the bunch could be New York's PAUL CIRULYS. He's currently ranked #2-US off his 1:53.16 finish earlier this year.

On the Girls side look for veteran NIESHA BERNARD, NY to face off against brash young newcomer to the Elite ranks NIKEYA GREEN, VA. Bernard led the US for most of the season and wants to finish her year as the nation's top half-miler. Green is out to dethrone the Queen. On paper Bernard appears to have the edge, but Green is hungry and has the talent to back it up.

THE MILE - TWO-MILE: Two more super fields. Let's begin with THE GIRLS.

ALEJANDRA BARRIENTOS is a lovely young Californian who's tough as one of the cacti growing in her backyard. She is the nation's fastest, 4:52.32, but could easily slip back into the pack. ALICIA CRAIG comes in from Wyoming with a 4:53.05 time and a reputation as a lovely young woman and a mean, nasty competitor. KATIE LYMAN, also from Wyoming (something in the water?) has recovered marvelously from ACL surgery and is just starting to hit her stride. Keep an eye on her. JUST IN: RENEE GUNNING, PA took the state title, 4:58.63. On the fast Indiana track she'll be faster.

None of the above are expected to try and double back in the longer race, perhaps due to the presence of ANITA SIRAKI, CA and LAURA ZEIGLE, UT. The former posted a splendid 10:54.5 on the very slow San Diego track while Zeigle won the high-altitude Simplot Games in 10:59.39. But watch out for the famed "MB Sleeper" one KATIE HARTMANN. This kid lead the Foot Locker XC champs for most of the way and is afraid of �no one. But maybe she should be ajust a little apprehensive about Illinois' VICTORIA JACKSON. She posted a solid 10:42.23 in '99 but her magnificent runnerup effort at the Foot Locker Nationals gives hints she can go a lot faster. JINNY HANIFAN, IN could surprise.

The Boy's field is awesome. At this writing we don't know who's running where. Why not? The entries aren't in. So let us list the kids, their performances and some thoughts. JASON JABAUT, NY - 4:13.16, super kid who wants the ring that goes to the winner.

DATHAN RITZENHEIN - 4:13.8 & 9:18.3 - Foot Locker Nat'l Champ

DAVID VIDAL - 4:14.67, has no idea how good he is. If he's on, look out!

BRIAN TURNER - ran 4:07.85 as a Soph, had an awesome triple at his state meet, but�

RYAN HALL - USL over 2 miles, 9:13.3; incredible potential

KEVIN CLARY - ran great race at World Jr XC trials and 9:07.83 last spring

NOEL PAULSON - Simplot winner, 4:18.52 at altitude

BOBBY LOCKHART - Soph out of VA, 4:17.42 on a very slow track

TIM KELLER - 9:15.2 in '99 but a surprising 6^th at the Foot Locker Nat'ls

NATHAN PEFFLEY - local kid with a 4:15.60 best, could surprise

JERRY CLAUNCH - from Ohio, Welcome to the Big Time Jerry!

TROY HERNANDEZ - Montana, a soph who's earned the title, "MB Sleeper!"

RICKY BROOKSHIRE -NC, just won the NC meet, 9:14.71; 4:11.28-'99

MASON WARD - 4:13.35-'99; OH, just clocked a 1:55.24 as a tuneup.

JOHN HUGHES - Michigan champ, 4:10.45 -'99; coach say "He's ready."

JOHN and SEAN JEFFERSON - FL, coming primarily to try and break the DMR record, both are top-quality 2milers, 9:14.24 and 9:16.27. They're only juniors.

PAT HALLMAN -PA champ, 4:16.71 and can go a lot faster

ALAN WEBB - VA, 4:07.32. He'll lead a great mile field, the equal of any in history.

Of the Top Ten milers in the US, eightwill be in Bloomington. Not bad huh? A real tribute to three of the finest representatives of a track meet or any other event in the world, AJ HOLZHERR, JOY KAMANI and CHRIS LESTER. The fourth ingredient? The reputation of the meet itself. Anyone who knows anything about our sport knows there is no better meet management team in the country than ours.

I know I have a tendency to exaggerate but not this time. D'ANDRE EILAND, MS. Eiland has a best of 7.74 and comes in undefeated. Last years Nike champ, the great RICKY HARRIS ranks #3-US at 7.41 but still has his state meet and will undoubtedly go much faster. Junior JOSH WALKER, GA is in at 7.42 (#4-US.) At 60m, TONY FRANCIS, TX (13.71 2/26) is right behind Eiland, 7.97. From Detroit comes #3-US GARY STANFORD, 8.02. And then there's Texas 5A champion REGGIE HARRELL. 8 of the Top Ten hurdlers in the country are racing here today! Do we put on a great meet or what?!

