May 5, 2008

Q: May kickoffs a big month of track & field at Cal State Northridge. It begins with the Big West Multi-Event Championships on May 9-10. Do you believe that decathletes and heptathletes are the best athletes in the world?

A: "I believe, by far, that decathletes and heptathletes are the best athletes in the world. They have to be great in either seven events (heptathlon) and or ten events (decathletes), not just great in one event. They truly are the most decorated athletes and they certainly deserve that honor. Over the years, the multi-event athletes at Cal State Northridge have enjoyed great success. (Matador assistant coach) Avery Anderson (fourth at the U.S. Olympic Trials in 2000), our multi-events coach, has solidified our situation even better. Chris Richardson from Long Beach State is Track & Field News' pick to win the NCAA championship, and he will duel against Justin Johnson from Cal State Northridge, the school record holder (7,135 points). Justin currently has the seventh best total in the decathlon this year. Track & Field News is sending its best photographer to make sure he captures the excitement of this two-day event."

Q: The following week (May 16-17), Cal State Northridge again hosts the Big West Championships. How will the Matadors' men's and women's teams perform this year?

A: "It will be a very close team battle on both sides. Any one of three men's teams can win the meet. Long Beach State is the obviously favorite followed by Cal State Northridge and Cal Poly. Our success depends on our ability to stay healthy and stay focused, and to chip away at the points we are not suppose to get. We're placing some people in some events in which they haven't competed in this year. In the past, we have had a great deal of success in doing that. On the women's side, it's clearly a battle between Cal State Northridge and UC Riverside. It's going to be as close as you can get. We're going to need some help from other teams, and UCR will need some help from other teams. We are not going to go heads up (with UCR) in very many races; probably only five of 20 events."

Q: On May 30-31, Cal State Northridge will again host the NCAA West Regional. What impresses the NCAA about hosting the meet at CSUN?

A: "I really believe it's the facility (Matador Track & Field Complex). The track sits in a bowl and it's great viewing no matter where you are. Also the track surface is fantastic."

Q: This is an Olympic year. What will track & field fans be treated to by watching these great collegiate athletes compete at the NCAA West Regional at CSUN?

A: "There will be some incredibly great races this year. Jordan Boase from Washington has taken over the national lead in the 400 meters while the national leader in the shot put is Russ Winger of Idaho The national leader in the long jump is Reindell Cole, the freshman from Cal State Northridge (the 2008 NCAA indoor champion). This will be a mini-NCAA championship. There will be unbelievable talent in many events. I look for many stadium records to fall."