2021 NCAA DI Men's Indoor Track & Field Rating Index – Week 3
NEW ORLEANS – There was some big movement in Week 3 of the NCAA Division I Men’s Indoor Track & Field National Rating Index, as released on Monday by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).
Nine teams jumped multiple spots in the top-25 since Week 2, including two that vaulted more than 20 after a strong competition reverberated across the nation. None of the biggest movers and shakers were in the top-5, though: each of the nation’s best teams remained in place – albeit in a slightly different order than the previous week.
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Oregon held steady at No. 1, followed by No. 2 LSU, No. 3 Arkansas, No. 4 Texas Tech and No. 5 Florida State. This is the first time since the 2015 season that the Ducks have been No. 1 in consecutive weeks (Oregon was No. 1 from Week 1 to Week 3 six years ago).
The second-ranked Tigers gained ground on the Ducks, who were idle this past weekend. LSU bolstered its spot in the National TFRI with three top-5 marks nationally: Noah Williams in the 400 (No. 2, 45.47); Sean Burrell in 400 (No. 5, 45.57); Eric Edwards Jr. in the 60H (No. 5, 7.78). Those pair well with the six national top-10 marks LSU already had from previous efforts.
The third-ranked Razorbacks saw Amon Kemboi and Philip Lemonious add to their haul. Kemboi is now ranked sixth nationally in the 3000 at 7:52.70, while Lemonious took over the sixth spot in the 60H at 7.79. Arkansas is the only team in the top-5 without a national leader.
The fourth-ranked Red Raiders saw one of their own star in front of a worldwide audience. Takieddine Hedeilli won the mile at the third American Track League Meet this past weekend. Hedeilli, who finished in 3:56.79 for what is the third best mark in the nation this season, held off a strong charge from professional Nick Willis over the final lap.
Here are the other teams in the top-10 in Week 3: No. 6 North Carolina A&T, No. 7 Georgia, No. 7 Ole Miss, No. 9 Texas and No. 10 Florida. The Gators were the Biggest Mover of the Week in the top-25, soaring 28 spots since Week 2. Florida received three national top-5 marks this past weekend, none helping its cause more than the NCAA-leading 23.14m (75-11) heave from Thomas Madral in the weight throw.
Remember: The 2021 NCAA Division I Indoor Track & Field Championships are scheduled for March 11-13 at the Randal Tyson Track Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas.