April 3, 2008

KENNESAW, Ga. - This weekend, the Kennesaw State women's track & field team will travel to Gainesville, Fla. to participate in the 64th Annual Pepsi Florida Relays. In one of the most competitive meets in the nation, the Owls will race against 40-plus college teams and a field of professional track athletes. After meeting the high qualifying standards needed to enter this weekend's competition, KSU will have numerous athletes compete in events like 1500m, discus and the 5k.

In relay events, the Owls will be represented by Shantela Davis, Jill Arthur, Jakia Ragland, and Lakeshia Stinson. The team will race in the 4x100m relay against teams from the University of Florida, Florida State and Clemson. Davis will later return to the track to compete in the 400m dash.

"Shantela is one of our few women competing in an individual event," said sprint coach Devin West. "In the past three weeks, she has had a breakout outdoor season. The 400m is one of her best events. In such a highly competitive field, I expect her to run one of the best races of her career."

The Owls will also take part in the 4x1600m relay. The team of Mackenzie Howe, Britany Reilly, Caitlin German and Soibhan Wolcott will undertake the 16-lap race for the first time this season. Howe and Reilly will later run in the 5k alongside teammate Katie Charles. Howe has had an outstanding outdoor season as she won the 5k at the Clemson Relays and placed second in the 10k at the Alabama Relays. Florida may prove to her hardest race of the season, but Howe is expected to answer by breaking her personal best time (18:34.89).

In mid-distance events, Wolcott and German will participate in the 1500m run. The 1500m event will provide the sophomores with an opportunity to compete against the strongest field of their careers.

"This is going to be an exciting meet for ladies," said head coach Don McGarey. "We have strong distance runners on the team. It's rare that Mackenzie and Britany get a chance to run in a relay event. Both are incredible milers, but we are going to depend on Soibhan and Caitlin to bring the 4x1600m home."

In field events, freshman Ana Ruiz will be the sole thrower competing for KSU. The Collins Hill High School graduate will throw the discus as she tries to break the school record of 115-11.00ft. Also off the track, Jakia Ragland will participate in high jump as she faces a strong field of 37 opponents including Elise Trexler of North Florida.

The Florida Relays will begin on Friday at 1:30 p.m. and will continue all-day Saturday at the Percy Beard Track Complex.