Although the conditions were different on the final day of the Southeastern Conference Outdoor Championships, the results were the same as they were earlier this season.
Florida’s men and women finished second and fourth, respectively – mirroring their results from the conference indoor championships earlier this season. The men finished runner up to Arkansas and the women finished fourth behind winner Texas A&M.
“Credit to the Texas A&M women and Arkansas men for what they did this weekend,” coach Mike Holloway said in a release. “I’m pleased with both of our teams’ efforts today. I felt like we recovered well from yesterday and we challenged them to be who we are and do what we do.”
On Sunday – the final day of the meet – Florida dominated the field events, winning three of the four events it competed in.
Ciarra Brewer and Omar Craddock won conference championships in the women’s and men’s long jump, respectively, while freshman Marija Vucenovic won the women’s javelin throw.
Brewer’s jump of 13.85m was a personal best, school record and meet record – all while defending her Southeastern Conference title from last year.
“Coach (Nic Petersen) has been preparing us and making sure we don’t foul early,” Brewer said in a release. “He pushed me back (on my approach) to make sure I get a legal mark because your first jump is typically your best because you’re fresh off warm-ups. I just made sure I pushed out and I felt great down the runway. I was a little timid at first because I did the long jump yesterday and my legs were a little sore but I knew I was going to be okay. I hit the board and I just felt it. I landed and heard the crowd and I knew it was going to be big.”
“I didn’t even know I broke the school record until I heard it over the loudspeaker,” Brewer said. “I’ve jumped 45 feet in practice and I knew I could do it in competition. ”
Added Holloway: “For Ciarra to break not only the school record, but the SEC meet record …I’m just so proud. You think about all the great jumpers who have come through this conference, and I just can’t say enough about what she did today.”
Craddock also defended his Southeastern Conference crown in the men’s long jump with a season-best distance of 16.46m. Sophomore Marquis Dendy finished behind Craddock.
“Omar did what Omar does, he came out and competed at his best,” Holloway said.“I’m very proud of his and Marquis’ efforts today and I think it certainly builds momentum for the regional meet.
Vucenovic and Fawn Miller earned the Gators a combined 18 points with a 1-2 finish in the women’s javelin throw. Vucenovic threw a distance of 52.91m, while Miller threw a season-best distance of 51.30m.
“Coach (Steve) Lemke’s goal was for Marija and Fawn to go 1-2,” Holloway said. “He challenged them to do that and they both performed well and competed hard today.”
With the conference championships now over, the Gators move on to national meets.The NCAA East Preliminary Round runs from May 23-25 at North Carolina A&T State.
Ciarra Brewer competes in the triple jump at the Southeastern Conference Outdoor Championships on May 13, 2012.
