Percy Knox Invitational Track and Field Meet March 28, 2009

Many of the nations top track and field athletes will gather for the 5th annual Percy Knox Invitational Track and Field Meet March 28th 2009.

College of the Canyons will play host to some of the nation’s elite, on its eight lanes all weather track.

Over forty teams from across California will compete in what is sure to be one of California’s premier Track and Field show downs.

Top schools as: Long Beach Poly (Girls State Champions) James Logan (Northern California), along with schools like: Rancho Verde, St. Mary’s, Dorsey, Cathedral, Serra (Gardena), Washington Prep, Rancho Cucamonga, Taft, and Carson just to name a few, is sure to kick the season off to a great start.

State Champion Randall Carroll (Cathedral) 10.42 will headline a quality field in the men’s 100 & 200 meters, along with Charles Saseum (Rancho Cucamonga) 10.47.

The women’s 400 meters is projected to be one of the best races at the meet this year. 2008 State Champion Akawkaw Ndipagbor (Long Beach Poly) 53.35, 2007 State Champion Jasmine Joseph (Long Beach Poly) 53.54, Turquoise Thompson (Serra Gardena) 54.37, Thandi Stewart (James Logan) 54.84, Jessica Davis (Highland) 55.03 and Angelica Weaver (Rancho Cucamonga 56.01

The meet will play host to State Champions: Jessica Davis (Highland) 200 meters, Akawkaw Ndipagbor (Long Beach Poly) 400 meters, Randall Carroll (Cathedral) 100 & 200 meters, Dale Morgan (Taft) high hurdles, Tianna Webberly (Long Beach Poly) high jump, St. Mary’s girls 4X1, Long Beach Poly girls 4X4, Long Beach Poly boys 4X1 plus a large field of state runner ups.

In addition to the sprints, the field events will equally consist of top athletes: State Champion Tianna Webberly (Long Beach Poly) 5’11” high jump will headline a star stud it line up in both boys and girls field events.

Former Locke High / UCLA track star Chewiikua (Choo Choo) Knighten- Buggs (Meet Director) reflex back on her life of growing up in the inner-city and how running track helped changed her life and open doors for her to attend UCLA on an athletic scholarship.

According to meet Director “Choo Choo” Knighten-Buggs “With the current state of our economy, schools districts across America are struggling to keep their doors and afterschool programs open. We must not let the current times dictate our children being pushed back onto the streets. We must find new ways to mentor our kids and provide them with a safe environment. Many of the parks and recreation type programs are just not there anymore. This void must not be allowed to fester and become filled by the inner-city gangs.”

Percy Knox Foundation Chairman Tim Wells states “Unlike traditional track and field events, the Percy Knox Invitational shares its proceeds with the local high schools track and field programs. We have developed a low cost / no cost program for a lot of these inner-city schools to attend our event at little to no cost. Our meet is run entirely on small donations and proceeds raised from the event”.

Other meet management includes: 2008 Olympian Men’s 4x1 Rodney Martin, Crenshaw / USC All-American list Robin Simmons, former San Fernando high city champion / wide receiver; Los Angeles Rams, Atlanta Falcons, and 49ers Austin Shanks Sr.

A halftime show will feature R&B singer James “D-Train” Williams performing some of his hit songs

Tickets will be on sell at the College of the Canyons box office the day of the event.

General admission $10 kids under 7 free

College of the Canyons 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita Ca
9am – 6pm for more information visit our website: www.percyknox.com