THE GIRLS ARE BETTER!!! NICOLE DENBY, 13.53 last spring, heads the field. Her 7.98 is #2-US but believe me, she's much faster than that as her nation-leading 7.13 for the 50mH attests. ASHLEE WILLIAMS, TX won the Pan-American champs as a FROSH last spring and then topped off her season by being part of the US quartet that broke the World Junior record in the 4x100mR! ALYSSA AIKEN, VA could spoil things as could another Lone Star speedster RANYSHA LeBLANC. However, DALANDA JACKSON, OH was well on her way to winning the Foot Locker Outdoor Champs when she fell and ended her season at the 8^th hurdle in Raleigh. Her 13.68 ranked her #3-US and she's looking for a chance to prove just how good she is. Out of Alabama comes JIHAN TRONE with a good 8.10 and several quality meets left. Soph JULIE CURTIS, KS will figure in the scoring but has a year to go before she's ready to win. Florida's TAREAL LURRY could surprise. In summary, of the Top Ten 60mH'ers in the country, 8 will run here.

THE RELAYS: LONG BEACH WILSON. No other team in history has so totally dominated as these young women. Over the past six years, they've set close to 30 national records indoors and out. This is a rebuilding year but an athlete of the stature of LASHINDA DEMUS brings out the best in her teammates. Look for them to stand atop the podium a couple times. Trying to shove them off the top step, and fully capable of doing so, SAMUEL J. TILDEN out of New York City. So is ELEANOR ROOSEVELT, the pride of Maryland. They specifically asked if Wilson would be in Bloomington so, "we can beat the best." No brag, just fact. Newcomer RHODES out of Cleveland is looking to break into the Elite. All of the above can run close to 1:40! However, there's a newcomer lurking in the wings and they've come to this fair city in order to climb up and over LBW to the top of the relay mountain, RIVERSIDE NORTH. And they've got the tools to do it. With Nicole Denby, perhaps the nation's best hurdler and Tracee Thomas, certainly one of the best sprinters in the US, they look to go well under 1:40. What a race!

The lure of a new event, the 4x1 mile Relay has brought the top cross country teams from all over the US to Bloomington. BINGHAM, UT; COLONIE, NY; COLERAIN. OH; ROCKFORD, MI, four of the top five XC teams nationally will be here. They'll also contest, though not all in the same races, the DMR and the 4x800mR as well as entering individual events. But make no mistake; they're here to set a national hsr in the 4x1mileR. What are they shooting for? 20:41.51 set by North Quincy MA back in 1982. That's about a 5:08+ per girl. Tough, but I look for the record to go.

The Boy's relays are up for grabs. In the short events national leader ROMAN CATHOLIC PA will be challenged by LUTCHER LA for top honors with EDGEWOOD NJ just as good, maybe better! But the "MB Sleeper", UNIVERSITY CITY from San Diego. They posted a 1:27.99 last year and the team returns intact. PA state champs, STRATH HAVEN zipped a 1:29.91 and will contend as will WILLIAM TENNENT

Look for HERITAGE, VA and LAWRENCE, NY to vie for the four golden rings in the 4x400mR. By the way, STRATH HAVEN is a DEFINITE contender for SMR honors.

The distance relays are up for grabs but ATLANTIC BEACH FL is coming to Indiana to set a new record in the DMR. Lead by the JEFFERSON twins, SEAN and JOHN plus the son of former Villanova great Ken Shappert, they definitely have a shot. JFK out of NY could take 4x800mR gold but it's just too early to make any accurate calls here. The 4x800mR will highlight two, possibly three, terrific teams. JFK, Bellmore, NY #2-US

At 7:55.11 will be seriously challenged by NORTHRUP, Indianapolis. They predict about a 7:50 and they've ALWAYS backed up their predictions. Watch out for LAWRENCE NORTH, they've beaten the best and come in looking for the Nike title and the rings that go with it.

