Rhoden Keeps Historic Company
George Rhoden of Morgan State didn’t catch anyone by surprise at the 1951 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Seattle.
That happens when you’re not only the defending champion, but also reigning world-record holder, a combination of honors not yet seen in the 400 meters/440 yards.
Any suspense would come in how Rhoden dealt with the 440/220 double, one only successfully achieved by Herb McKenley of Illinois in 1946 and 1947.
Rhoden handled it masterfully, winning the 440 by far more than necessary as his 46.5 gave him an event-record winning margin of 0.7 seconds.
The 220 was held on a straightaway and featured three of the 100-yard finalists, topped by winner Art Bragg, a sophomore running in his first NCAA meet. Bragg, a teammate of Rhoden, found his match in this event as Rhoden won in 20.7.