Sports

Albany State coaches, athletes honored

Scott Chancey

WALNUT, Calif. —Albany State’s track-and-field teams were honored before the NCAA Division II outdoor meet even began.

Men and women’s coaches, Marvin Oliver and Kenneth Taylor, were named the South Region’s Coaches of the Year, and Garrion Martin and Roxie Griffin were named the region’s Track Athletes of the Year. South and Midwest Region coaches were among those voting.

“It feels great,” said Oliver, who became the region’s Indoor Coach of the Year a couple months ago. “There are a lot more outdoor teams, and there are even some former Olympians coaching teams here. More people are noticing our team and what it is doing.”

Martin, who has the country’s fastest time in the 100 meters (10.31 seconds) and is part of the nation’s quickest 4x100 team (39.90), impressed Oliver with how he accepted the award.

“This will make him even more ready for the meet,” Oliver said. “At the banquet, he accepted the award like he was supposed to be there.”

Taylor, who guided the Lady Rams to the SIAC title, was quick to share the credit with his team.

“It’s a huge award,” Taylor said. “I’m surrounded by a great group of girls who have worked so hard to make this happen.”

Griffin, who has a GPA above 3.5, is ranked first in the 400 meters (53.46 seconds) and second in the 200 (23.94).

“That is just a fantastic honor,” Taylor said. “It’s well deserving. I even thought she had a chance at the national award. She’s worked extremely hard and given twice as much as she has received in the sport.”

GOOD START

While Thursday’s opening day was only for qualifying, ASU did have some positive news come out of the heats.

The ASU men's 4x100 won its heat Thursday with a time of 40.25 seconds, while the women's 4x100 was second in its heat.

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