June 1, 2002
TCU sophomore sprinter Michael Frater finished fourth in the 100-meter dash, as the 2002 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships came to a close today at Bernie Moore Stadium on the LSU campus.
Running into a headwind, the Conference USA Outdoor Male Track & Field Athlete of the Year recorded a time of 10.40 seconds to earn All-America honors. He logged a 10.26 time in the prelims on Thursday and improved his mark to 10.21 in the semifinals on Friday. His best mark this season was a 10.05 time at the TCU Invitational.
Tennessee's sophomore sensation Justin Gatlin won the gold medal with a time of 10.22. Dwight Thomas, a freshman from Clemson, finished second with a time of 10.29. Junior Pierre Brown from Mississippi State edged Frater for third with a time of 10.39.
"I'm exceedingly pleased because he's been battling allergies that have gotten worse each day since we've been here," said TCU Head Coach Monte Stratton. "Being a sophomore, it was more than outstanding and bodes well for the future."
"I'm not going to find any excuses," said Frater. "I got out there and did my best and got through it. I'm not completely satisfied. I don't usually tighten up at the end of the race and this time I did. I can't complain about being the fourth fastest guy in the collegiate circuit. I'm All-American this year and that's a start. I wanted to do better, but I'm satisfied with it. Gatlin was in total control at 50 meters - the race was over," he added. "I just need to get stronger. I have a lot of work to do, but I think I had a pretty good season."
Frater is the latest in a long line of TCU runners to earn All-America status in the 100. Cy Leland was the first TCU sprinter to earn that distinction, racing to a fourth place finish and All-America honors in the 100-yard dash in 1930. Since 1987, TCU has earned 14 All-America certificates in the outdoor short sprint. Frater adds his name to the list that includes Greg Sholars (1987), Raymond Stewart (1987, 1988 and 1989), Jon Drummond (1991), Donovan Powell (1994 and 1995), Percival Spencer (1998), Jarmiene Holloway (1998), Lindel Frater (2000 and 2001), Kim Collins (2001) and Darvis Patton (2001).
The Frogs finished the meet with nine points on the men's side and one point on the women's side.
TCU Results:
MEN:
100-Meter Finals: 4. Michael Frater 10.40.
