March 1, 2004

Johnson City, TN - The Citadel completed the 2003-04 Southern Conference Indoor Championships, February 29. Western Carolina claimed its first SoCon Men's Indoor Track and Field Championship while Appalachian State's women claimed the women's team title at the meet held in Johnson City, TN.

A few mishaps hurt the men's overall chances of a higher place as senior Alex Prince was slightly injured and place seventh (49.59) in the 400-meters.

"We knew Alex was ready to defend his 400 title but the injury really hurt his chances," stated head coach Jody Huddleston. "An additional injury of senior Marcus Cohen in the 60-meters also took away our chance to defend the 4x400 relay title, but we were all-Conference performers with a third place finish in 3:21.07." Sophomore Thomas Cummings dropped his 60-meter hurdle time from 9.16 last year to 8.72, while making the finals and clenching seventh-place.

"We think Thomas will be very good in the very near future," stated Huddleston. "(Junior) Vince Bechtel did a super job of making the 800-meter finals and then finishing sixth, running ninth fastest indoor 800-meters in school history."

Senior Chris Franklin had a big day with a toss of 46-6.25 and placed in a tie for fourth. This hurl marked a personal-best by over a foot. In the inaugural men's heptathlon, seniors Travis Taylor and Hunter Reid finished fifth seventh, respectively. Reid, who posted a personal-best performance in all seven of the events contested and led after the first day of competition, was unable to clear a height in the pole vault during the final day and dropped to fifth place.

Of note, Steven Kocsis and Bradley Yewer were named Men's Indoor Track Performers of the Year while Western Carolina's James Gregory was honored as the Freshman of the Year. Danny Williamson of WCU was voted Men's Indoor Coach of the Year by his peers.

Men's Final Rankings 1. Western Carolina 221.5 2. Appalachian State 200.5 3. East Tennessee State 91.5 4. Chattanooga 81.5 5. The Citadel 26 6. UNC Greensboro 18 7. Davidson 11 8. Wofford 8

Women's Final Rankings 1. Appalachian State 222 2. Chattanooga 138.5 3. Georgia Southern 105 4. Western Carolina 72 5. East Tennessee State 69.5 6. College of Charleston 23 7. Elon 16 8. Furman 12 9. Davidson 3 10. The Citadel 1