June 26, 2000
PORTLAND, Ore. - Arizona State's Dwight Phillips posted the most impressive outing of his track and field career Sunday, winning the long jump competition at the Oregon Classic in Portland, Ore., with a personal record leap of 27 feet, 2.75 inches. The mark is the eighth-best in the world in 2000 and the second-best by an American (Melvin Lister) this year. Phillips' previous personal best was a jump of 26-10 at the 1999 Pac-10 Championships in Tempe, which broke a 15-year old ASU record.
Phillips defeated three-time NCAA outdoor long jump champion Erik Walder by more than six inches (28-8.5). Phillips, who has exhausted his collegiate eligibility, finished second to Lister (Arkansas) at each of the last two NCAA Outdoor Championships.
Phillips is one of four Sun Devils from the 2000 team that will compete at the United States Olympic Trials, July 14-23. Joining Phillips will be Marcus Brunson, Tiffany Greer and Kelly MacDonald. Former Sun Devils' Priscilla Hein and Maicel Malone will also compete. Phillips jumps July 15 and 17.