USTFCCCA Data:
Regional Rankings (.pdf)
National Rankings (.pdf)
General Release (.pdf)

NEW ORLEANS – The Shippensburg University outdoor track and field programs have been rewarded for their impressive starts to the season with strong regional rankings in the inaugural dual meet results provided by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

The women's outdoor track and field program is ranked atop the Atlantic region and sits at No. 21 in Division II behind the strength of an automatic qualifying performance in the 3,000-meter steeplechase by senior Mary Dell.

SU's top regional ranking features numerous solid marks. Junior Erica Hess thrived early in the 400-meter dash with a time of 56.35 seconds that ranks second in the region and sophomore Amanda Raudabaugh ranks third in the region for the 800 meters after a time of 2:14.31.

In the field, junior Steph Harrison ranks second in the region for the hammer throw after a toss of 158 feet, 1 inch. Two other throwers are ranked third in the region for their respective events: freshman Brittany Harlacker in the javelin (127 feet, 2 inches) and sophomore Sarah Brotzman in the discus (129 feet, 1 inch).

Freshman Megan Breski tied the school record in the pole vault on two occasions by clearing 10 feet, 11.75 inches and ranks third in the region. Junior Rebekah Newhart, who qualified for the indoor national championships for the high jump, currently ranks third among outdoor competitors in the region after clearing 5 feet, 6.5 inches.

The men's outdoor track and field program is currently ranked at No. 3 in the Atlantic region behind Saint Augustine's of the CIAA and fellow PSAC member East Stroudsburg. No programs from the PSAC are currently ranked in the men's national poll.

Among the marks that have led to Shippensburg's ranking include senior Donnie Graybill clearing 15 feet, 11 inches for a provisional mark in the pole vault and junior Josh Hostetler unleashing a javelin throw of 190 feet, 7 inches. A strong shot put by junior Tappah Dinnall of 48 feet, 5.5 inches and a strong 1,500-meter time of 3:59.06 by freshman Matt Gillette have also been solid marks.

The USTFCCCA release represents performances accumulated by teams in the 2010 outdoor season through last weekend as reported to the Track & Field Results Reporting System (TFRRS). Mathematical formulae are used to compile a team's ranking based on an athlete's or relay's standing in relation to others in the same event across the country.

A team's score in the national team rankings is a reflection of its “cumulative” chances as it relates ultimately to the NCAA Championships. The regional team index reflects a team's all-around strength in relation to other teams in their region.

Shippensburg has a big meet this weekend at Bucknell. A distance carnival is scheduled for Friday night with the majority of the running events on tap for Saturday.