May 10, 2002

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The UAB track and field team got a glimpse of the future Friday at the Conference USA Championships.

Freshmen sprinters Elace Minnifield and Normanie McKenzie each advanced to the finals of the 400-meter dash with times of 56.14 and 56.71, respectively. Minnifield's clocking broke a school freshmen record that stood for seven years - besting Claudine Christopher's 56.39 set in 1995.

The time was also the third best outdoor time in Blazer history. McKenzie, meanwhile, set a personal best with her time of 56.71.

In the long jump, senior Yolanda Cooper hit the 5.70-meter mark, placing her in fifth. Houston's Jasmine Jackson captured top honors with a jump of 6.17-meters.

The C-USA Outdoor Championship will wrap up Saturday.