Dennis Earns National Ranking In Discus
July 11, 2000 | Track & Field
January 7, 2000
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Former University of Louisville Track & Field standout James Dennis earned a US National ranking (eighth) in the Discus for the 1999 season. Produced annually by the publication Track & Field News, the top-ten World and US rankings appear in the latest (February) issue of the magazine. Dennis' 1999 season included earning his second collegiate All-American honor at the NCAA Championships in June, and a seventh place finish at the US National Championships later that same month in Eugene, Ore.
Dennis completed his eligibility as a Cardinal football and track & field athlete in 1999. He had the distinction of being the only collegian in his senior year to have qualified for the NCAA and the US National Championships in the discus for three consecutive years.
Currently serving as a Volunteer Assistant Coach with Track & Field, Dennis was the program's MVP in both the 1997 and 1998 seasons. He is also the school's recordholder, both Indoors and Outdoors, in the Shot Put and Discus, owning personal bests of 56-7/Shot, and 197-7/Discus.
Dennis has already qualified for the 2000 Olympic Trials and is participating as a member of a US National Development team under the tutelage of 2000 Olympic Throws Coach, Jay Silvester.
"James' ranking is particularly noteworthy when you consider that the discus is one of the better events in the US....Americans won the last Olympics and World Championships in the event, and currently make up three of the top seven ranked throwers in the World for 1999," suggested Head Track & Field Coach Gene Weis.
"I can't tell you how positive it has been to have James associated with our program," Weis continued. "He is a super individual, and serves as a daily reminder that athletic success and a positive personal character can and do go hand in hand!"
