Jan. 24, 2008

KENNESAW, Ga. - The Kennesaw State women's indoor track & field team heads south this weekend to participate in the Tom Jones Memorial Invitational, hosted by the University of Florida. This single-day meet will feature the largest field of teams that KSU has faced this season.

The Owls are coming off of a strong performance at the Niswonger Invitational where Erin Sutton took third place in the five kilometer run. She was closely followed by freshman Mackenzie Howe and sophomore Britany Reilly. The team will now test their mettle against a strong field of competitors including teams from Auburn, Southern Carolina and Florida State.

"We're taking a very strong group down to Florida," head coach Don McGarey. "These ladies are ready for this level of competition. All of them have been working extremely hard in practice. Our distance team is going to have a great run. Erin, Mackenzie and Britany are all solid athletes and I'm excited to see how they respond to such a strong field. I think the whole team has a boost of confidence after Niswonger and I believe that it is going to carry over into this weekend."

Shantela Davis and Jill Arthur will be representing the women's sprint team as both will participate in the 4x400 meter relay. The two have put forward a good effort so far this season but, in such a competitive field they are expected to have break out runs for the team. The pair will later take to the infield as they compete in the long jump and triple jump.

Kristen Gibson and Caitlin German will be handling mid-distance events this weekend. Gibson will be trying to capitalize on the success she had the Niswonger Invitational. The freshman put together a great race as she easily took first place in her heat for the mile.

Throwers Jessica Lumpkin and Ana Ruiz will compete in the weight throw and the shot put this weekend. At the beginning of the season Lumpkin was easily out pacing Ruiz in both events but, in recent weeks, the freshman has stepped up her game and now is placing right alongside Lumpkin.

The 2008 Tom Jones Memorial Classic will take place all day Saturday, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Stephen O'Connell Center in Gainesville, Fla.