Norman is nation's top freshman in 200

Competing in first indoor race at any level, two-time Gatorade National Track and Field Athlete of the Year leads three USC runners in top four at New Mexico Classic

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

Michael Norman's college debut unfolded the same way his prep career concluded, with a victory in the 200 meters.

Norman, a two-time Gatorade National Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year at Vista Murrieta, won his debut Friday for USC at the New Mexico Classic.

Competing in his first indoor race at any level, Norman led a group of three Trojans in the top four by clocking 20.76 seconds.

Norman eclipsed the USC freshman indoor 200 record of 21.22 set last year by Zyaire Clemes, who was third Friday in 20.97, and produced the fastest freshman time in the country this year.

Norman, who won the 200 at the IAAF World U-20 Championships in Poland in July, is also scheduled to run in the 4x400 relay Saturday for the Trojans.