The 2006 men’s track and field team broke the Southeastern Conference’s seven-year streak of being ranked first in relays by “Track and Field News.””It is a big honor to receive recognition from a source as well-respected as ‘Track and Field News,’ said Darryl Anderson, the track and field head coach.

Teams were ranked on their overall performances in eight events and scored on their rankings in each event. TCU placed high in most events including second place in the 4 X 100 and third place in the sprint medley. Although TCU placed first overall, they did not place first in any single event.

“Most people thought a bigger school would be ranked first, but TCU proved everyone wrong,” said Lewis Banda, a senior and former member of the relay team. “Everybody was happy about it because all of our hard work in the heat paid off.”

Anderson said he was surprised when he found out the results.

Otis McDaniel, junior relay team member, said the relay team was successful because of hard work from athletes and coaches working to put together the best team possible.

“Everybody was determined to run hard all the time,” McDaniel said.

McDaniel said if the members of the team continue to be motivated, they will be able to repeat their success.

“We’re capable of winning championships,” McDaniel said. “We just have to do even better next year.”

The honor has given the team more momentum leading into the new season, Anderson said.

“Receiving this honor has challenged the team for the 2007 season and will help in recruiting new athletes for the 2008 season,” Anderson said.

Banda said more high school students will now know about the track and field program, and it will raise the level of athletes that comes to the university.

“TCU has always been nationally known in relays because the coaches do a good job developing athletes and helping them improve,” Anderson said.

Anderson said being first in the nation in relays is a step toward winning an NCAA championship.