Posted: February 10, 2005

Athletics: Randal Tyson Track Center to host Powered by Tyson Invitational

INDIANAPOLIS - In hosting the Powered by Tyson Invitational - the third stop in USA Track & Field's 2005 Visa Championships Series - for the fourth time on February 11, the Randal Tyson Track Center on the campus of the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville adds to its list of major events hosted there since it opened in 2000.

One of the newest facilities on the University of Arkansas campus, the Randal Tyson Track Center was dedicated on February 12, 2000. The new facility was the vision of UA head coach John McDonnell and Athletic Director Frank Broyles. It is considered to be one of the finest indoor track and field facilities in the nation. The track itself is a 200-meter, 60-degree banked track that has 55-meter straightaways running the entire length of the facility. The surface of the track is red and gray Mondo and was repainted in 2003.

In its first year of operation, the $6.5 million facility hosted the Tyson Invitational, a meet on USATF's Indoor Golden Spike Tour, the 2000 Southeastern Conference Championships and the 2000 NCAA Indoor Championships. In 2001 and 2002, the Randal Tyson Track Center once again served as the host for the Golden Spike Tour's Tyson Invitational and the NCAA Indoor Championships.

During the 2003 season three events were held at the state-of-the-art facility: the SEC West Challenge, the Tyson Invitational and the NCAA Championships. The 2004 campaign saw four exciting events take place at the Randal Tyson Track Center, including the Arkansas, Razorback and Tyson Invitational meets and the NCAA championships. The facility is slated to host the 2005 SEC and NCAA Indoor Championships later this year.

Throughout its history, the Powered by Tyson Invitational has featured outstanding performances by many of America's finest athletes. Last year, all-time great Gail Devers stole the show with her win in the women's 60m dash in 7.10 seconds, a new Randal Tyson Track Center record. She later won the 60m hurdles in a speedy 7.87 seconds.

Also in 2004, 2000 Olympic gold medalist Stacy Dragila cleared 4.71 meters, 15 feet, 5.50 inches to win the Visa women's pole vault to better her own Tyson Center record. In men's action, University of Arkansas senior, Allistair Cragg ran 7:38.59 to set a collegiate men's record in the 3,000 meters.

At the 2003 event, two-time Olympic 110m hurdles silver medalist Terrence Trammell showed his versatility in winning the men's 60m and 60m hurdles with personal-best performances. Trammell finished well after a quick start to win the 60m hurdles in 7.42 seconds. Twenty minutes later he won the 60 meters in 6.46 seconds, defeating 2000 Olympic Trials 200m champion John Capel (6.46) and world record holder Maurice Greene (6.50).

The inaugural Tyson Invitational in 2001 was highlighted by eight U.S.-leading performances. Women setting U.S. leaders included LaTasha Jenkins in the 200m (23.01), Suziann Reid in the 400m (52.05), Terri Tunks in the shot put (18.40m/60 feet, 4.50 inches) and Jearl Miles-Clark in the 800m (2:01:00).

Men setting U.S. leaders included Shawn Crawford in the 200m (20.61), James Davis in the 400m (46:11), Seneca Lassiter in the mile (3:54.21) and Jeff Hartwig in the pole vault (5.80 meters/19 feet, 0.25 inches).

For more information on the 2005 Powered by Tyson Invitational and USATF's 2005 Visa Indoor Championship Series, visit www.usatf.org.