By
Francisco Merced
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Glenn, Murray honored for indoor accomplishments
In what has become the norm this season, junior Brianna Glenn has outdone herself.
Seeking to bolster her standings for this week's NCAA Indoor Championship, Glenn did more than qualify - she broke records.
During last weekend's Iowa State Last Chance Meet, Glenn faced the possibility of not making the cut for nationals in an event that she finished fifth in during last year's championship - the 60-meter dash.
She set a new school record time of 7.26 seconds.
The time is an automatic qualifier and ranks Glenn No. 2 in the nation, behind Southern California's junior Angela Williams.
"It makes me feel more confident (being ranked No. 2) going into nationals knowing that I can run with anybody in the country," Glenn said.
Williams, the defending NCAA outdoor 100-meter champion, may not compete in Fayetteville, Ark., however. USC traditionally does not participate in the Indoor Championships.
While Williams' absence would make Glenn a likely favorite, UA sprints coach Fred Harvey said he is hoping the Trojans change their policy.
"I'm hoping and praying that (Williams) does compete," he said. "For any athlete to win the title without Angela Williams being there would have an asterisk by it. You always want the best out there."
Glenn also set a record in the long jump with a mark of 21 feet, 6 inches.
"It's real exciting because we've been doing a lot of work, especially in the long jump, matching timing with her speed," Harvey said. "That's the event she could probably excel at the highest level."
In addition to setting the records, Glenn also received two awards honoring the female athlete of the year.
Glenn repeated as Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Track and Field Female Athlete of the Year and was named the West Region Female Indoor Track and Field Athlete of the Year by the United States Track Coaches Association.
"It's nice to be recognized, even though I felt like I didn't have any stellar performances," Glenn said. "I was just consistent."
Harvey disagreed, saying that Glenn shone among solid competition.
"It's a great honor, especially when you look at the athletes in this region," Harvey said. "There are some great, great athletes."
Head coach Dave Murray also received the same honors for his success at the helm of the UA women's program.
"It's really the kids that do the work and my assistant coaches who help out a lot," Murray said. "The award is more of a team honor, as all five of us (coaches) do the work to get them ready."
The coach was also quick to laud Glenn's weekend achievements.
"She competed very, very well," Murray said. "Those were two outstanding performances."
Those Wildcats not competing in the Last Chance Meet got an early jump on the outdoor season by participating in the Bill Sawyer Invitational in Tempe.
In the meet, junior Angela Foster set a school record in the hammer throw, launching a distance of 194 feet, 6 inches.
"We had some very good performances especially from Angela Foster," Murray said. "It's kind of nice to start a career off with a new record."
