April 22, 2005

2005 Michael Johnson Classic
Saturday, April 23
Hart-Patterson Track & Field Complex
Field Events: 9 a.m.
Running Events: 12 p.m. (prelims), 6 p.m. (finals)
Special Presentation: 11 a.m. (Awards honoring Clyde Hart, Jack Patterson unveiled)

The Baylor track & field team hosts the 8th Annual Michael Johnson Classic Saturday at Hart-Patterson Track & Field Complex across from Floyd Casey Stadium. The meet is named after Baylor's five-time Olympic gold medalist, 200-meter and 400-meter world record holder, Michael Johnson.

The meet begins with the javelin at 9 a.m. Preliminary heats of the running events start at 12 p.m., followed by the finals at 6 p.m.

In addition to Saturday's events, special commemorative busts and plaques honoring current Baylor head track and field coach Clyde Hart and former head track and field coach Jack Patterson will be unveiled and presented at 11 a.m.

Many former Baylor track athletes spanning Coach Hart and Coach Patterson's combined 50 years of service as Baylor head coach will be on hand for their reunion luncheon. The 1960, 1962 and 1963 Southwest Conference championship teams will also be honored.

The field for the Michael Johnson Classic has always been strong and this year is no different. Athletes from Central Michigan, Colorado, Iowa State, New Mexico State, North Texas, Oklahoma, Prairie View A&M, Seton Hall, Texas, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, UTSA, Texas State and Tulsa will be competing.

In the feature event, the men's invitational 400 meters, Olympic gold medalist Jeremy Wariner will make his season debut in the 400 meters to face Baylor senior Darold Williamson.

The Bears will return to action at Drake Relays Thursday through Saturday in Des Moines, Iowa.