Big Ten Championship wins in sight men's and women's teams

The No. 15 men's track team heads into the 2003 Big Ten Championships this weekend, accompanied by the equally ranked women's team. The University of Minnesota will play host to the event. \nThe men's team has captured 12 Big Ten Championships since the event began 22 years ago, while the women's team has acquired two wins in 2000 and 2001. The men's 12 victories place them at fourth in total wins among conference schools.\nLast season, the IU men's team placed fourth in the Big Ten Championships, winning only one individual event and placing second in three individual events and one team event. This season, IU is the top men's team coming into the championship; no other team in the Big Ten is ranked. \nSophomore long and triple jumper Aarik Wilson, along with sophomore distance runner John Jefferson, have captured Big Ten Athlete of the week honors for the men's team, while senior sprinter Rose Richmond and senior sprinter and hurdler Danielle Carruthers have also shared the honor. \nWhile the men's team is the lone ranked conference school, the women's team stands as one of two, as Iowa is the only other Big Ten team ranked in the Trackwire women's team poll.\nThe IU women's team is led by the All-American 4x100 team that consists of Carruthers, sophomore Ara Towns, Richmond and senior Rachelle Boone. If they take the event, it will mark the fourth straight time the Hoosiers have taken the 4x100 in the championship.