BEIJING – Hampton University women’s track & field coach Maurice Pierce will take part in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China, coaching American hurdler David Payne in the 110-meter hurdles.

Pierce, who will also serve as technical advisor for the Liberian National team, will be coaching in his fourth Olympic Games. Pierce coached former Pirate James Carter in the 400-meter hurdles at both Athens in 2004 and Sydney in 2000. Pierce also coached Rachelle Thomas in the 4×100-meter and 4×400-meter relays at Atlanta in 1996.

Carter finished fourth in the 400-meter hurdle finals in both Athens and Sydney.

The track & field competitions will begin on Friday, Aug. 15 at the National Stadium. The men’s 110-meter hurdle race will kick off Monday, Aug. 18, with first-round heat races. Tuesday will see the second round of heat races, while the semifinal races will be Wedneaday.

The 110-meter hurdle finals will be Thursday, Aug. 21.

Anyone interested in keeping track of Payne’s progress in Beijing can visit the official website of the Olympic Games by clicking here.

For more information on Hampton University track & field, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811 or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.

The original story was published here: http://www.hamptonpirates.com/News/wtrack/2008/8/11/HAMTKW%20(8-11-08).asp?path=wtrack

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