Atlanta, Ga., is not only the home of the 1996 Olympic Gamesit is also the home of the 1996 USA Track and Field Championships, which take place March 1-2.

SIUC will definitely have two representatives attending the national competition and hope to add another, according to both men’s track and field coach Bill Cornell and women’s coach Don DeNoon.

Senior high jumper Cameron Wright has earned himself a spot at the competition for the men’s team through his continued high level of performance.

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Wright, who is ranked eighth for the USA Championship meet, qualified for the meet by surpassing the indoor height of 7-4 during the Saluki/USA track and field invitational on Feb. 16-17, in which he leaped 7-4 1/2.

Although former SIUC stand-out field athlete and current volunteer coach Brian Miller does not have a definite position in the meet, he hopes to be added to the list of talented athletes.

SIUC men’s track and field coach Bill Cornell said the meet in Atlanta gives athletes from all over the United States, especially Wright and Miller, the opportunity to perform well in front of top officials in the sport.

If they (the athletes competing) do well, it could open up a few doors, Cornell said. The more recognition you get, the more liable you are to get selected.

Cornell said the 1995 Missouri Valley Conference Champion shot putter, Brian Miller, who is currently ranked 11th in the shot put for the USA Champioship meet, did not reach the 60-8 1/4 required to automatically be entered into competition.

The SIUC women’s track and field team will send sophomore Amy Stearns to the meet with hopes of a career performance in the 20-pound weight throw.

Women’s track and field coach, Don DeNoon said Stearns, who will make her second trip to the meet, is probably one of the top-25 throwers in the collegiate field.

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DeNoon said he wants her to go Atlanta with the thought of continuing to improve in her mind.

Getting to that level of competition as a sophomore, then as a junior or senior, this particular meet will prepare her to compete better at that level of competition, DeNoon said. It (the USA Meet) will help her develop a higher level of maturity.

Although Stearns earned her spot at the meet during the Saluki/USA Open on Feb. 16-17, at which she threw 49-4 1/4, she increased her distance while competing in the MVC Championships.

Her toss of 50-6 1/2 during the MVC Championships on Feb. 23-24, ensured her spot in the USA Championships.

DeNoon said the environment of competing in Atlanta is something that will help Stearns separate two levels of competition.

Competing in a facility that seats 70,000 people, having 25,000 people there during the day of competition, and being around other athletes who have been at that higher level year after year tends to rub off, DeNoon said.

One thing I’ve found that a lot of our athletes have a hard time doing is separating one level of competition with another level of competition, DeNoon said. Being in this meet (USA Championships) last year, is probably going to enhance her (Stearns) performance this year.