THE FIELD EVENTS: With all the great fields I guess the best place to start is with the best field, the Boy's Pole Vault. We have THREE over at 16' headed by Oklahoma's KEVIN OPALKA. He's cleared 16-4 twice and has reportedly been over 17' in practice. The other two? Simplot winner Nevada's CHRIS CHAPPELL, 16-1; LOGAN ODDEN, winner of the LA Inv, 16-0; followed closely by PV Summit winner CALEB KRANTZ, OR and Summit runner-up Texan junior SAGE THAMES, also 15-10. Fort Wayne has emerged as the PV capitol of the world and this year boasts three of the nations finest. Heading the list, for now, JEFF MARTZALL, 15-9 with PAUL GENSIC, 15-6 and DUSTIN RUNKLE, 15-4. Rounding out this field, Louisiana champ DAN TROSCLAIR and JEFF BUTTACCIO, 15'. But the "MB Sleeper" could be a South Carolinian junior GREG ROYSTER. Royster's been over a "mere" 14-9. It should be noted, Thames is the nation's top returnee as he had a 16-7 vault last spring, one inch higher than Opalka. Royster also topped the 16' barrier. JUST IN: This article was finished and ready to be sent when the entries from South Lakes in Florida arrived. They have two kids over 15', DAN SHAFFER, 15-2 and GARRETT PENTON, 15-0. Then we opened another FedEx and the name MATT CAMPBELL leaped before our eyes. Matt was over at 16' in '99.

The Girl's side is only slightly less talented. Earlier this year Oregon's SARAH SASASKI briefly took control of the national record by soaring over 12-8 in winning the PV Summit. JUST IN: At theEastern States, AMY LINNEN set a National High School record at 12-10 and had two close tries at 13-1. LA Inv winner junior LAURA CHEN and PA state champ EMILY THARP are over at 12' with Texan ALLY DAUM close behind at 11-7. Three others have cleared 11-6, CARRIE DRAKULICH, KIM STUYVESANT, another Keystoner plus CHELSEA CARROLL, CA. Last year's winner, CHELO CANINO recently had a 12-2 outdoor clearance. This group has a great shot to put a new national mark into the books.

THE HIGH JUMP hasn't been a headline event this indoor season but that will change after Nike. VONCHESS GRIGGS, TX champion and the nation's leading returnee (7-1) and MIKE NEWHARD, PA over 7' last spring and, at 6-10, are poised to make major improvements. Griggs teammate, SHERMAN ABBOTT reportedly had a 7' clearance last spring. ZACK SMOCK's already gone 6-10 this indoor season and will challenge. Junior MATT CUSHMAN, NY topped 6-9.25 earlier but the "MB Sleeper" is neighbor CHRIS SMITH. Culpeper's football team took the state championship, putting this sleepy hamlet on the map, and Smith, a 6-9 jumper, has a chance for the Nike National title if he's "on" in Bloomington.

HYLEAS FOUNTAIN, another PA'er, is the top returnee off her 6' jump last spring and is the favorite here having cleared a rather modest 5-8. But Kansan JANELLE WRIGHT has topped 5-9 twice this indoor campaign and, hopefully, will be on the tarmac today. Foot Locker outdoor champion junior JENNIFER NELMS, daughter of Mike "I never called for a fair catch" Nelms went 5-10.75 in '99 and at 5-8 now wants an indoor ring to match her outdoor bauble. Soph CHAUNTE HOWARD, a California girl, is also at 5-8 along with another youngster out of PA, SHEENA GORDON. Watch out for the "MB Sleeper" Ohio's CHRISTINA ESTRICT. One of the top basketball players in the nation, this kid also went over the 6' barrier last spring and is one wonderfully talented kid. Just down the road from our meet site is junior MELYSSA REINHARDT, another 5-10'er from '99. JUST IN: Volunteer Classic winner JOSIE HAHN, TN over at 5-8 along with two others, same height, DEIDRE MULLEN, NJ and TIFFANY COLVIN, OH.

THE LONG JUMP is another event that is merely percolating but could boil over at any minute. For the Boy's, the talented ALLEN SIMS heads the entrants with a 23-11 leap but could easily fall prey to Louisiana champion JOHN MOFFITT, 23-9.5 or the aforementioned GRIGGS, who went 24-4.5 in '99.

The Girls are lead by another Virginian CAROLINE HARVEY, 19-2.75 . PA champion, and great multi-eventer TALISE MANUEL is right there at 19-2. Close behind, NC'er junior and Simplot winner LaTASHA PHARR, 18-9.5. Don't count out the wonderfully talented DANA BETHEL, a junior from California. She's one of the nation's finest hurdlers and has a solid 18-6.25 to her credit here. PORCHEA CARROLL, CA is more than just a sprinter, she's also a quality lj'er with 19-3.5 in '99 and 400m ace MARQUITA DAVIS posted a windy 19-10. This is a pretty solid field.

