Dear Coaches,

We would like to pass along information regarding the 2007 Fred Hardy Invitational Track & Field Meet hosted by the University of Richmond (March 23-24).  The weather was good, although a little warm for the distance events, it led to 16 meet records including one American Master's Record (set by Alisa Harvey-Women's 800M- 2:08.05).  Additionally, Andrew Benford (Ravenswood, WV) won the 3000M in 8:38.84 (Free Video Link provided below).  Along with the meet records, this was the first time that we know of a collegiate track & field meet  being shown LIVE (from start to finish…every heat of every race) on the internet through a webcast. 

Our Sports Information Department has archived the video for every heat of every track event from the meet (Including the 10K's) and some of the throwing events.  They are available for free viewing on our website.  Please forward this to other fans.  It is our hope this is a benefit to our sport, and that more schools will webcast their meets since there are -0- costs involved.

To drive the point home…On Saturday afternoon a young man came up to tell us how excited he was about receiving a phone call moments before from his parents who watched his 3K race live. I heard this a few times throughout the day, but this young man seemed exceptionally excited. I said, “where are you from?”…His reply was, “Pennsylvania, but my parents are watching in Germany.” I thought, my goodness this is amazing... It‘s only going to get better and better as more people do it and the technology improves… It's our opinion that our sport needs more of this…Being able to watch live track & field at all levels (HS, College and Pro) is very exciting. Parents, relatives, friends, coaches…everyone wins….especially our sport.

Directions to view Free Archived T&F Events from the Fred Hardy Invitational:  Go to the www.RichmondSpiders.com front page…One the right side of the page click the "Spiders All*Access" link…  Then Click on the "Track & Field" link…Then "Click on the image to enter" line….Then click on the "Highlights/Classics" link…There you will find a list of events to choose from…click on "Watch FREE" …if you want to watch Andrew Benford's 3K go to that event (Note:  this will work best with high-speed internet…a dial-up server will take patience)….

Here are the Meet Records that were set this past weekend:

Women's Records Set:

Event           Name                    School  Performance

100M            Jessica Young   Richmond        11.70
200M            Jessica Young   Richmond        24.26
400M            Shantea Calhoun Pittsburgh      55.67
800M            Alisa Harvey            Unattached      2:08.05  (New American Masters Record-Over 40 Years of age)
1500M   Maria-Elana Calle       Unattached      4:32.95
3000M   Maria-Elana Calle       Unattached      9:51.85  (New Event)
4X400M  Seton Hall                              3:42.55
4X800M  Duquesne                                9:21.50
Long Jump       Alaina Alfano           Wagner  5.89M

Men's Records Set:
110HH   Ricardo Melbourn        Unattached      14.27
3000M   Andrew Benford  Richmond        8:38.84 (New Event)
10K             Jeff Weiss              Slippery Rock 29:56.30
4X800M  Seton Hall                              7:39.43 (New Event)
Long Jump       Anthony Wallace Unattached      7.60M
Triple Jump     Sam Okantey             Unattached      15.16M
Discus  Dan Royal               FCA             50.17M

COMPLETE RESULTS (Link): http://richmondspiders.cstv.com/sports/c-track/stats/2006-2007/fredhardyfinalresults.html

My best reagrds,

Steve Taylor

Steve Taylor
Head Track & Field Coach
217 Robins Center
University of Richmond, VA 23173

Office PH:    (804) 287-1935
Fax:            (804) 287-1919
Cell PH:      (804) 349-3367

Go Spiders! www.Richmond.edu