The setting was a stormy day in Albany, Georgia, as Troy State’s All American senior Michael Green stepped on to the track to begin his final season as a Trojan.

Despite high winds and a very wet track, Green literally ran away from the field as he easily won both the 800 (1:55) and 1500 (3:58) meter races at the Albany State Relays.

It was the opening outdoor meet for both the men and women’s track and field teams, and adverse weather took its toll on performances.

TSU men dominated the 110 meter hurdles with freshman Jesse Morrow from Muscles Shoals showing the same form that led him to the Alabama State high school title last spring winning the event in 14.44 while teammates Arrington Watkins (3rd in 14.66) and senior Decathlete Joe Gillaspie (4th-14.85) led a parade of Trojans across the finish line.

Senior Melissa Dailey had a solid afternoon by finishing second in both the 100

(14.6) and 400(1:04) meter hurdles, and the placing 4th in the javelin.

Another freshman showed her heels to the field in the 400 meter dash, as Ursula Lumpkin ruled with a time of 56.90.

In the relay events the TSU 4 x 100 teams finished second in both events, with Sharmeka Barnes, Toya Lewis, Sherion Taylor and Lumpkin carrying the baton. For the men, the team of Moses Gagakuma, Shaun Smith, Ryan Valrie, and Morrow captured the silver medal.

Barnes, Lewis, Lumpkin and Taj Johnson also captured second place in the 4 x 200 event, while Gagakuma, Morrow, Smith, and Casey Strickland also took second in the men’s version of the same event. Although most of the field events were rained out, Chris Brongel managed to finish second in a rainy men’s javelin and Takia Shoats took third in a very wet women’s shot put.

Valrie scored with a third place (22-7) in the men’s long jump while Sherion Taylor took second in the women’s triple jump.

"It was a tough way to start, with the rain and wind," said TSU Director of Track and Field Bob Lambert.

"The kids were fired up for a big opener, but Mother Nature had other things in mind. Even so, we nearly broke school records in several relay events. The distance runners got in some good work, but the sprinters and field event types were pretty much limited as to what they could do. We’re hoping that this week’s meet in New Orleans at Tad Gormley Stadium (site of the 1992 U.S. Olympic Trials) will provide us with more favorable weather conditions and a chance for everyone to show their stuff."