Jan. 13, 2010

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - In his seventh season at the University of Maryland, head coach Andrew Valmon expects the men's track and field team to strengthen its already illustrious reputation. Led by ACC Indoor Freshman of the Year Dwight Barbiasz, the men's program will focus on maintaining the strong legacy that has been built by former Terrapins. Valmon will rely on a group of versatile athletes who can help over several event areas.

"On the men's side, we will lean heavily on our elite athletes to perform at the top of their individual events and will also look to rely on our versatility," said Valmon. "Barbiasz will be focused on his 2nd trip to the NCAA's in the high jump and wants to bring his team members along for the ride. It is very possible that we could have multiple athletes on the list for the national meet this indoor season."

Returning also for the Terrapins is senior Jeremy Samuels, who is the only remaining member of the 2008 ACC indoor champion 4x400-meter relay team. Assisting in the short sprints will be newcomer Da'Rel Scott, who has started two seasons as a tailback on the Terrapins' football team.

SPRINTS

A versatile group of sprinters will compete in everything from the 60-meter dash through the 400 in 2010. With a year under his belt, sophomore Floyd Hawkes is ready for a new year of competition in the sprinting events. Jarenn Stewart will transfer his speed from the long-jump runway onto the track in the short sprinting events. Freshmen Dareem and Shawn David will perform as a strong duo, covering all events from the 60 through the 400. John Davenport will also show his strong range in these events.

Scott, a former Pennsylvania state 100-meter champion in high school, is coming off the football field for his debut as a 60-meter sprinter this season. MVP of the 2008 Humanitarian Bowl as a tailback for the Terrapins' football team, Scott will use the experience with the Terrapin track and field team to keep his competitive edge between the track season and the start of spring football.

Samuels will be the leader in the 400 this year, showing off his progress over his career at Maryland. Samuels will be a key factor in the 200, 400 and 4x400-meter relay as a senior. Chris Brown will also add speed to those events.

MIDDLE DISTANCE

As a returning ACC scorer in the 800, Tommy Friscia will lead this group and continue to put pressure on his competitors this indoor season. Sophomore Max Bruno should be a viable option this year, along with new addition Greg Jubb, who comes off a strong cross country season. Freshmen Jeff Dickson and Calvin Wheeler will also be contenders in the 800.

Mike Cator and Ben Diestel have range and experience in the 800, mile and 3,000. They both had solid performances in these events in the past and are coming off of a strong base with cross country. Joshua Finkle and Craig Morgan will also look to help in the middle-distance and distance events.

DISTANCE

Alex Lundy and Greg Kelsey will lead the distance after an outstanding cross country season. While Kelsey did not compete this fall, he will come back indoors stronger than ever in the 3,000. Lundy comes off a great experience at the NCAA cross country championships and will be a factor at 5,000 meters. Freshman Brian Faherty will also provide support in the 5,000. Kevin Gahr and Kyle Gaffney will look forward to a positive season in the distance events, along with Sumanth Kuppalli, Chris Conway, Drew Abernathy and Dan Fishbein.

HURDLES

Senior Legonn Haskins is on his way to a breakout season in the 60-meter hurdles, according to Valmon. After an NCAA regional qualification outdoors in 2009, Haskins is focused on making it to the next level. Zack Ray joins him as a strong performer in the hurdles. Ray will rely on his versatility to contribute in multiple events this season. Chris Parker will also look to make an impact in the hurdles.

JUMPS

Barbiasz literally set the bar high for himself last year when he won the ACC Championship in the high jump and placed third at the NCAA Championships as a freshman. His focus is on jumping higher than ever and maintaining his prominence in this event. Freshman Sam Wuest also will work to contribute in this event.

Ray will be a leader in the long jump, while bringing along freshman teammate John Davenport. Stewart will be a key factor in the triple jump as well as displaying his speed on the track.