March 19, 2013

BERKELEY - Deborah Maier is the leading returning collegiate runner in the women's 10,000 meters and the Golden Bears are the only school in the country to feature three 25-foot men's long jumpers, according to the preseason rankings released by the USTFCCCA Tuesday.

Maier recorded a time of 32:12.47 last April, which stands as the third best collegiate mark ever. She later finished third at the NCAA Championships in the 10K and was an Olympic Trials finalist in both the 10,000 and 5000 meters.

Malaina Payton is also in the top 10, as her wind-aided effort of 21-6.25 from last season puts her fifth in the country among returning women's long jumpers.

Collin Jarvis earned of rankings in two events on the track. He is 11th in the 5000 meters (13:42.31) and 12th in the 3000-meter steeplechase (8:48.05), a time that came in his Pac-12-winning race.

Including Payton, Cal has eight marks among the top 30 in the jumps with Hammed Suleman in both the long jump (16th, 25-5.50) and triple jump (14th, 52-1.75). Along with long jumpers Chase Wheeler (19th, 25-2.75) and Jonte Grant (25th, 25-1.75), the Bears sport more 25-foot jumpers than any school in the country. Cal also has three triple jumper who have exceeded 51 feet - Suleman; Chad Jones (24th, 51-3.50); Taylor Kientzel (27th, 51-1.00) - a feat only Mississippi can match.

Below is a list of Golden Bears who are in the top 30 in their respective events entering the 2013 season. The rankings were compiled by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Associations (USTFCCCA). For a complete look at the leading returning individuals and relays, click here.

Name              Rank   Event                    Mark
Men
Collin Jarvis     12th   3000m Steeplechase    8:48.05
Collin Jarvis     11th   5000m                13:42.31
Harrison Steed    17th   High Jump              7-2.50
Hammed Suleman    16th   Long Jump             25-5.50
Chase Wheeler     19th   Long Jump             25-2.75
Jonte Grant       25th   Long Jump             25-1.75
Hammed Suleman    14th   Triple Jump           52-1.75
Chad Jones        24th   Triple Jump           51-3.50
Taylor Kientzel   27th   Triple Jump           51-1.00
Derek White       20th   Discus                  187-6
Scott Esparza     20th   Hammer                  206-3

Women
Deborah Maier      1st   10,000m              32:12.47
Angelica Weaver   20th   400m Hurdles            57.85
Malaina Payton     5th   Long Jump            21-6.25w
Amanda Hunter     24th   Triple Jump           42-0.50