April 14, 2002

BIRMINGHAM - UAB's Yolanda Cooper captured wins in two events to lead the Blazer track and field squad Saturday at the Samford Invitational. Cooper ran a 12.08 in the 100-meter dash for top honors, while helping the 4x100-meter relay team place first with a 46.91, their lowest mark of the season.

UAB also had 11 other top-five finishes in seven different events.

Freshman Crystal Hunter had one of her best outings as she garnered a third and fourth place finish in the 200-meter dash and 100-meter dash, respectively. The Mobile, Ala. product ran a 25.27 in the 200 and finished with 12.38 in the 100. She was also part of the winning 4x100 team.

The other half of the winning 4x100 team, freshman Judy Shepherd and junior Doella Miller, continued their consistent outdoor performances. Miller has been a key runner on the 4x100 team, while Shepherd also competed in the 400-meter hurdles, finishing second with a time of 1:06.68.

In the 400-meter dash, three freshman Blazers broke into the top-five. Nomanie McKenzie finished second with a 57.28 mark, while teammate Elace Minnifield was right behind in third with time of 57.79. Anna Parker ran a 1:06.68 to finish in fifth.

Junior Donna Pucke, senior Karen Werner and freshman Adrienne Duke each placed in the top-five in the 800-meter run. Pucke captured second spot with a time of 2:20.10, Werner was right behind in third with 2:20.74 and Duke captured fifth spot with 2:24.18. Senior Carla Kelly finished ninth in the event with 2:28.59.

Junior Laura Strunk secured a fifth place finish in the javelin throw with a mark of 27.97 meters.

The UAB track and field team will try to build on their success next weekend when they head to the Auburn Invite.