March 20, 2008

KENNESAW, Ga. - The Kennesaw State women's track & field team begin their outdoor season this weekend as they race at the Clemson Relays. The two day event at Clemson's Rock Norman Track & Field Complex will feature several relays including the 4x100 meter and the distance medley.

The team of Soibhan Wolcott, Kristen Gibson, Caitlin German and Shantela Davis will try to continue their success from the indoor season. At the Atlantic Sun Indoor Championship this team earned third place in the distance medley with a time of 12:25.82. This weekend they will try to shave off critical seconds from their time as they race against a strong field of competitors.

Davis will later return to the track as she leads the 4x100 meter relay team of Lakeshia Stinson, Jill Arthur and Jakia Ragland. The junior will also participate individually in the 100 meter dash invite. Also in short distance events Stinson will run in the 110 meter hurdles for the first time this season.

"Shantela and Lakeshia both had good indoor seasons," said sprint coach Devin West. "I look for Shantela to continue to improve in the 100 meter dash and to be a strong runner in the 200 meter leg of the distance medley."

In long distance events the Owls will be led by freshman Mackenzie Howe as she races in her first outdoor 5k. The freshman proved to be a solid competitor in the indoor season as she claimed a bronze medal in both the 3k and 5k race at the indoor conference championships. Teammates Lorena Jaime and Britany Reilly will also test their mettle in the race.

"Mackenzie has come a long way in her first season," said assistant coach Stan Sims. "She trains hard and is dedicated to the program. This is going to be a great outdoor season for her."

In field events the throwing team of Ana Ruiz and Jessica Lumpkin will compete in the hammer throw and discus for the first time this season. The two had a strong indoor season as Lumpkin set a KSU indoor record in the weight throw and Ruiz set the record in the shot put. This weekend they will try to start off the outdoor season by setting new marks in all of their respective events.

Also on the field Jakia Ragland will return to the high jump after sitting out the first part of the season due to injury. Freshman Jill Arthur will also compete in jumping events as she participates in the long jump and triple jump.

"We had some strong performances during the indoor season," said head coach Don McGarey. "Many of our athletes enjoy the outdoor season even more. We have a solid team of women that is intent on making this our best outdoor season."

The Clemson Relays will begin on Friday at 12:00 p.m. and continue all-day Saturday.