March 15, 2003

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- UAB's track and field team competed in its first outdoor meet of the season at the Samford Open this weekend.

The Blazers had several outstanding performances against 15 opposing women's teams. Sophomore Theresa Smith finished the 100-meter hurdles in third place, with a time of 13.99, a new best and qualifying time for the NCAA Regionals. This also places Smith fourth fastest in UAB history,1/100th of a second behind Vonetta Flowers' school record from 1995(13.98).

"Coach (Jennifer) Robeson is really doing a great job with Theresa Smith in the 100-meter hurdles," said head coach Ray Stanfield.

In the 200-meter dash, Doella Miller finished third (25.64), followed by teammate Elace Minnifield in fifth with a time of 25.86. Minnifield also took second in the 400-meter dash with a time of 57.98. Fellow Blazers Normanie McKenzie finished fifth (58.86) and Miller in sixth (58.91).

Teammate Amanda Kara finished the 1500-meters with a time of 4:54.14, a career best. Kara also competed in the 5000-meter run finishing third, with a time of 18:22.98.

In the 4X400 meter relay, McKenzie, Smith, Miller, and Minnifield finished first with a time of 3:59.95. In the 4X100 meter relay UAB came in third (47.32).

Freshman Olivia Ross-Hurst took second in the women's high jump with a leap of 1.50, followed by teammate Adrienne Duke. Ross-Hurst also finished first in the women's javelin throw with a toss of 163-07, a new school record.

"This was good day for us," said Stanfield. "It was a good meet for our first outdoor competition."

The Blazers will be on the road March 20-23, to participate in the Alabama Relays in Tuscaloosa, Ala., hosted by the University of Alabama.