Cougar steeplechasers looking for a quad-peat

PROVO — Three years ago, the steeplechase became a part of the NCAA women's track competitions — and with it, a dynasty began at Brigham Young University.

Since the inclusion of the 3,000-meter event in women's competition, the Cougars have garnered every NCAA championship in the event, setting a record in each outing.

The first of three Cougars to win on the national stage was Elizabeth Jackson. At the 2001 NCAA championships in Eugene, Ore., Jackson's time of 9 minutes, 49.73 seconds was not just the top time in the NCAA that year but was also the fastest American time for a woman.

"That was exciting to be part of the beginning of the event," said Jackson. "I knew more people would start to compete in it and the times would get faster, but I was thrilled to be a part of it as it developed."

The following year, the Cougars' Michaela Mannova captured the crown and set a new NCAA meet record, beating Jackson's mark by nearly four seconds with a time of 9:45.94.

But that mark would only stand for one year. With Mannova out on a redshirt year during the 2003 season, BYU maintained its stay atop the nation with another NCAA-meet record performance as Kassi Andersen turned in a time of 9:44.95 to win the race and the NCAA title.

"I love (the steeplechase) because it's a nice change of pace for me," said Andersen, who along with Mannova is one of the top collegiate cross country runners in the country. "I would love to win it again this year and do maybe even more."

Although not officially an Olympic event, the steeplechase could be exhibitioned at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, this summer. If so, Jackson, Andersen and Mannova — the latter a native of the Czech Republic — could all be present to race for their countries.

But before the Olympics, there is this week's 2004 NCAA Championships in Austin, Texas. The Cougars are looking to maintain a hold on their legacy with former winners and meet record-holders Andersen, Mannova and BYU teammate Lisa Antonelli-Pratt in the pack. The three boast the first-, third- and sixth-fastest times on the NCAA performance lists.

In Thursday's races, Andersen ran a conservative race in the first of two heats, finishing third in a time of 10:12.76. Mannova finished second in her heat with a time of 10:16.07. Antonelli finished ninth in the second heat in 10:32.97, failing to qualify for Saturday's final by just over seven seconds.

The steeplechase is not just a race for those who can run long distances or jump over hurdles.