TCU
NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships
Baker, Watts Advance to NCAA Finals
3/11/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Indoor Track
Baker, the defending NCAA 60 Meter Champion, tied his personal best as he finished the 60-meter dash in 6.51 seconds, placing second. His time was one-hundredth of a second behind Houston's Cameron Burrell, who put up a nation-best time of 6.50. At last year's NCAA Championships, Baker dropped .05 seconds off his prelim time to take home gold in the event at 6.52.
"Ronnie ran really well," said director of track and field Darryl Anderson. "He tied his seasonal best, and kind of took it easy as he took a little off at the end, but that's what the prelim is for - to make the finals. Now he's in a good place for tomorrow."
In the men's 200-meter dash, Watts sprinted to a 20.85 finish as he placed fifth overall in the prelims. Tennessee's Christian Coleman took first in the event at 20.63. Watts is currently No. 7 in the nation as he holds a season-best time of 20.60.
"It was good to see Sam make the finals. He was a little cautious at the start, but he closed really strongly. Now we'll see how he feels tomorrow and hope that all systems are go."
Senior Brianna McGhee did not make the finals in the very competitive women's 60-meter hurdles. McGhee earned Second-Team All-America honors as she placed 12th with a time of 8.19.
"Brianna ran well - it was her third best time this year. She had a really good indoor season, and we're excited about watching her progress into the outdoor season. Her last few performances have been outstanding. She has set herself up for a great outdoor season."
Next, Baker and Watts will finish their indoor collegiate careers tomorrow on the same track where it all began in 2013. In their TCU debut, the duo first competed at the Birmingham CrossPlex as freshmen. Now seniors, Baker and Watts will still be wearing purple and white, but they will look to bring home gold along with them.
The 60 meter finals will begin at 4:55 p.m. on Saturday, with the 200 meter finals beginning at 5:50 p.m. ESPN3's coverage of the meet will begin tomorrow at 3:55 p.m.
Players Mentioned
