Yesterday we reported on the tragic saga of Kai Cole. The Norfolk State sprinter who ,despite running the third fasted tine in the country in the 100m with a 10.05, will not be allowed to compete for a spot on the national team at the National trials this weekend due to the MEAC not sanctioning their championship track meet.
At the time of the report, inquiries to the MEAC, this morning the conference sent a released statement to sneakershoptalk and it reads below:
The MEAC was recently informed that our multiple appeals submitted last week to have Kai Cole approved to compete at this year’s USATF Olympic Trials were denied by USATF, despite his posting an automatic qualifying time at the MEAC Outdoor Track & Field Championship. Although the MEAC Outdoor Track and Field Championship remains an official NCAA Division-I championship event, USATF policy changes implemented this year resulted in the event not being officially sanctioned by USATF, making all competition results ineligible for Olympic Trial qualification. We understand Kai’s frustration and took all available steps to rectify the situation so he could compete in the Olympic Trials – an opportunity he clearly deserves. The MEAC fully supports our member institutions and student-athletes as they pursue their dreams and strive for excellence. We are disappointed by the decision from USATF and are working to ensure our track and field championships are sanctioned USATF events moving forward.
No further comments will be made regarding this matter.
