In defense of Georgetown, Ron Helmer, and Andrew Valmon - they have put
together terrific relays for several years, both on the men's and women's
side. Their men's 4x400 relay last year ran a close second to East Carolina
at the IC4A championships in Princeton. I would be willing to bet that
Valmon's young crew (mostly sophomores last year) will be ready to roll this
year and will be an NCAA-level 4x400 team. As for their 4x100 - of course
they use jumpers on occasion. Who wouldn't? LJ/TJer Melvin Lister was the
lead-off leg for Arkansas in the NCAA meet last year and put them out front
with a 45.0 out of the blocks.
With only 12.6 scholarships (maximum) in men's track and field, athletes
have to be able to do more than one event. Almost every program in the
country will look for a jumper to run relays so that they can maximize their
scholarship capabilities. GU's jumpers are no slouch, either. Guys like
France Davis and Stephen Baldi have been at the top on the East Coast for
the last several years.
Matt Munson