THE TRIPLE JUMP could see some fireworks. The aforementioned ALLEN SIMMS leads the US and is the clear favorite here. The Maryland youngster has two 50'+ jumps thus far with a best of 50-8. But look out for the famed "MB Sleeper" ANTHONY JOHNSON. This kid lives just down the road apiece and has gone 48-10. But he's a spring waiting to snap. LJ'er JOHN MOFFITT is pretty good here too, with a 48-6 to his credit and only 0.25 back is Delaware winner JASON FORBES. If Floridian LEEVAN SANDS accepts the invite he'll be tough to beat. Last spring he went 52-6, #2-US.

Californian TAMILLYA BROWN should end her evening being sized for the Nike ring but could sit in on the fitting. She's bounded 39-1.75 with LaTASHA PHARR a mere .5 back.

THE SHOT PUT: Another event with two great fields. The Boys boast FOUR past the 60' barrier lead by JEFF CHAKOUIAN. This Massachusetts youngster has improved steadily over the season and is presently leading the US at 63-4.5. But keep an eye on and that won't be hard since he stands 6-7 and weighs 260, Oklahoma's KEVIN BOOKOUT. Only a SOPH, he's tossed the 12 lb'er 60-2 but had a 63' toss last spring. RHUBEN WILLIAMS, CA sent the ball 62-8.5 in '99 and could return to form in Indy. Let's go to the "MB Sleeper" CHRIS PARSONS. This youngster out of Maryland is eager! His was the very first entry of the meet and he's psyched! A throw of 59-11 will do that to you. He wants the ring and is about ready to get the "BIG" one. Also over 60' last spring, DAN TAYLOR, IN.

LAURA GERRAUGHTY is dominant. She's got the nation's best five performances topped by her 49-9a few weeks ago. But a junior out of Michigan, BECKY BREISCH could surprise. Her 47-2 is #2-US with Utah's CANDICE WORKMAN close at 46-1.5. Virginian INDIA ODUM, 45-1.75 is close.

THE WEIGHT THROW is one of indoor track's most exciting events. Always dominated by Rhode Islanders where it's traditionally strong, 2000 is no exception. Warwick will send both national leaders and both are odds-on favorites. JOSH McCAUGHEY and KATE JOHNSTON are pretty far out in front of the competition with McCaughey's 81-8.75 over 14' ahead of his closest pursuer. Johnston is "only" about 4' in front of #2-US. That would be Washingtonian (state) JESSICA PLUTH. Pluth, a tall willowy youngster, took the Simplot Games with a good 51-6.25 effort

THE PENTATHLON: We started this event back in '84 to give the decathletes a chance to get ready for the outdoor season. In the intervening years it's taken on a life of its own. But this is the first year we've seen the entry field almost totally covered with kids who've made this their main event. Usually some multi-talented kid comes in and tries it for the first time and wins. This year the winner, certainly on the Girls side, should be someone whose specializes in the event. Let's take a look; The Girls will be one of the most competitive fields in our history. LAUREN REIMER, TX is the leading returnee having scored 4851 last year in the Heptathlon. Close behind, a splendid multi-eventer out of Idaho, JESSICA ZATICA. Soph DIANA PICKLER and KRISTAL WALTON, both from the Lone Star State, ASHLEY McMILLAN, IL and the proverbial "MB Sleeper" DESIREE JONES, OH round out the field. Getting back to that wonderfully talented kid who just shows up, keep an eye on Pennsylvania's TALISE MANUEL. She'll add a little spice to the mix. Look for a great competition that will definitely go down to the final event, the 800m.

For the Boys, the two top returning decathletes in the nation, ALEX HRITCU, a junior from Michigan (6456) and DARION POWELL, Washington (state) (6473) and two vastly talented youngsters, GARY STANFORD and MATT MASON will make this a memorable competition.. Stanford is a quality hurdler from Detroit while Mason hails from Georgia and can do it all.

Please be aware many states haven't held their state meets and in more than a few cases, the performances will improve considerably. In addition, when the kids see this, many of the better ones and those who want to face-off against the best will send their entries in. There's still plenty of time to enter so these figures, times heights, distances will change dramatically. But, you can't keep the printer waiting.

In summary, as of this writing, February 26, the meet will present to you national leaders in fourteen Boys events. For the Girls, thirteen. They represent fourteen states.

Overall, we anticipate approximately 1300 athletes coming in from about 42-43 states. The Nike Indoor Classic is truly "national" in scope. It can safely be said the winner of the Nike Classic is the unofficial national champion. Remember that there is NO official national title-holder. But the closest thing to it, based upon quality and diversity of competition, is the Nike Indoor Classic. We hope you enjoy the meet and thanks for coming. We'll see you next year!