Last year's national leader in the 400 squares off against the guy who just ran a US #2 All-Time 500, on one of the fastest flat 200's in the nation!
The David Oliver Classic has become well known for attracting top talent from across the Southeast, but this year's edition might have best match-up in meet history: Tyrese Cooper vs. Chantz Sawyers in the 400! The sophomore from Miami has been lighting up the track for years now, posting the nation's fastest 400 time last year while still a freshman (and setting a grade-level national record in the process). The senior from High Point was a late bloomer, coming on strong his junior year and then moving all the way up to US #2 All Time in the 500 with his 1:02.36 in December. The meet takes place at JDL Fast Track in Winston-Salem, arguably the fastest flat 200 in the country and the site of many top high school, college, and professional times in past years - including that historic 500!
In addition to Cooper and Sawyers, meet management is working on assembling elite fields in 5 events: the 60 Dash, the 60 Hurdles, the Mile, the 400, and the 800. Check out the multi-state talent that has already confirmed for the January 28th meet!
Confirmed Elite Entries So Far:
Tyrese Cooper (SO, American High FL): 60 and 400
- US #1 45.23, US #4 10.36, US #4 20.62 as freshman in 2016
Chantz Sawyers (SR, High Point Christian/Platinum Sports NC): 400
- US #11 46.35 in 2016, US #2 ALL TIME in 500
Damion Thomas (SR, Northest Oakland FL): 60 Hurdles
Rainey Anderson (JR, Westlake GA): 60 Hurdles
Cedric McGriff (SR, Providence NC): 60 Hurdles
Brodey Hasty (JR, Brentwood TN): Mile
- US #12 returner in 1600/mile at 4:08.14, TN XC Champ, 3rd at NXN
Taylor Vroon (SR, Brentwood TN): Mile
- US #22 returner in the 1600/mile at 4:10.53, 2nd at TN state meet
Sam Ellis (SR, Decatur GA): 800 Run
- US #7 returner at 1:51.41
Briana Jordan (JR, Ashbrook NC): 60 Dash
- Current US #3 at 55 Dash with 6.99
Tamara Clark (SR, High Point Central NC): 60 Dash
Sophia Falco (SR, Lakewood Ranch FL): 60 Dash
- US #15 11.59 in 2016 (also a 20' long jumper)
Daloria Boone (JR, John Milledge Academy GA): 60 Dash
- US #20 7.51 for 60 Dash in 2016 (also a 20' long jumper)
Jordan Sales (FR, J.H. Rose NC): 60 Dash
- #1 8th-Grader in the US in 2016 at 11.92 and 24.05
Kenya Dillon (SR, Olympia FL): 60 Hurdles
- 13.89 for 100 Hurdles in 2016
Tiara McMinn (SR, Miami Jackson FL): 60 Hurdles
- 13.91 for 100 Hurdles in 2016
Melissa Zammitti (SR, Davidson Day NC): Mile
In addition to these elites, we are still waiting to hear from several 2016 top 25 athletes. Plus, the David Oliver Classic will have a number of boys and girls competing who are going to be nationally ranked by the end of 2017! The meet always serves as a breakout platform for rising stars.
Think YOU can hang in these races?
Contact Jeff George (jgeorge@milesplit.com) if you're interested in the Elite events!
