Nashville, TN- Today was the first day of finals for the 4 day meet. Our chief rivals Arkansas and Florida had great days with Arkansas essentially wrapping up the team title by building a commanding lead in the team points thanks to big performances in the 4x 100m and steeplechase. Kelly-Anne Baptiste led our women’s 4 x 100m to an unexpected 4th place in the 4 x 100m relay and then came back and turned in a great performance in the 100m to garner another 4th?place finish. Our men’s team turned in some pretty hot performances too.Kelly Willie ran a conservative 45.14 to advance to the final in 400m.This field is stacked with several sub-45 second quarter milers and may rival the men’s 200m as the event of the meet. Our long hurdler Bennie Brazell also turned in a great race. He clipped 3 hurdles and practically walked across the line and still ran a 48.33. If he can repeat that performance in the final tomorrow he’s got a great chance of taking home the title. Standing in his way though will be Kerron Clement. Kerron is an amazing talent. He ran one of the ugliest 400H races I’ve seen in a while, stutter stepping about half of the hurdles, but still turned in a 48.66. If this kid ever fulfills his potential in the 400H the world record will be his. Hopefully he doesn’t do it tomorrow.