News Release:
The Mason-Dixon Athletic Club will host the 47th edition of the Mason-Dixon Games at Broadbent Arena at the Kentucky Fair & Exposition Center. Over 3000 athletes from 155 schools plus 70 Masters & Open athletes will converge on Louisville for the annual indoor championship meet.
In conjunction with the 47th edition of the Mason Dixon Games March 2-3, 2007, the Mason Dixon Athletic Club is hosting its 3rd Annual Mason Dixon Games Hall of Fame Banquet at the Executive Inn Tudor Room in Louisville, Thursday, March 1, 2007 at 7:30 PM. There will be a reception from 6:30-7:30 PM.
Kenneth Morton, President of the Mason Dixon Athletic Club, announces the induction of the following individuals:
Leonard Bloss-longtime announcer of the Mason-Dixon Games
Pete Bowen-former referee (first 15 years) of the Mason-Dixon Games and former president of the Louisville area
AAU
John & Alice Brutscher-long time officials of the Mason-Dixon Games and USA Track & Field (USATF)
Wayne Cooper-former teacher at Shawnee High School, track coach, and Director of Boys High School Division
(first 15 years) of the Mason-Dixon Games
Robert Gray Sr.-long time surveyor of the existing wooden track of the Mason-Dixon Games
Robert Hanley-former coach at Central High School and Meet Director of the High School Division of the Mason-
Dixon Games
Stephanie Hightower-world class hurdler from Louisville, Kentucky, the Ohio State University and 1980 Olympian
James Kratt-long time official of the Mason-Dixon Games
Sam Meyers Formal Wear-provider of formal wear for officials at past Mason-Dixon Games
Billy Olson-former world record holder and world class athlete in the pole vault
Clark Wood-long time track coach at U of L and NCAA representative for the Kentuckiana Cinder Club and the
Mason-Dixon Games
Tickets for the banquet are $40. The banquet will be the kickoff for the Mason Dixon Games weekend March 2-3, 2007.
Friday evening the youth of the state compete along side the Masters & Open athletes. Masters & Open events begin at 4:30. Middle school events begin at 5:15. Honored guest this year besides the Hall of Fame inductees will be Tommy Haynes, former American record holder in the triple jump and 1976 Olympian. 800 athletes from 43 schools will compete for the middle school indoor championship.
Saturday events start at 8:00 AM with the AA division. Paducah Tilghman and Rockcastle County. Tilghman’s DeAudrea Horne looks to dominate the sprints while Morgan Thacker of Rockcastle County should prevail in the jumps. Sprinter Justin Collins of Western should lead some fast fields while Chrys Jones of Mercer County is the dominant favorite in the three jumps. Nathan Liversedge coming off a strong cross country season will be the class of the distance fields but Tilghman’s depth should hold on to the top spot in the team competition. Over 600 athletes from 33 schools will be competing.
Class A events begin at 1:00. Model’s girls look to be the favorite along with Fort Campbell. Danville & Fort Campbell’s boys should fight it out for the boys’ championship. Class A athlete of the year Derrick Stallworth of Fort Campbell is the class of the field in the 55 meter dash but could be pushed by Frankfort’s E.J. Fields. Michael Seaman of Bardstown has gone over 15 feet in the vault already this winter and could help Bardstown push Danville & Fort Campbell. Danville’s Ross Hempel turned in outstanding performances at the two UK meets earlier in the season. 600 athletes from 32 schools will compete.
At 5:00 the Lady Bruins of Ballard look to lead the field in the Class AAA events. Led by Lutisha Bowen and Jazzmin Jeter, the Bruins should dominate the relays, sprints and jumps. Athlete of the year Chelsea Brown could help Butler put some pressure on Ballard. The boys team title is up for grabs. Ron Barlow of Eastern is coming off a sub-50 performance in the 400 while Justin Green of Male did well in the 60 at UK. Jayme Blessitt of Grayson County is the class of the lady shot putters. 1200 athletes from 47 schools will be competing.
Admission to the Games is $5.00 each day.
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