Jan. 22, 2003

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- UAB's Theresa Smith has been named Conference USA track and field Athlete of the Week after an impressive showing at the Saluki Invitational at Southern Illinois last weekend.

Smith finished the meet taking first place in the 55-meter hurdles with a new personal best of 8.09. Smith also finished third in the women's long jump with a leap of 17-9 1/2. Smith took fourth in the women's triple jump with a distance of 35-7 3/4 and in the women's 55-meter dash with a time of 7.31. Smith earned 30 of the Blazers 63 points scored at the meet.

This is the second indoor meet the Blazers have competed in this season. UAB traveled to the Tennessee All-Comers meet in Knoxville, Tenn.two weeks ago, where Smith also led the team. Smith finished the meet in first place in three events: 55-meter dash (7.23), the 55-meter hurdles (8.18), and the long jump (17-3 1/2).

Up next for the Blazers will be the Purple and Gold Classic in Baton Rouge, La. this weekend.