ORANGEBURG, S.C. – South Carolina State sprinter Demek Kemp put the wraps on a strong track and field season Saturday with a 17th-place finish in the semifinals of the 400 meters at the USA Track and Field Championship at Drake Stadium in Des Moines, Iowa. Only the top 16 runners advanced in the event that culminated Sunday.
Kemp, a Monroe, Ga. native, was clocked in a time of 21.13 and in a photo finish with Florida's Ryan Clark, who earned the final spot by .001 of a second. Ironically, it was Clark who edged Kemp for the final spot in the 100-meter semifinals as well.
"It feels good to end the season on a high note (at the USA Championships)," Kemp said." I ran against elite competition, which was a great experience. And, I came out of both my races injury-free which is a plus for me. I'm looking forward to see what I can achieve next season."
Two days earlier (Jun. 21), Kemp's teammate Tyrell Richard, who also enjoyed a stellar campaign, ended his season with a 20th-place finish in the 400 meters in a field that included the nation's top collegians, professional runners and Olympic hopefuls.
The two established several school and conference records, while earning All-America honors during the indoor and outdoor track seasons for S.C. State and head coach Tim Langford.
"I think it's amazing that these two young men (Kemp & Richard) achieved so much this year," said Langford. "Being afforded the opportunity to compete on this level (USA Championship) only broadens everyone's horizons about what could be achieved at S.C. State. I'm honored to have helped to guide them in their endeavors. And I believe the best is yet to come."
Both return for their senior campaign next season.